A REVIEW ON THYMOL ENCAPSULATION AND ITS CONTROLLED RELEASE THROUGH BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER SHELLS

Encapsulation of thymol is important for its volatile nature, taste, and antispasmodic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. This review provides a summary of thymol encapsulation in different biodegradable polymers along with the methods of encapsulation and control release in various parts of the body. Biodegradability of shell material along with its health compatibility and the half life of the core material and knowledge of microstructure are some of the main issues that must be addressed while studying encapsulation of Pharmaceutically Active Ingredients (PAI). Different biodegradable polymers used for the encapsulation of thymol are xanthum gum, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatine, starch, sodium alginate and ethyl cellulose. Preparative conditions, such as concentration ratios, temperature, stirring speed, and nature of solvent used, have deterministic effect on the polymer shell formed around the core material. Purposes for encapsulation of PAI may be numerous, such as controlled release, targeted controlled release, protection/preservation, economic utilization, convenient packaging, and clever option for storage, easy portability and formulation, modification/ hiding undesirable property such as taste, odour and touch. Encapsulation of thymol and its controlled and targeted release in-vitro and in-vivo is discussed.