Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The dissolution of a drug delivery system consisting of gentamicin sulfate in a hydrophobic polyanhydride matrix has been examined. The in vitro release of gentamicin is a function of the composition of the dissolution medium, with slower release in pH 7.4 buffer than in unbuffered water. This is consistent with an anion exchange taking place under conditions in which carboxylate polymer chain-ends form a poorly soluble salt with gentamicin, and sulfate is released into solution. Results of additional experiments probing this model are digeussed.