LAUSR

Abstract The aim of this study was to formulate Eudragit RS100 microsponges (MS) loaded with Albendazole (ALBZ) using oil in oil emulsion solvent diffusion method to certainly target parasitic worms in both human and animals. The shape and surface morphology were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release were determined spectrophotometrically while particle size of MS was also investigated using laser light scattering technique. The activity of ALBZ micosponge was estimated in goats experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus in a comparison with the free ALBZ. The results showed that all prepared MS were spherical in shape and containing several pores on their surfaces. The encapsulation efficiency was in the range of (91.3% ± 3.5) and particle size was 479 ± 76 nm and 695 ± 78 nm for plain and MS-ALBZ respectively. The in vitro release showed sustaining for release in the tested MS-ALBZ. Regarding area under curve (AUC), ALBZ loaded microsponges achieved a higher AUC than that achieved by the drug suspension (75472.673 ± 124.2 μg/h/mL and 50292.589 ± 115.5 μg/h/mL, respectively). Infected goats experimentally infected with H. contortus were treated at 32nd day post infection (DPI). Fecal egg reduction was 100% in both MS and free ALBZ treated groups three days post treatment. In conclusion, ALBZ can be delivered as specific MS for treatment of parasitic worms in sustained release oral dosage form.