Preparation, Characterization, and in vitro Release of Biodegradable Erythromycin-gelatin Microspheres

Blank and erythromycin-loaded gelatin microspheres were successfully fabricated via emulsion chemical- crosslinking technique. The surface morphology of the microspheres was characterized by scanning electron microscope(SEM) and optical microscope. The results show that the microspheres were spherical and smooth. The particle average size of erythromycin-loaded microspheres was found to be 20.6 μm, with a high purity of more than 90% and with a good dispersibility. The microspheres could be obtained in a high yield. Erythromycin released from the microspheres was monitored in buffer and artificial body fluid at 37 °C. Average drug content was 27.2%, and erythromycin-loaded gelatin microspheres showed good release profiles with a nearly constant release during 4―8 h in artificial body fluid in vitro degradation studies. These gelatin microspheres are useful for studying and developing various drug-delivery systems.