Preparation, characterization, and in vitro release of ibuprofen from Al2O3/PLA/PMMA composites

The preparation, characterization, and in vitro release of Ibuprofen from Al2O3, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composites are described. The release process of the anti-inflammatory drug after the immersion of composites in a buffered solution is analyzed. The rate of Ibuprofen release is related to the crystalline or amorphous form of the drug. The presence of a ceramic component, alpha-Al2O3, and a biodegradable polymer, PLLA, facilitates both Ibuprofen crystallization and drug release. Ln addition, these composite systems modulate the release of the stereoisomers R(-) and S(+) of the drug. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.