Complex Coacervation (CC) Encapsulation Techniques for Drug Delivery

Abstract

The development of efficient drug delivery systems remains a central focus in pharmaceutical science, driven by the need to enhance drug stability, bioavailability and site-specific therapeutic efficacy. Conventional dosage forms have long been limited by rapid physicochemical degradation, poor aqueous solubility and inadequate control over release kinetics. Although advancements such as microencapsulation and polymer-based delivery systems have improved the protection and controlled release of bioactive compounds, challenges including low encapsulation efficiency, limited structural precision and complex manufacturing processes persist. These constraints stress the necessity for cost-effective, biocompatible and highly efficient delivery platforms. Furthermore, insufficient consideration was given to scalable and economically feasible fabrication strategies. In this context, the present review aims to address these gaps by providing a comprehensive and updated perspective on advanced drug-delivery strategies, particularly focusing on complex coacervation (CC). This review systematically explores the fundamental principles of CC, encapsulation methodologies and the role of biopolymers in coacervate formation. It discusses CC-based controlled drug release applications, postulated theoretical frameworks and the underlying processes and mechanisms governing coacervation. The review examines stabilization strategies for biopolymers, key factors influencing coacervate formation, rheological behavior and advanced characterization techniques for evaluating structural and functional properties and supports the development of efficient, targeted and sustainable drug-delivery systems relevant to current pharmaceutical demands.