Preparation and characterization of ethylcellulose microspheres containing 5-fluorouracil

Ethylcellulose microspheres containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were prepared by a solvent evaporation technique using light mineral oil as the continuous phase. The drug was suspended in the acetone solution of the polymer. Three drug/polymer ratios (1/1, 1/2 and 1/3) were utilized. The microspheres were studied with respect to size, drug content and surface characteristics; the higher the polymer content, the smoother the microspheres. The drug was suspended in the polymer and the drug loading was important (more than 90%) with the three types of microspheres. In vitro dissolution studies in phosphate buffer showed that the 5-FU release was dependent on the drug/polymer ratio for the 400-500 microns granulometric fraction.