Biodegradable Microcapsules from D,L–PLA/PCL as Controlled Nifedipine Drug Delivery Carrier

In this study, microcapsules are prepared as a controlled drug Nifedipine delivery carrier. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker, it is widely used in the treatment of angina pectoris and hypertension. The microcapsules are prepared using o/w emulsification method. The core materials of microcapsules are polyblend of D,L-poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) using Span 80 and Tween 80 as an emulsifier. D,L-PLA, and PCL are dissolved into dichloromethane then emulsified and dispersed into water to form microcapsules. The sizes, uniformity of microcapsules, and the ability to encapsulate the drug are influenced by the composition of D,L-PLA, and PCL. This study observes the appearance, ability to encapsulate the drug, and the dissolution at the various compositions ratio of D,L-PLA:PCL. The blend of D,L-PLA, and PCL is only formed through physical interaction between them. The surface texture of microcapsules is observed by optical microscope. It obtains that the composition of D,L-PLA (80):PCL (20) shows the best ability to encapsulate the drug with evidently obtaining the highest encapsulation efficiency by 86.58%. The best microcapsule dissolution test results in drug release of 24.01% within 55 h.