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Short-term delayed-release microcapsules spraycoated with acrylic terpolymers.
Dongchun Liu1, Hideki Ichikawa, Fude Cui
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Life Science Center for Cooperative Research, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|November 29, 2005
Summary
Researchers developed poly(ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate/2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) microcapsules for short-term drug release. A specific monomer ratio (9:9:10) proved optimal for the Wurster coating process, achieving good yields and particle size.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
Background:
- Microencapsulation is crucial for controlled drug delivery.
- The Wurster coating process is a common method for microcapsule preparation.
- Optimizing polymer composition is key to achieving desired release profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize poly(ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate/2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) lattices for microencapsulation.
- To investigate the impact of monomer composition on latex properties and microcapsule performance.
- To identify an optimal polymer formulation for short-term delayed-release microcapsules using the Wurster coating process.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of poly(EA/MMA/HEMA) lattices via suspension polymerization.
- Characterization of latex particle size, water uptake, and glass transition temperature (Tg).
- Wurster coating process to encapsulate a model drug (carbazochrome sodium sulfonate).
Main Results:
- Latex with >60% HEMA molar fraction precipitated.
- Optimal Tg range for microcapsule preparation was 40-80°C.
- High EA/HEMA ratios led to particle agglomeration due to hydrophilicity.
- Microcapsules with >50% HEMA failed to retard initial drug release.
- Poly(EA/MMA/HEMA) 9:9:10 showed excellent processability and particle characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Poly(EA/MMA/HEMA) copolymers are suitable for microencapsulation via Wurster coating.
- Monomer composition significantly influences latex properties and microcapsule drug release.
- A poly(EA/MMA/HEMA) ratio of 9:9:10 is identified as optimal for short-term delayed-release microcapsules.