This study delves into both the formulation of bio-based microspheres containing fampridine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and provide an alternative way for the commercially available product (Fampyra 10 mg, Biogen). Encapsulation of fampridine was achieved using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (Na-Alg) polymers. Glutaraldehyde (GA) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) were used as cross-linking agents. Polymer ratio (PVA: Na-Alg), drug: polymer (d: p) ratio, cross-linking agent ratio, and cross-linking time were evaluated on fampridine release. Release studies were analyzed using an ultraviole- visible (UV) spectrophotometer. The microspheres were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. (FT-IR). The particle size of fampridine-loaded microspheres were determined by the laser-light-scattering device. It was determined that the highest release of fampridine obtained with microspheres prepared with PVA: Na-Alg (w: w) ratio as 1:1, drug: polymer ratio (w: w) as 1:2, cross-linking agent concentration as 2.5% (w: w) GA + 3% (w: w) HCl, and cross-linking time as 5 minutes. It was observed that all microspheres have 300- 800 μm particle size and the particule size of the microspheres increases d: p ratio paralelly.

Keywords: Drug release, fampridine, microsphere, PVA: Na-Alg