Lectin conjugated gastroretentive multiparticulate delivery system of clarithromycin for the effective treatment of Helicobacter pylori.

The aim of the research work was to develop and characterize a concanavalin-A (Con-A) conjugated gastroretentive multiparticulate delivery system of clarithromycin (CM) for the effective treatment of colonization of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Ethylcellulose (EC) microspheres containing CM were prepared using emulsification/ evaporation method. Formulations were characterized for micromeritic properties, % drug entrapment, % yield, surface morphology, buoyancy behavior and in vitro drug release in simulated gastric fluid. EC microspheres of CM were conjugated with Con-A. IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were used to confirm conjugation of Con-A to EC microspheres while Con-A conjugated microspheres were further characterized using the parameters of zeta potential, mucoadhesiveness to gastric mucosa and Con-A conjugation efficiency with microspheres. The gamma scintigraphy of the formulations was carried out in albino rabbits (New Zeeland) to monitor the transit of Con-A conjugate...