Loaded polymeric membranes have been prepared using a supercritical fluid based phase inversion process in which CO_2 acts as the nonsolvent. We preliminary tested the possibility of producing PMMA membranes using the supercritical fluid assisted phase inversion process and of modulating their properties changing the process parameters: polymer concentration, temperature, pressure and liquid solvent. Then, we prepared polymeric membranes loaded with model drugs: amoxicillin and cefuroxime. To obtain this result, we used two process alternatives: the dissolution of the drug in the organic solvent used to solubilize the polymer or the suspension of the drug in the organic solution formed by polymer and solvent. The loaded membranes, produced at various drug loadings, were characterized by SEM, to study the morphology and cells size, by DSC to analyze drugpolymer interactions in the membrane. Drug release rate analysis were performed to observe the different release behaviors.
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