FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NATURAL POLYMER BASED SUSTAINED RELEASE ABACAVIR MICROSPHERES

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of sustained release microspheres of Abacavir using natural polymers such as Sodium Alginate, Xanthan Gum, and Guar Gum. The microspheres were prepared by the ionotropic gelation method to achieve a controlled and prolonged drug release profile, aiming to improve patient compliance in antiretroviral therapy. A series of formulations were developed and evaluated for pre-compression parameters (angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, and Hausner’s ratio) and post-compression parameters (particle size, drug content, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release). All parameters were found to be within acceptable limits, indicating good flow properties and formulation stability. Among the various formulations, A3 was identified as the optimized batch, exhibiting the highest drug release of 99.21% over a sustained period, with excellent entrapment efficiency and controlled release characteristics. The drug release followed sustained release kinetics, confirming the effective role of natural polymers in modulating drug release. This study concludes that natural polymer-based microspheres offer a promising and cost-effective approach for sustained release drug delivery systems, particularly for drugs like Abacavir, requiring long-term administration. Keywords: Abacavir, Sodium Alginate, Xanthan Gum, and Guar Gum