Preparation and characterization of ketorolac tromethamine-loaded ethyl cellulose micro-/nanospheres using different techniques

ABSTRACTSustained-release micro-/nanospheres of the ketorolac tromethamine (KTC) were prepared using four different techniques viz., single emulsion solvent evaporation, high pressure homogenization, spray drying, and using a microreactor. Ethyl cellulose (EC) was used as an encapsulating agent for the preparation of sustained-release micro-/nanospheres of KTC. The Plackett–Burman design was employed for design of the experiments. The resulting micro-/nanospheres were characterized for their size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release performance. Interactions between the KTC and EC were quantified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD). Particle morphology characterization was performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The micro-/nanospheres showed encapsulation efficiency of 42.34–89.33% by the solvent evaporation technique, 76.36–91.13% by the high-pressure homogenization technique, 70.74–79.68% by spray dryin...