Granulation and encapsulation of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) by internal phase separation

Application of Physical-Chemical Approaches for Encapsulation of Active Substances in Pharmaceutical and Food Industries

BACKGROUND

Encapsulation is a valuable method used to protect active substances and enhance their physico-chemical properties. It can also be used as protection from unpleasant scents and flavors or adverse environmental conditions.

METHODS

In this comprehensive review, we highlight the methods commonly utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries, along with recent applications of these methods.

RESULTS

Through an analysis of numerous articles published in the last decade, we summarize the key methods and physico-chemical properties that are frequently considered with encapsulation techniques.

CONCLUSION

Encapsulation has demonstrated effectiveness and versatility in multiple industries, such as food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the selection of appropriate encapsulation methods is critical for the effective encapsulation of specific active compounds. Therefore, constant efforts are being made to develop novel encapsulation methods and coating materials for better encapsulation efficiency and to improve properties for specific use.

Solid phase wax coating of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to decrease its solubility profile as a ready to mix supplement

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has health benefits attributed to its antioxidant properties and disulfide bond cleavage ability. Unfortunately, solutions of NAC are acidic with an undesirable taste and an unpleasant aftertaste. A method for slowing NAC release in water was developed using a solid phase wax coating. A coating of natural waxes, using food grade corn oil as the solvent and surfactants to facilitate the wax coating on the particles was used to decrease the solubility of NAC powder, crystals, and granules in water. A high NAC loading, between 55 and 91% for NAC granules and NAC crystals, was achieved as measured using LC-MS. The NAC wax-coated particles were fully characterized, and microscopy and SEM images revealed the shape, morphology, and size of the particles. Conductometry was used to study NAC release profile in water from wax-coated particles and the results indicate that solid phase wax coatings slowed the release of NAC into water.