A number of natural compounds need to be applied when concerning toxicity and biocompatibility of excipients exploited in pharmaceutical formulations. Lipid materials, commonly used in food products, have not only gained increased interest due to their attractive low cost and toxicity, but also their derivative abilities in a wide range of hydrophilicity-lipophilic properties.
The latter is perfectly suited for diverse applications, ranging from enhanced absorption to sustained release purposes. Furthermore, with respect to their relatively low melting points, a number of manufacturing techniques can be supported, examples being, fluid bed granulation/coating, high shear granulation, spray drying and spray congealing.
Hot melt coating techniques are developed in an attempt to reduce both processing time and production costs. In this process, coating materials are melted and directly sprayed to particulates in a fluid bed chamber, avoiding the aid of any solvents.
Lipid materials, in a group of triglycerides and their derivatives, are excipients of choice due to their low melting points and appropriate melting behaviors. There are several reports demonstrating where successful hot melt coated granules and pellets for taste masking, improving tablet lubricating property , and controlling drug release have been achieved.