Spray Drying: Microencapsulation of polymers with potential for controlled release of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract

The development of drug delivery systems in the intestine has received increasing attention due to its clinical importance. Efficient and targeted drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract is crucial for the treatment of several diseases, increasing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of encapsulation of Guar Gum and Eudragit S100, aiming at the protection of the drug in the gastric juice and its controlled release in the intestine. Different concentrations of dry polymers were tested using the spray drying technique, with optimization of parameters such as temperature and air flow. The particles produced were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis. The results showed that after the application of the spray drying technique, the particles presented standardized and spherical morphologies, with sizes between 3 and 9 µm, and the systems maintained their chemical characteristics preserved, evidenced by the main bands in the FTIR, such as 1420 cm -1 , corresponding to the bonding of the esterified groups of Eudragit S100, and the range of 744-1251 cm -1 , corresponding to the coupled stretching vibrations of COC, CCO, and C-OH of Guar Gum. Thermal analysis confirmed the increase in thermal stability and degradation of the system after drying, with a maximum degradation peak at 380 °C. However, it is inferred that the encapsulation of Guar Gum + Eudragit S100, using the spray drying technique, has potential as an effective system for drug delivery in the intestine. The protection provided by polymers against gastric juice and the controlled release in the small intestine represent a promising approach for the formulation of optimized pharmacological therapies. This technique can be applied in the development of new treatments for gastrointestinal diseases, contributing to the improvement of the efficacy and safety of drugs.