Performance of three-layer controlled release devices with uniform or non-uniform material properties: Experiment and computer simulation

► The burst effect of monolithic cellulose matrices is suppressed by coating with empty cellulose or cellulose acetate layers. ► Experiments in line with model predictions that substantially uniform dose rate cannot be achieved by unsaturated ABA matrices. ► Release rate is very sensitive to the degree of hydration of the outer A layers. ► Successful simulation of the release performance of ABA matrices with layers A and B differing in material properties and/or load.