Erythrocytes as carriers of metronidazole: In-vitro characterization

AbstractRat erythrocytes were loaded with metronidazole by a method based on hypotonic preswelling, hemolysis, isotonic resealing and reannealing. The encapsulation efficiency of 42-56% was achieved. The loaded cells exhibited elevated osmotic fragility and lower resistance to turbulence shock as compared to the normal cells and were found to release encapsulated drug slowly. The glutaraldehyde treatment of the cells resulted in the stabilization of loaded cells, which were found to be highly resistant to the osmotic and turbulence shocks. In-vitro release of metronidazole was also retarded upon treatment, and was dependent upon the concentration of glutaraldehyde. The loaded erythrocytes were obtained in powder form, ready for reconstitution, with a view to improve the shelf life. On the basis of in-vitro studies glutaraldehyde treated erythrocytes appeared to be promising carriers of metronidazole.