Development of Enrofloxacin-Loaded Biodegradable Polymeric Films for Localized Antimicrobial Therapy

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop Enrofloxacin-loaded biodegradable polymeric films for localized antimicrobial therapy using pullulan and locust bean gum. Enrofloxacin was selected as a veterinary fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drug, while pullulan served as the primary film-forming polymer and locust bean gum acted as a matrix-forming release modifier. Films were prepared by solvent casting method using glycerol as plasticizer and Tween 80 as wetting aid. Six formulations, ENF1 to ENF6, were evaluated for physico-chemical characters and, in vitro drug release, antimicrobial activity and stability. All films showed acceptable physicochemical properties. Drug content was 96.84±1.22% to 99.16±1.08%. ENF4 was selected as optimized formulation, showing good flexibility, uniformity, controlled release of 86.56±3.72% at 8 h and satisfactory antimicrobial activity. Stability studies confirmed acceptable formulation stability under accelerated storage conditions for three months.