Polymeric nanocapsules as a binder system for fluidized bed granules: Influence on particle growth behavior, flow, compaction properties, and drug release

Abstract

The use of polymeric nanocapsules as a binder system to produce fluidized bed granules with improved in vivo bioavailability has recently been reported. This study evaluated how the nanocapsules influence the growth behavior of the fluidized bed granules. Phenytoin-loaded nanocapsules were sprayed top-down sprayed onto a substrate. A linear correlation (r = 0.9863) between the volume of the sprayed suspension and the mean particle size was found. Well-defined solid bridges were observed in the granule structure by Scanning Electron Microscopy. The surface area coverage of the granules was 0.145%, suggesting arrangement of the nanocapsules on the surface and in the solid bridges, corroborating the Raman images. The granules had a cohesive nature without powder segregation. The use of nanocapsules promotes the controlled release of phenytoin, and these data contribute to the understanding of the role of polymeric nanocapsules as a binder in fluid bed granulation to produce granules for posterior tableting or capsule filling processes.