The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of mixtures among oppositely charged dextran derivatives as constituents of a controlled release microsphere. Carboxymethyldextran (CMD) and dextran sulfate (DS) were used as polyanions, and [2-(diethylamino) ethyl] dextran (EA) and [2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium] dextran (CDC) as polycations. The microspheres consisting of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers were prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The mixtures, CMD/EA, CMD/CDC, DS/EA, and DS/CDC, were used as hydrophilic polymers, because they can interact with each other to form polyion complexes for the improvement of sustained-release performances. Cellulose acetate butyrate and theophylline were used as a model hydrophobic polymer and a model drug, respectively. The yield of microspheres was excellent (more than 95%). According to observation, by scanning election microscopy (SEM) microspheres were spherical with a rough surface. The in vitro drug release from microspheres was examined in the JP XIV first fluid, pH 1.2, and second fluid, p H 6.8, at 37 degrees C, and 100 rpm. In the DS/CDC system, drug release was depressed by formation of a polyion complex and not affected by pH of dissolution medium. The release rate was modulated by the ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic matrix. This particulate system, in which the polyion complex matrix is strengthened by a hydrophobic polymer, is a promising formulation for drug delivery.