Metronidazole loaded microspheres and membranes of dibutyrylchitin: Preparation and drug release investigation.

Dibutyrylchitin (DBC)-ester derivative of chitin, soluble in organic solvents has similar biological properties to chitin. DBC used as dressing material does not demonstrate cytotoxity effects or primary irritation and accelerates wound-healing process. Metronidazole (MNZ) is used widely as an active antiprotozoal, antiamebic and antibacterial drug. New pharmaceutical formulations of this drug were made using ethanol solutions of DBC. Membranes and microspheres of DBC loaded with MNZ were prepared and kinetic of MNZ release into water (pH=5.5) was investigated at 37 degrees C and results described. Chitin membranes and microspheres loaded with MNZ were obtained in the process of restoration of chitin in corresponding materials prepared from DBC. The process was carried out under heterogeneous conditions. Kinetics of MNZ release from regenerated chitin membranes and microspheres was investigated and compared with the results obtained for DBC MNZ-loaded materials.