Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

Lung infections cause significant health risks which highly motivated researchers for finding effective drug delivery methods. Ciprofloxacin HCl, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, demonstrates potential for lung therapy, yet its efficacy via oral or intravenous routes remains suboptimal with possible side effects. Inhalation offers a direct route for drug delivery to lung infections. This study explores the effect of sodium alginate-kappa carrageenan polymers and CaCl₂ crosslinker concentrations on physical characteristics and stability of Ciprofloxacin HCl Pulmospheres. Pulmospheres were fabricated using ionic gelation, aiming to enhance drug stability and controlled release profile. Various formulations were analyzed for physical properties, drug encapsulation, and physical stability. FTIR analysis confirmed interactions between drug, polymers, crosslinkers for Pulmospheres formation. Yield percentages showed polymer concentration influenced efficiency, affecting drug entrapment. Moisture content remained within acceptable limits (<4%) crucial for particle stability. Particle size and morphology analysis revealed a direct correlation between polymer concentration and particle size, affecting surface characteristics. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading increased with higher polymer concentrations but exhibited saturation with increased crosslinker concentration. Swelling index suggested higher polymer concentrations facilitated increased swelling. Stability tests at varying temperatures demonstrated consistency in moisture content and drug loading over 28 days, affirming the formulations' stability. This study delineates the intricate relationship between polymer composition, crosslinker concentration, and resulting Pulmospheres characteristics. These findings provide insights into optimizing formulations for enhanced drug stability and controlled release in pulmonary drug delivery systems.