ABSTRACT:
Development of many new protein drugs is a result of recent advances in recombinant DNA technology. However, since protein drugs, unlike traditional small-molecule drugs, may not be administered orally, injection or infusion is normally required. There is a need of encapsulation of such proteins or peptide in biodegradable polymeric materials to improve current delivery methods. For long-term delivery of protein drugs by parenteral administration, they have been formulated into biodegradable microspheres. A number of microencapsulation methods have been developed, and the currently used microencapsulation methods are reviewed here. Microencapsulation is a technology that has shown significant promise in biotherapeutics and other applications. It has been proven useful in the protection of the enclosed product and controlled release of the encapsulated contents; all of which can ensure efficient and safe therapeutic effects. This article is a comprehensive review of microencapsulation and its latest developments in the field. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technology, primary goals of microencapsulation, discusses various processes and techniques involved in microencapsulation including physical, chemical, physico-chemical, and other methods involved. It also summarizes the state of the art successes of microencapsulation, specifically with regards to the encapsulation of protein drugs and other biopharmaceutics in various diseases. The limitations and future directions of microencapsulation technologies are also discussed. Although significant advances have been made in the field of microencapsulation, still many challenges need to be rectified during the appropriate selection of core materials, coating materials and process techniques.