Aqueous polymer dispersions in controlled-release matrix systems: literature review and research prospects

Abstract

Aqueous colloidal dispersions of water-insoluble polymers (APDs) —commonly referred to as pharmaceutical latexes or pseudolatexes— are extensively employed in pharmaceutical coatings, valued for their avoidance of organic solvents and improved processing due to their low viscosity. While their use in membrane-controlled drug delivery is well-established, a significant body of research also demonstrates their effective application in the development of monolithic matrix systems for modified release.

This review comprehensively examines the literature on the use of APDs for formulating controlled-release matrix dosage forms with a particular focus on formulation techniques and their biopharmaceutical relevance in terms of drug release modulation, in vivo performance as well as their technological properties relevant to pharmaceutical manufacture. Techniques such as wet granulation, extrusion-spheronization, spray drying, ionotropic gelation, emulsion-solidification, film casting, and programmed matrix layering are discussed, highlighting their ability to produce diverse dosage forms for various administration routes, and pointing to gaps in comparative performance and mechanistic understanding across different techniques.

Furthermore, the impact of critical formulation and process variables on system performance is explored. The review also identifies future research prospects, underscoring the potential for innovative formulation methods such as prilling, electrospinning and 3D printing to enable advanced drug delivery and personalized medicine applications. Finally, the review highlights some key process-related and physicochemical limitations associated with APD-based matrix systems is provided.

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Nizar Al-Zoubi, Areen Alshweiat, Isra Dmour, Shorooq Abukhamis, Safwan Abdelrahim, Aqueous polymer dispersions in controlled-release matrix systems: literature review and research prospects, Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 2026, 108363, ISSN 1773-2247, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108363.

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