Microencapsulation is a technique in which microscopic particles of solids , liquids and gases are enclosed within uniform thin coatings. These coated particles resemble tiny bubbles and are known as “MICROCAPSULES”.
The size of microscopic particles helps in ample drug distribution in the body ensuring absorption at a faster rate.
The material enclosed in the microcapsules is known as active agent or core material or pay load ,fill interphase or nucleus , and enclosing material is known as coating material or wall material or shell or membrane .
Characteristics of Microcapsules –
1.They control the releasing properties of core material.
2.Protects core material from environment.
3.They possess variable colloidal and surface properties.
Importance of Microencapsulation
1.It protects core material from environment (Example : protection of vitamins from oxidation)
2.It prevents evaporation of core material which is volatile in nature.
3.For preparation of handy formulations from sticky core materials.
4.Separating reactive core material from other chemicals.
5.For preparing controlled release capsules that slowly releases core material (active agent) from shell of the capsule.
6.Taste masking of drugs.
7.For reducing irritant effects of gastric irritants.
Advantages of Microencapsulation
1.Formulation of controlled release and sustained release formulations.
2.Protection of the active agent or core material from environment.
3.Liquids and gases can be changed in to solids in the form of MICROCAPSULES.
4.Surface and colloidal properties of some active agents can be altered.
Disadvantages of Microencapsulation
1.Microencapsulation techniques are of high cost.
2.This causes reduction in Shelf life of hygroscopic drugs .
3.Different dosage forms like tablets , capsules ,lozenges can not be encapsulated by single microencapsulation process.
4.Coating may not be uniform this can effect release pattern of a drug in the body.
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