Improved dissolution of an insoluble drug using a 4-fluid nozzle spray-drying technique

A solid dispersion of the drug can be made using a polymer carrier to improve solubility. Generally, drugs become amorphized when solid dispersion is formed using a polymer carrier. In such high energy conditions, the solubility of the drug molecule is increased. We previously prepared solid dispersion using a spray-drying technique and reported its solubility and crystallinity. In this study, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was used as the carrier, and tolubutamide was the model drug, which is water-insoluble. Solubility was evaluated by preparing a solid dispersion using a newly developed 4-fluid nozzle spray dryer. Observation of particle morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the particles from the spray drying were atomized to several microns, and they had also become spherical. Assessment of the crystallinity of the spray-dried particles by powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that the tolbutamide had been amorphized, forming a solid dispersion. The apparent release rate constant K of the drug from the spray-dried particles was 4 to 6 times faster than the original drug in pH 1.2, and it was also 1.5 to 1.9 times faster than the original drug in pH 6.8. The 70% release time (T(70)) of the drug from the spray-dried particles was 20 to 30 times faster than the original drug in pH 1.2 solution as well as 2 to 3 times faster than the original drug in pH 6.8 solution. Pharmaceutical preparations prepared in this way using the 4-fluid nozzle system spray dryer formed composite particles, resulting in a remarkably improved dissolution rates of the drug.     

Effect of gastric acidity on bioavailability of N,N-dimethylcarbamoylmethylalpha, 2-dimethyl-5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-7-acetate, a new prodrug-type anti-inflammatory agent

The effect of gastric acidity on the bioavailability of N,N-dimethylcarbamoylmethyl alpha,2-dimethyl-5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-b] pyridine-7-acetate (1), a new anti-inflammatory agent, was investigated in gastric acidity-controlled beagle dogs. The dissolution rates of this compound in media of pH 1.2 and 3.0 were greater than those in media of pH 5.0 and 6.8. Reflecting these dissolution characteristics, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-12h) were reduced by shifting the gastric acidity to low levels (more than pH 6) with omeprazole treatment. In designing dosage forms of 1, it is necessary to develop pharmaceutical preparations whose bioavailability is not affected by the gastric acidity.     

Physiochemical properties of phenobarbital solid dispersion with phosphatidylcholine

We prepared a phenobarbital (PB) solid dispersion (SD) with phosphatidylcholine (PC). PB was present in an amorphous state in SD if its mole fraction was under 0.75. An infrared (IR) spectra study suggested a hydrogen bond between NH in PB and phosphate in PC, with a ratio of about 1:1. When the mole fraction of PB was less than 0.50, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves showed endothermic peaks at 57, 90 and 145 degrees C, and an exothermic peak at 60 degrees C. The IR spectrum and X-ray diffraction pattern changed after holding at 70 degrees C, so at this point it is considered that the metastable state of SD changed into a stable state, and extra energy was released. When the mole fraction of PB was high, PB also arranged near hydrophobic group because an endothermic peak was observed at 46-52 degrees C, which was lower than fully hydrated PC. PB is similar to indomethacin (IM) in molecular shape and to phenytoin (PHT) in chemical structure. Its DSC curve and IR spectra are similar to PHT, and the limit ratio of its amorphous state is the same as IM. It is considered that the chemical structure is an important factor in its interaction to PC, and also, the molecular shape is important to arrange into PC lattice.     

Solid dispersion systems engineered from hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and water‐soluble polymers for enhanced oral bioavailability of nimodipine

Nimodipine (NMD) is a calcium channel blocker that is used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, such as stroke indicated for biological rhythm and neurological disorders. According to biopharmaceutical classification, NMD is categorized as a class ΙΙ drug, meaning it has a poor solubility profile. The objective of this experiment is to prepare multicomponent systems to enhance the solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability of NMD. Inclusion complex and solvent evaporation techniques have been exploited to overcome this challenge. in vitro dissolution studies and solubility, the profile was performed in three pH media (pH 7.5, 1.2, and 6.8). The drug release at (Q_60min) for SD‐PVP3 was 33‐fold higher than pure NMD in double‐distilled water. The solubility of SD PVP3 was about 30 times higher than plain NMD in double‐distilled water. A pharmacokinetic study in rats indicated that the AUC_0‐720 value of the inclusion complex (NMD‐KD) was 1.63‐fold higher than pure NMD. At the same time, the solid dispersion (NMD‐SD PVP3) was 3.94‐fold higher than that of plain NMD, indicating a significant increase in the bioavailability of NMD. The combination of the inclusion complex and solvent evaporation method led to the formation of new solid dispersions (SD PLX and SD PVP), which significantly increased the solubility, dissolution, and the oral bioavailability of NMD.     

Dynamic Release of Riboflavin from Ethyl Cellulose Coated Barium Alginate Beads for Gastrointestinal Drug Delivery: An in vitro Study

The present work describes the dynamic release of model drug riboflavin form uncoated and ethyl cellulose coated barium alginate beads in the media of continuous varying pH at the physiological temperature 37°C. The drug release behavior has been studied in the simulating gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) for 0–2 h and then in the simulating intestinal fluid (SIF pH 6.8) for 2–48 h. In addition to the traditional dissolution test (TDT, the dynamic release has also been studied by a newly developed method, called ‘flow through diffusion cell’ (FTDC). The release profiles, obtained by using these two methods have been found to differ appreciably from each other. Moreover, the nature of the solid mass surrounding the beads in the FTDC method also influences the release behavior of beads. The uncoated beads demonstrated faster drug release of drug in the medium of lower pH (i.e., 1.2) as compared to that in the medium of pH 6.8 and the release process was found to be diffusion controlled.     

