Polymer-Based Film Coatings for Enhancing Drug Stability and Shelf-Life

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 04 | Page : 558 570
    By

    Koparde A. A.,

  • R. K. Bhagat,

  • Shailly Gupta,

  • Avinash M. Pawar,

  • Dipali Nagnath Hodade,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Karad, Maharashtra, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Arya College of Pharmacy, Jaipur, Maharashtra, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering for Women, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering and Applied Science, Shree Ramchandra College of Engineering, Lonikand, Pune, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

Pharmaceutical stability is a crucial factor in ensuring drug efficacy and safety throughout its shelf-life. Polymer-based film coatings have emerged as an effective strategy to enhance drug stability by protecting active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from environmental stressors such as moisture, oxygen, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure. These coatings act as physical barriers that prevent degradation, improve mechanical integrity, and enable controlled drug release. Various types of polymers are employed for film coatings, including hydrophilic polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), hydrophobic polymers like ethylcellulose and polymethacrylates, and biodegradable polymers such as chitosan and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The selection of an appropriate polymer depends on the desired protective properties, dissolution behavior, and drug release kinetics. Coating technologies, including spray coating, dip coating, electrospinning, and hot-melt coating, have been refined to improve efficiency and drug stability. Recent advancements, such as nanotechnology-enhanced coatings and smart polymer systems responsive to physiological conditions, have further expanded the scope of polymer-based coatings in pharmaceutical formulations. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of polymer-based film coatings, their mechanisms, types, and latest advancements in enhancing drug stability and shelf-life. By understanding the role of polymer coatings in pharmaceutical sciences, researchers can develop more stable drug formulations that ensure prolonged efficacy, reduced degradation, and improved patient adherence. Future developments in biodegradable materials and precision coatings are expected to drive the next generation of innovative drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Polymer coatings, drug stability, shelf-life extension, moisture resistance, oxidative protection, film coating technology, sustained release, hydrophobic polymers, drug degradation.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Koparde A. A., R. K. Bhagat, Shailly Gupta, Avinash M. Pawar, Dipali Nagnath Hodade. Polymer-Based Film Coatings for Enhancing Drug Stability and Shelf-Life. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):558-570.
How to cite this URL:
Koparde A. A., R. K. Bhagat, Shailly Gupta, Avinash M. Pawar, Dipali Nagnath Hodade. Polymer-Based Film Coatings for Enhancing Drug Stability and Shelf-Life. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):558-570. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=221967


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 04
Received 20/03/2025
Accepted 13/06/2025
Published 19/06/2025
Publication Time 91 Days
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