Multi-Layer Tablet Coating with Supercritical CO2
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microencapsulation techniques face challenges in optimizing particle coating processes for drug delivery systems, particularly in forming multiple-layers that prevent agglomeration and ensure effective loading and release of therapeutic agents, due to electrostatic charges and capillary forces in fluidized bed processes.
Innovation Solution
Development of a tablet polymer comprising multiple layers with molecular recognition polymers, where each layer contains an active agent and is compressed into a single tablet, allowing for controlled release through osmosis, swelling, or temperature changes, and can be designed with various shapes and compositions for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fluidized bed coating process is used for microencapsulation, then large particle size can be coated effectively, but small particles tend to agglomerate and adhere to the wall of the bed due to electrostatic charge and capillary forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies process parameters including using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent-free coating medium, controlling temperature and pressure conditions, and adjusting particle size distribution to prevent agglomeration. The supercritical fluid parameters are optimized to eliminate capillary forces while maintaining coating effectiveness across a wide particle size range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluidized bed as an intermediary medium that facilitates uniform coating by suspending particles in a controlled fluid environment. The supercritical carbon dioxide acts as an intermediary carrier for the coating material, enabling even distribution without direct particle-to-particle contact that would cause agglomeration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple-layers are formed for increased functionality in drug delivery systems, then loading and delivery of therapeutic agents is optimized, but the coating process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coating process into multiple sequential stages, with each stage depositing a specific functional layer. Different coating materials and supercritical fluid conditions are used for each layer, allowing independent optimization of each layer's properties while maintaining overall process control through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal supercritical fluid coating platform that can accommodate multiple coating materials and formulations within a single system. The same basic apparatus and process framework are used for different drug delivery applications, reducing overall complexity despite the multi-layer functionality requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The multi-layer tablet system enhances the loading and controlled release of active agents, preventing agglomeration and ensuring effective drug delivery by utilizing molecular recognition polymers that respond to environmental cues, such as solubility changes or temperature, for targeted release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the recognitive portion of the layer is disrupted due to: osmosis upon the presence and binding of the molecule leading to rupture due to swelling
Implementation Method 2
change of the solubility of the polymeric network leading to polymer dissolution
Implementation Method 3
local temperature changes leading to expansion of the polymeric network
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems for the controlled delivery of an active agent in a tablet polymer comprising two or more layers, wherein each of the two or more layers comprises at least one active agent and at least one molecular recognition polymer, wherein the two or more layers are compressed into a single tablet.