This paper describes the preparation and evaluation of floating-mucoadhesive microspheres, using Trigonella foenum-graecum polysaccharide as a novel carrier for safe, localized and effective delivery of ranitidine hydrochloride into upper GIT. The polysaccharide was extracted from the dried seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum and floating-mucoadhesive microspheres were prepared by emulsification, followed by crosslinking method using epichlorohydrin. Prepared microspheres were characterized for drug compatibility by using FT-IR and PXRD method which indicated the stability of drug during processing. Prepared microspheres were evaluated for particle size, surface morphology, swelling properties, mucoadhesive strength, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro drug release. Result indicates that microspheres were of spherical in shape with the particle size range from 4.56±1.4 to 1.23±0.71 μm. In-vitro buoyancy study confirm floating ability in range from 78.12±1.86 to 86.59±1.23 percentage. In-vitro drug release of ranitidine hydrochloride indicates that prepared microspheres can be prolong the release of drug upto 12 h time period.
