Polymeric tablet technology for controlled release of active agents

The invention describes a multi-layered polymer tablet designed for controlled release of active agents like pharmaceuticals. Each layer contains specific polymers that respond to environmental triggers such as osmosis, solubility changes, or temperature variations to release the active agents in a controlled manner.

Background

The challenge of controlled delivery of active agents, such as pharmaceuticals, lies in achieving precise release profiles while maintaining the structural integrity of the delivery system. Traditional methods, including simple tablets and capsules, often fail to provide consistent release rates and can lead to rapid drug degradation or suboptimal therapeutic levels.

Microencapsulation techniques, like fluidized bed processes, have been developed to address these issues but face significant limitations, such as particle agglomeration and adherence to equipment due to electrostatic charges and capillary forces. Additionally, these methods struggle with optimizing particle size, coating uniformity, and the ability to incorporate multiple layers for complex delivery profiles. There is a need for advanced systems that can provide controlled, multi-layered release of active agents while overcoming the technical hurdles associated with current encapsulation and delivery technologies.

Technology description

The technology is a sophisticated tablet polymer designed for the controlled delivery of active agents such as pharmaceuticals and medical compounds. This polymer tablet consists of multiple layers, each containing at least one active agent and one molecular recognition polymer. These layers are compressed into a single tablet, which can be molded into various shapes like spheres, films, or cylinders.

The molecular recognition polymers in each layer are engineered to interact with specific molecules, enabling controlled release mechanisms. The polymers used can be biocompatible, biodegradable, swellable, water-soluble, or porous. The controlled release of active agents is achieved through mechanisms such as osmosis, changes in polymer solubility, or local temperature variations, which disrupt the recognitive portion of the polymer layer. The invention also outlines methods for creating these tablets by forming recognitive network layers around the active agents, removing the template molecules, and compressing the layers into a tablet.

What differentiates this technology is its ability to provide precise control over the release of active agents, thanks to the molecular recognition polymers that respond to specific stimuli. This allows for a more targeted and efficient delivery of pharmaceuticals and other functional compounds, reducing the potential for side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes. The versatility in the polymer’s properties—being biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of swelling or dissolving—makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from drug delivery to consumer products like air fresheners and detergents.

Additionally, the multi-layer structure enables the incorporation of multiple active agents within a single tablet, each layer potentially responding to different environmental triggers, thus offering a highly customizable and adaptable delivery system. This innovation stands out due to its advanced engineering and the potential to significantly enhance the efficacy and safety of controlled release systems.

Benefits

Controlled delivery of active agents
Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers
Customizable release mechanisms (osmosis, solubility changes, temperature variations)
Versatile shapes (spheres, films, cylinders)
Multi-layered structure for complex delivery systems
Applicable to pharmaceuticals, medical agents, and other functional compounds
Enhanced stability and controlled release
Potential for high loading efficiency of active agents
Methods for creating recognitive network layers