Abstract

A NEWER TECHNOLOGY FOR MICROENCAPSULATION AND ITS RELEVANCES

Om Bagade?, Amruta Shete, Vidya Pawar, Indu Aghav

ABSTRACT

Research to find new or to improve microencapsulation techniques to process newly discovered active molecules is in constant progress because of limitations of current pharmacopeia. The first research leading to the development of microencapsulation procedure for pharmacist was published by Bungenburg de Jong & Kass in 1931 and dealt with preparation of gelatin. Microencapsulation is a process or technique by which thin coating can be applied reproducibly to small particle of solids, droplet of liquid or dispersion, thus forming microcapsules. These ranges from several 10 to 5000 μm in size. Microcapsules are often described by other terms such as coated granules, pellets or seeds, microsperules and spansules. However, commonly used techniques such as emulsification–solvent removal, polymer phase separation, spray drying, milling methods, Vibration, Extrusion, Jet-cutter technology are not always suitable in their original forms for these new requirements. These micro-capsules have number of benefits such as converting liquids to solids, separating reactive compounds, providing environmental protection, improved material handling properties. Active materials are then encapsulated in micron-sized capsules of barrier polymers (gelatin, plastic, wax). These revolutionary systems allow controlling rate, duration and distribution of active drug. One of main advantages of such systems is to protect sensitive drug from drastic environment (pH) and to reduce number of drug administrations for patient. After preparation, it has to be ensured that particles obtained have desired properties, which is suitable for intended type of administration. The most obvious parameters to be investigated are (colloidal) particle size and (solid) state of particle matrix.

Keywords: Microencapsulation, Jet-cutter technology, Coating, Particle matrix.