Preparation of sustained-release coated particles by novel microencapsulation method using three-fluid nozzle spray...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Developing effective sustained-release drug delivery systems is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes.
• Spray drying is a versatile technique for microencapsulation, but optimizing particle properties and drug release remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel three-fluid nozzle (3N) spray drying technique for preparing sustained-release microcapsules.
• To compare the microencapsulation efficiency and drug release profiles of the 3N technique with other spray drying methods.

Main Methods:

• Sustained-release microcapsules were prepared using a three-fluid nozzle (3N) spray drying technique with ethylcellulose.
• Composite particles were formed by co-spraying a drug suspension and ethylcellulose solution via the 3N, mixing at the nozzle tip (3N-PostMix).
• Comparative methods included a four-fluid nozzle (4N) with post-mixing (4N-PostMix) and 3N with pre-mixing (3N-PreMix).

Main Results:

• The 3N-PostMix technique produced smaller particles with corrugated surfaces, indicating effective ethylcellulose encapsulation.
• 3N-PostMix particles demonstrated sustained drug release, superior to 4N-PostMix particles, due to more effective ethylcellulose coating.
• 3N-PreMix particles showed rapid drug release, suggesting incomplete encapsulation with pure ethylcellulose.

Conclusions:

• The three-fluid nozzle (3N) spray drying technique is a novel and effective method for microencapsulation.
• The 3N-PostMix approach enables superior control over drug release profiles through enhanced ethylcellulose encapsulation.