Microencapsulation Drug Delivery System Services

Microencapsulation technology refers to the technology of using natural or synthetic polymer materials or copolymers as wall materials to encapsulate solid or liquid drugs to form a microcapsule with a semi-permeable or sealed capsule membrane with a diameter in the range of 1 um to 5000 um. Formulations using microencapsulation technology are mainly antipyretic and analgesic drugs, antibiotics, peptides, contraceptives, vitamins, mineral salts, anticancer drugs, and diagnostic drugs.

Fig. 1 Schematic structure of microcapsules. (Eghbal N, et al. 2022)

Protheragen-ING specializes in providing cutting-edge microencapsulation drug delivery system (DDS) services. Our team of experts utilizes state-of-the-art technology and industry best practices to develop innovative drug delivery solutions that enhance the efficacy, stability, and bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds.

Purpose of Drug Microencapsulation

• Mask the bad odor and taste of the drug.
• Improve the stability of the drug.
• Prevent inactivation of the drug in the stomach or reduce the stimulation of the stomach.
• To solidify liquid drugs for easy application and storage.
• Reduce the variation of compounded drugs.
• Can prepare slow or controlled-release formulations.
• Concentrate the drug in the target area to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxic side effects.
• Encapsulate living cells or biologically active substances.

Composition of Microencapsulation DDS

Encapsulated core material and additives

In our formulation development, the capsule core substance can be a single solid or liquid drug or a mixture of solid-liquid, liquid-liquid, solid-solid, etc. This includes additives such as stabilizers, diluents, blockers, etc. in addition to the main drug to improve the quality of microencapsulation.

Capsule wall material

Our general requirements for the selection of capsule wall material include stable nature; suitable release rate; non-toxic, non-irritant; can be matched with the drug, does not affect the pharmacological effect of the drug and content determination; with viscosity, penetration, hydrophilicity, solubility, degradation and so on in line with the requirements.

Usually, a wall material is difficult to have the above properties at the same time, so we often use several wall materials.

• Natural polymer: starch, gelatin, gum arabic, alginate, chitosan, etc.
• Semi-synthetic polymers: carboxymethyl cellulose salt, cellulose acetate phthalate, ethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.
• Synthetic macromolecules: biodegradable materials have been widely used, such as polycarbonate, poly amino acid, polylactic acid, propylene cross ester ethyl cross ester copolymer.

Our Microencapsulation DDS Services

• Microencapsulation DDS Formulation Design - We can design and prepare microencapsulation according to your needs and ensure that it has the desired properties and release rate.
• Microencapsulation DDS Process Optimization - We provide process optimization services for microencapsulation technology, from the selection of materials to the timing and amount of core release, to help customers solve the problems encountered in the development and design of microencapsulation technology.
• Performance Evaluation of Microcapsules - We evaluate the performance of microcapsules through a series of tests, including surface morphology, core size, particle size distribution, microcapsule wall thickness, microcapsule core release performance, encapsulation rate, and so on, to determine whether they meet the requirements and regulations.
• Drug Delivery Assessment - We provide drug delivery assessment services to evaluate the performance of microencapsulated DDS in terms of drug release, stability, and bioavailability. Its drug delivery effects can be studied through in vitro and in vivo assessments.
• Preclinical Studies and Clinical Research Support - If your goal is to use a microencapsulation DDS for clinical applications, you may need to conduct preclinical studies and clinical trials. We can provide preclinical studies and clinical research support services to help you evaluate the safety and efficacy of your microencapsulation DDS.

Technical Methods of Microencapsulation

• Physical methods

Spray drying method, spray freezing method, air suspension method, electrostatic binding method, vacuum evaporation deposition method, etc.

• Physicochemical methods

Oil phase separation method, water phase separation method, melting separation method, complex phase emulsion method, extrusion method, etc.

• Chemical methods

Interfacial polymerization method, radiation encapsulation method, molecular encapsulation method, in situ polymerization method, etc.

To learn more about our services or to discuss your specific requirements, please contact our team.