Studies on zinc sulphate microcapsules (1): Microencapsulation and in vitro dissolution kinetics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Microencapsulation is crucial for controlled release of active ingredients.
• Zinc sulphate requires stable formulations for effective delivery.
• Ethylcellulose offers suitable properties for microcapsule coatings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare zinc sulphate microcapsules using ethylcellulose via coacervation.
• To investigate the impact of core:wall ratio and particle size on dissolution.
• To kinetically analyze the dissolution profiles using the RRSBW distribution model.

Main Methods:

• Coacervation method employed for microencapsulation.
• Ethylcellulose utilized as the primary coating material.
• Sieving used to categorize microcapsules into 250 and 500 micron size batches.
• Rosin-Rammler-Sperling-Bennet-Weillbull (RRSBW) distribution applied for kinetic analysis.

Main Results:

• Microcapsules with core:wall ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 were successfully prepared.
• Particle size and zinc sulphate loading affected dissolution rates.
• The RRSBW model provided a framework for understanding dissolution kinetics.

Conclusions:

• Ethylcellulose microcapsules offer a viable system for zinc sulphate delivery.
• Controlling particle size and core:wall ratio is key to modulating zinc sulphate release.
• The RRSBW model effectively describes the dissolution behavior of these microcapsules.