Purpose: To prepare, using non-solvent addition technique, diclofenac sodium-ethylcellulose
microparticles with modified drug release properties.
Methods: Microparticles were prepared by non-solvent addition phase separation method and
characterized by micromeritics, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), dissolution test and thermal analysis.
Results: The microparticles were whitish, irregular, aggregated, and in the size range of 390 - 442 ìm
size. Drug embedment efficiency was 89 - 91 %. Characterisation studies indicate that there was no
strong chemical interaction between the drug and the polymer in the microparticles. Polymer
concentration and sustained release behavior were directly proportional.
Conclusion: Non-solvent addition phase separation is a suitable method for preparing diclofenac
sodium-ethylcellulose multi-unit controlled release drug delivery system.
