Reviewing the use of ethylcellulose, methylcellulose and hypromellose in microencapsulation. Part 3: Applications for microcapsules.

This three-part review has been developed following the evaluation of literature where ethylcellulose, methylcellulose, or hypromellose was used to make microcapsules. Parts 1 and 2 of the review are published in separate papers. Part 1 covers the various materials used to formulate microcapsules, and Part 2 covers the various techniques used to make microcapsules. In the current paper, Part 3 covers the end-use applications for which microcapsules are used. Examples of applications to be covered include modified release, improved efficacy and safety, multiparticulate compression, improved processability and stability, and taste- and odor-masking. It is hoped that formulators can use Part 3 to understand the various end-use applications of microcapsules made from these encapsulating polymers. SciFinder was utilized to perform the literature search. SciFinder leverages literature databases, such as Chemical Abstracts Service Registry and Medline. A total of 379 references were identified during the review. The need for a three-part review reflects the extensive amount of literature identified concerning these three encapsulating polymers.