Sustained Release of Riboflavin via Microencapsulation using Polylactic acid/Chitosan Blend

Blending is an important method for improving the properties of polymers. PLA has been blended with many other polymers to improve its biodegradation as well as its mechanical properties. In the presented study; poly L(+)lactic acid [PLLA] has been blended with chitosan [Cs] as a biodegradable polymers to improve the release profile. PLLA was prepared via direct polycondensation reaction as mentioned in our previous publications. Riboflavin [RF] was chosen as a model drug to evaluate the release behavior through PLLA.Cs polymeric device. Different ratios of blends (1:1, 2:1 PLLA:Cs) were prepared and compared with PLLA alone. The prepared PLLA and PLLA.Cs blends were characterized and evaluated via microencapsulation of RF. The prepared microcapsules were characterized in terms of morphology and encapsulation efficiency [E.E.]. In vitro release profiles and kinetics studies were performed. The release profiles were investigated by the measurement of the riboflavin concentration in the release medium at various time intervals. It has been Cs ratio) rather than 2:1 ratio and pure PLLA. The highest encapsulation efficiency E.E. found, that the matrix degradation and riboflavin release profiles were high in case of (1:1 PLLA: was obtained in case of 1:1 PLLA:Cs blend (99%).