Polycaprolactone/Polyethylene Glycol/Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Blends: Tailoring Thermomechanical and Rheological Properties for Injection-Molded Capsules for Colon-Targeted Delivery Applications.

ABSTRACT: Colon-targeted delivery systems offer a promising approach for local drug administration. In this study, we developed a customized polymeric blend for this purpose, combining polyethylene glycol (PEG), polycaprolactone (PCL), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Although PEG and PCL have been extensively studied, the inclusion of HPMC in such blends remains underexplored; however, its use in this context shows significant potential due to its pH sensitivity. To achieve this, various formulations were tested to optimize the thermomechanical and release characteristics of capsules produced through injection molding. Three blends containing 22, 24, and 34 wt% HPMC were processed and analyzed using rheological methods, ATR-FTIR, TGA, DSC, SEM, and in vitro release tests with methylene blu

SUBMITTER: Mottola S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12776571 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature