Preparation and Release Behavior of Atorvastatin Calcuim - Encapsulated Polyoxalate Microspheres

Atorvastatin calcium-loaded polyoxalate (POX) microspheres were prepared by an emulsion solvent-evaporation/extraction method of oil-in-oil-in-water (O-1/O-2/W) for sustained release. We investigated the release behavior according to initial drug ratio, molecular weight (M,) and concentration of POX and concentration of emulsifier. The microsphere was characterized on the surface, the cross-section morphology and the behavior of atorvastatin calcium release for 10 days by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The analysis of crystallization was analyzed to use X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). These results showed that the release behaviors can be controlled by preparation conditions.