Eudragit S 100

Eudragit S 100 is a type of acrylic-based polymer commonly used in pharmaceutical and drug delivery applications. It is an anionic copolymer based on methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate. The ratio of the free carboxyl groups to ester groups is approx. 1:2. It is part of a family of polymers known as Eudragit, which are widely utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for their excellent film-forming and drug release properties.

Eudragit S 100 was selected for coating of citrus pectin nanoparticles due to its desirable attributes such as pH responsive nature i.e., no release of entrapped drug at low pH of the stomach as well as in the small intestine where the pH is almost neutral. In this way, it imparts a colon specific nature to the delivery system.

Eudragit S 100 is primarily used as a coating material for tablets and granules to achieve modified or delayed drug release. The key aspects of its use:

1. Film Coating: Eudragit S 100 is frequently employed as a film-coating agent for oral solid dosage forms, such as tablets or granules. It forms a thin, transparent, and robust film when applied to the surface of the dosage form, providing protection to the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and facilitating controlled release.
2. Controlled Drug Release: One of the significant advantages of Eudragit S 100 is its ability to modulate drug release. By applying Eudragit S 100 as a coating, the release of the drug can be controlled, allowing for specific release patterns, such as sustained release or enteric release. The polymer is insoluble at gastric pH but becomes permeable and allows drug release in the intestinal environment, offering protection and targeted drug delivery.
3. pH-Dependent Properties: Eudragit S 100 is pH-sensitive, meaning its properties change depending on the pH of the surrounding environment. In an acidic environment, such as the stomach, the polymer is insoluble, providing resistance to drug release. However, in the more alkaline conditions of the intestines, the polymer becomes permeable, facilitating drug release. This pH-dependent behavior is particularly useful for drugs that need to be protected from gastric acid or drugs that need to be released in a specific region of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Taste Masking: Eudragit S 100 can also be employed for taste masking purposes. In some cases, certain drugs have an unpleasant taste, which can be masked by using Eudragit S 100 as a coating material. The coating prevents direct contact of the drug with taste receptors in the mouth, thus reducing the bitter or unpleasant taste experienced during administration.
5. Stability and Protection: Eudragit S 100 offers protection to the active ingredient against environmental factors, such as moisture, light, or oxidation. By encapsulating the drug in a film-coated dosage form, it helps maintain stability and prolong shelf life.

It is important to note that the use of Eudragit S 100 should comply with regulatory guidelines and be thoroughly evaluated for compatibility with the specific drug substance and formulation. Each drug formulation requires careful consideration of the desired release profile, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic requirements. Pharmaceutical manufacturers typically conduct extensive testing and optimization to ensure the efficacy, safety, and stability of the final product.