Formulation and Evaluation of Metronidazole Loaded Cross Linked Sodium Alginate and Xanthum Gum Microspheres

Metronidazole-loaded microspheres, formulated with sodium alginate and xanthan gum via ionotropic gelation, were developed and evaluated for controlled drug delivery. Varying polymer ratios and crosslinking agent concentrations yielded microspheres characterized for size, entrapment efficiency, swelling, morphology, and in vitro release. FTIR and DSC confirmed drug-polymer compatibility. Spherical morphology with smooth surfaces was observed via SEM. Polymer blend ratios significantly influenced drug release, achieving sustained release over 12 hours. Formulation F4 (1:1 polymer ratio, optimized crosslinking) exhibited the highest entrapment (87.5%) and sustained release, suggesting crosslinked sodium alginate/xanthan gum microspheres as a promising system for controlled metronidazole delivery