An investigation into the effects of pH and material concentrations on the morphology of Chitosan-Alginate microspheres prepared using an Ionic Gelation technique.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop microspheres as a drug delivery system using natural polymeric materials including Alginate and Chitosan using an Ionotropic Gelation method of synthesis. In this study, several parameters which affect the functionality of the microspheres were examined. They include; the concentrations of Chitosan, Sodium Alginate, Calcium Chloride, and the pH value of the gelation medium. The effect of these parameters on the product were determined by observing the morphology of microspheres using light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Overall, the Chitosan-Alginate microspheres were successfully prepared with using a Chitosan concentration at 0.25% w/v, Sodium Alginate and Calcium Chloride concentration of between 4% to 6% w/v.