[Microencapsulization of cholecalciferol by coacervation]

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Materials Science

Context:

• Developing stable and effective delivery systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients like cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is crucial.
• Gelatin is a widely used biopolymer for microencapsulation due to its biocompatibility and gelling properties.

Purpose:

• To investigate the production of cholecalciferol microcapsules using gelatin via simple and complex coacervation.
• To evaluate the impact of the coat/core ratio on microcapsule properties, including size, cholecalciferol content, and release characteristics in simulated gastric and intestinal environments.

Summary:

• Microcapsules containing crystalline cholecalciferol were successfully prepared using gelatin (Type A and B) through both simple and complex coacervation techniques.
• The study demonstrated that the effectiveness of the microencapsulation process and the resulting microcapsule properties, such as cholecalciferol content and liberation rate, are significantly influenced by the coat/core ratio.
• Optimal coat/core ratios were identified as 0.25:1 for simple coacervation and 0.5:1 for complex coacervation, irrespective of the gelatin type used.

Impact:

• This research provides valuable insights into optimizing gelatin-based microencapsulation processes for improved delivery of cholecalciferol.
• The findings can guide the formulation of more stable and bioavailable Vitamin D3 supplements and therapeutic agents.
• Understanding the role of the coat/core ratio allows for tailored microcapsule design for specific release profiles and applications.