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Controlled release drug delivery solutions

Controlled release drug delivery systems are beneficial in both topical and oral dosage forms. Read on to find out how liquid crystal emulsification systems and glycerol mono-oleates can be used for sustained active delivery, resulting in numerous benefits for consumers.

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How do controlled release drug delivery systems work?

Topical formulations made with the appropriate emulsifiers can form liquid crystals with an organised lamellar structure around the oil droplets of oil in water emulsions and the aqueous continuous phase. This structure creates “pockets” of API which is then gradually released as the formulation dries down on the skin surface after application.

In addition, the liquid crystal systems can help improve skin hydration which in turn means API’s become more permeable through the stratum corneum, increasing the percentage of the applied dose to make it through the stratum corneum to take effect in the lower levels of the epidermis or dermis. There are two types of liquid crystal emulsions, oleosome which tend to offer excellent controlled release of the active over long periods while still delivering close to the full dose and hydrosomes which offer increased hydration making them particularly suited to hydrophilic actives.

In addition, liquid crystal emulsions offer superior stability in topical oil in water formulations with large steric barriers to coalescence. Therefore, these systems usually offer the most stable oil water emulsions possible making them excellent for formulation with formulation destabilising API’s, high active levels and formulations with high levels of polar solvents such as propylene glycol, ethanol, glycerine and dimethyl isosorbide.

For controlled release in in oral dosage forms glycerol mono-oleate (GMO) is an effective controlled release drug delivery system, which forms a stable viscous gel matrix in water/ gastric fluid that releases a dissolved or dispersed drug by slow diffusion. At higher water levels, lipid and aqueous domains coexist in the matrix allowing hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic drugs to be incorporated. When administered orally in the form of a gelatin capsule, GMO encounters the gastrointestinal fluids following dissolution of the capsule and transforms into the viscous phase, promoting sustained release of the active.

Liquid Crystal Emulsification Systems for topical applications

Liquid crystal emulsification systems are useful as controlled release agents in topical applications. The controlled release of the active prolongs skin hydration and enables patients to apply the product less often. This reduces the frequency of handling compromised skin and the likelihood of missed applications, as well as improving convenience.

Liquid crystal emulsification systems also result in a more stable formulation and an aesthetically pleasing skin feel.

Liquid crystals

Liquid crystals diagram

Effects on delivery - lipophilic actives

Effects on  delivery diagram

Effect on delivery - hydrophilic actives

Effects on delivery diagram

Our products recommended for controlled release:

Scientist creating health care formulation at Croda

Brij™ S721

The Brij S range are designed to emulsify and produce stable dispersions for topical applications. Due to their differing HLB values, Brij S2 and Brij S721 work well in combination with each other and...

Crodafos™ CES pharma

Crodafos™ CES pharma

Anionic emulsifying wax that produces stable thixotropic O/W emulsions, allowing rapid and effective delivery of actives to the skin. Recommended topical usage levels of 5-8%.

Scientist creating health care formulation at Croda

Crodamol™ CAP

Branched chain ester with excellent spreading properties. Vehicle in pour-on endectocides for veterinary applications. Required HLB value of 8. Recommended topical usage levels of 2-10%.

Cithrol™ GMO HP

Cithrol™ GMO HP

High purity oleic acid grade with a GMO content of 92% minimum. Offers controlled drug release and enhances active bioavailability. Membrane penetration enhancer. W/O emulsifier and O/W emulsion...