Preparation and in vitro characterization of gelatin microspheres containing Levodopa for nasal administration

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Abstract
Transnasal absorption of pharmaceutical drugs has been recognized as an interesting alternative to the more conventional routes of administration. The aim of this paper was to develop a method of administrating L-dopa following the transnasal route. Gelatin microspheres were prepared by the w/o emulsification solvent extraction technique: the microspheres had a median particle size of 16.2 +/- 4.2 microm and were prepared using a stirring speed of 600 rpm for 5 min at 80 degrees C. The microspheres obtained were spherical and smooth-surfaced, and the microsphere size was inversely proportional to stirring speed (300-700 rpm) and to the percentage of the emulsifier (Tween 85, 1.4-2.7% v/v). L-dopa was incorporated into the microspheres with an efficiency of 65 +/- 6.7%. L-dopa was released from the microspheres, showing an initial fast release rate, followed by a second slower release rate.