Controlled Drug Delivery Carrier of Nifedipine Using Biodegradable Microcapsule Polymer from Poly (D,L-Lactic Acid) and Polyethylene Glycol

Biodegradable microcapsules as a controlled drug delivery carrier of Nifedipine was prepared from poly (D,L-lactic acid) (D,L-PLA) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). Nifedipine works by blocking the amount of calcium that goes to cells in the heart and blood vessels. Nifedipine is used in the treatment of angina pectoris and hypertension. The microcapsules was formed by using o/w emulsification method. The core of microcapsules consist of polyblend of D,L-PLA and PEG. D,L-PLA and PEG are dissolved into dichloromethane than emulsified with nifedipine and dispersed into water to form microcapsules. PEG with different molecular weights can affect pore formation in microcapsules. This study was observed the appearance of microcapsules when using PEG with different molecular weights of PEG and the dissolution at the various composition ratio of D,L-PLA:PEG. The best composition are shown in the variation composition of D,L-PLA (10): PEG 400 (90) with a dissolution value of 22.83% while variations in the composition of D,L-PLA (10): PEG 4000 (90) had a dissolution value of 10.43%. The use of PEG with a smaller molecular weight will form better pores in the microcapsule and make the drug dissolution value better than the use of PEG with a larger molecular weight.