Microencapsulation of drugs by electro-hydro-dynamic atomization

This paper presents practical aspects of production of polymeric particles loaded with a drug by electro-hydro-dynamic atomization (EHDA). Particles were produced from paracetamol (4-acetamidophenol), budesonide and polylactic acid containing Taxol (paclitaxel). Influence of solvent type and evaporation rate, as well as other polymers additives on particle morphology and drug release rate is demonstrated. It is shown that quickly evaporating solvents have a tendency to form hollow particles. Drug release rate from hollow particles is substantially higher than from solid ones. Addition of water-soluble polymer, polyethylene glycol, also increases drug release rate. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.