INFLUENCE OF HYDROPHILE-LIPOPHILE BALANCE ON ALGINATE MICROSPHERES

In this study, calcium alginate microspheres were prepared by an emuls ification method using surfactants. A blend of sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate of varying HLB was used to produce the microspheres. The results obtained showed that the surfactant conc entration and HLB played an important role in the formation of the mic rospheres. The size, size distribution and to a certain extent the sha pe were significantly affected by the HLB. However, HLB did not alter the drug encapsulation efficiency appreciably but did affect the rate of drug release.