The Multiple Emulsion Entrapping Active Agent Produced via One-Step Preparation Method in the Liquid–Liquid Helical Flow for Drug Release Study and Modeling

Abstract

The paper presents a theoretical mass transfer model of the release process of active agent from complex dispersed systems such as multiple emulsions, microemulsions, micro/nanoparticles. The model is characterized by five parameters describing internal structure of the delivery system and the conditions of the release environment which enable the determination of the release rate and its sensitivity to the process parameters. The model was validated by experimental data of an active component release from two sets of multiple emulsions prepared via a novel one-step emulsification method in the continuous Couette-Taylor Flow contactor. The simulation of release profiles confirmed the importance of the internal multiple emulsions structure (drop size, packing volume) as well as the intensity of external mixing in the modeling of the controlled release process. The presented model allowed the mass released to be determined with satisfactory agreement with experimental data after optimization of parameters describing internal emulsions structure.