Definition of Microencapsulation
Microencapsulation is a process in which tiny particles or droplets of active drug substances are enclosed within a protective shell, forming microspheres, microcapsules, or microparticles.
These encapsulated particles range in size from 1 micrometer to several hundred micrometers.
Advantages
Controlled Release: Allows for sustained or delayed drug release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Protection of Active Ingredients: Shields drugs from environmental factors like light, oxygen, and moisture.
Taste and Odor Masking: Improves patient compliance by masking unpleasant tastes or smells.
Targeted Delivery: Enables drug delivery to specific body sites.
Reduced Side Effects: Limits exposure of non-target tissues, reducing adverse effects.
Improved Stability: Extends shelf-life of unstable drugs.
Disadvantages
Complex Manufacturing: Requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Increased Cost: Higher production costs than conventional forms.
Scale-Up Challenges: Issues may arise in transitioning from lab to industrial scale.
Risk of Burst Release: Potential for initial rapid release (dose dumping) in some cases.
Regulatory Hurdles: Faces stringent regulatory requirements due to formulation complexity.