Formulation And Optimization Of Microencapsulated Drugs For Sustained Release

Abstract

The formulation of sustained-release drug systems is a crucial advancement in pharmaceutical research, aimed at improving therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Microencapsulation, a widely adopted technique, enables the controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by encapsulating them in a protective polymer matrix. This study evaluates various microencapsulation methods, including spray drying, solvent evaporation, coacervation, and electrostatic coating, focusing on their efficiency, scalability, and impact on drug release profiles. The polymers used, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Eudragit, were optimized using Quality by Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches to enhance drug release consistency. In vitro and stability testing confirmed that HPMC and Eudragit provide the most stable and controlled release profiles, making them suitable for long-term use. The research concludes that the right combination of encapsulation technique and polymer, along with optimization strategies, is essential for developing effective sustained-release formulations.