Performance of multilayered particles: influence of a thin cushioning layer

Nowadays, oral dosage forms with controlled release kinetics have known an increasing interest. The polymer coating of drug-loaded particles is one of the most common methods used for controlling drug delivery. Such multilayered particles could be either filled into capsules or compressed into tablets for their oral administration. However, many studies have noticed that coating films are damaged during the compression process, leading to significant changes in drug release profiles. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of a thin cushioning layer [made of HydroxyPropylMethyl Cellulose (HPMC)] applied on coated theophylline particles upon particle characteristics, tablet properties, and then upon their dissolution performance. If no significant effect was shown with particles, this thin HPMC layer played an important role in the tablets. Tablet cohesiveness was decreased due to HPMC cushioning properties and moreover, the theophylline release rate was increased, as HPMC is a water-soluble polymer creating channels in polymer film for dissolution medium. Therefore, a cushioning layer helped to protect polymer coats from fracture during compression but could also affect drug release and so, both effects must be checked in such a drug delivery system.