METHOTREXATE LOADED CHITOSAN AND CHITIN MICROSPHERES - IN-VITRO CHARACTERIZATION AND PHARMACOKINETICS IN MICE BEARING EHRLICH ASCITES-CARCINOMA

Methotrexate (MTX) loaded chitosan and chitin microspheres were prepar ed. The physicochemical characteristics were affected by various param eters, e.g. stirring speed, concentration of chitosan and chitin. The t(1/2) for in vitro release varied depending on the concentration of c hitosan and chitin and the amount of glutaraldehyde used. The antitumo ur activity in Ehrlich ascites tumour bearing mice for MTX loaded chit osan microspheres was better when compared with plane MTX on oral admi nistration. The plasma drug levels were sustained.