Effect of grinding with hydroxypropyl cellulose on the dissolution and particle size of a poorly water-soluble drug.

A new benzofuroquinoline derivative, 3,9-bis(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyloxy)-5H-benzofuro[3,2-c]quinoli ne-6-one (KCA-098), shows poor oral absorption due to practical insolubility in water. In this study, a co-grinding technique employing a water-soluble polymer was used for improvement of the dissolution rate of KCA-098. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns and IR spectra of KCA-098 showed the conversion of the drug from a crystal state to an amorphous state by grinding with a polymer such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC-SL) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30). The particle size of KCA-098 was remarkably reduced to a submicron size by grinding with HPC-SL. The co-ground mixture with HPC-SL showed a rapid dissolution rate and maintained supersaturation for more than 1 h. On the other hand, the co-ground mixture with PVP K30 showed rapid dissolution and supersaturation for a shorter period. These data suggest that the rapid dissolution rate was obtained by the conversion of the drug particles from a crystal to amorphous state by grinding with water-soluble polymers and that a reduction in particle size to the submicron level led to the maintenance of supersaturation due to good dispersion.     

Flow Through Diffusion Cell Method: A Better Approach to Study Drug Release Behavior as Compared to Traditional Dissolution Test Method

Co‐polymeric hydrogels consisting of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NVP) and acrylic acid (AAc) were synthesized and evaluated for release of a model drug, i.e., vitamin B₁₂. Release studies in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and intestinal fluid (pH 7.4), at 37°C, showed the hydrogels to be pH sensitive. An in vitro release study by ‘traditional dissolution test’ (TDT) showed that percent drug released from the hydrogel was nearly 8.6±2.1 and 83.2±4.8 in the media of pH 1.2 and 6.8, respectively. However, in order to incorporate in vivo GI conditions such as acidic pH and high water content in the stomach, low water content and the presence of a semi–solid mass in the large intestine, a new test model, called flow through diffusion cell (FTDC) was also used. The two approaches yielded almost different release profiles. The gels were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and FTIR spectroscopy.     

Encapsulation and characterization of flurbiprofen loaded poly(є-caprolactone)–poly(vinylpyrrolidone) blend micropheres by solvent evaporation method

Flurbiprofen loaded PCL/PVP blend microspheres were prepared by o/w solvent evaporation method using various concentrations of gelatin as emulsifying agent. Microsphere recovery decreased with a decrease in the concentration of the emulsifier in the dispersion. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of microspheres increased with decrease in concentration of emulsifying agent. Hydration rate, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of microspheres increased with increase in concentration of PVP. Rheological properties showed free flowing nature of microspheres. SEM (Scanning electron microscope) revealed microspheres were discrete, spherical and became porous with decrease in concentration of emulsifying agent but smooth with higher concentration of emulsifying agent. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectra of pure and encapsulated flurbiprofen in all formulation showed no significant difference in characteristic peaks, suggesting stability of flurbiprofen during encapsulation process. X-RD (X-ray powder diffractometry) of pure flurbiprofen shows sharp peaks, which decreases on encapsulation, indicating dispersion at molecular level and hence decrease in the crystallinity of drug in microspheres. Microspheres showed an enteric nature at pH 1.2 and a sustained release pattern at pH 6.8. Rapid drug release was observed in microspheres with higher concentration of PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), PVP acts as channeling agent. Formulation with low concentration of emulsifying agent also showed a fast release due to porous structure. Drug release kinetics followed zero order at pH 1.2 while at pH 6.8 Higuchi model was best fitted and was found non fickian.     

Effect of inorganic ligands and hydrogen peroxide on ThO2 dissolution. Behaviour of Th0.87Pu0.13O2 during leaching test

The dissolution of ThO2 powdered samples was examined in various conditions of pH and concentration of anions in the leachate. The first part of this paper describes the influence of pH on the dissolution of ThO2 in both nitric and hydrochloric media. The partial order relative to the proton concentration and the apparent normalized dissolution rate constants were determined. The second part of the paper describes the influence of other ligands such as perchlorate, chloride, sulfate, and hydrogen peroxide on the dissolution kinetics (at pH 1). An increase of RL was observed correlatively with the increase of complexing affinity of the ligand with Th. While nitric and hydrochloric media, which are weakly complexing, lead to RL values with the same order of magnitude as those for perchlorate media, the presence of sulfate or peroxide in the leachate significantly enhances the dissolution of ThO2. Consequently, the dissolution mechanism can be explained by the weakening of Th-O bonds through the formation of surface complexes at the solid/liquid interface, which enhance the detachment and thus accelerate the global dissolution. In addition, the dissolution of Th 0.87Pu 0.13O2 solid solution was also examined. The increase of the dissolution kinetics of Th 0.87Pu 0.13O 2, in comparison with that of ThO2, is considered to be caused by the presence of hydrogen peroxide formed by radiolysis of the leachate. Moreover, the redox properties of plutonium in acidic media, like disproportionation of Pu(IV) and Pu(V) and reduction of Pu(VI) and Pu(IV) in Pu(III) by H2O2, probably increase the dissolution of plutonium.     

Effect of the hydrophobic nature of triacetyl-beta-cyclodextrin on the complexation with nicardipine hydrochloride: physicochemical and dissolution properties of the kneaded and spray-dried complexes

The inclusion ability of triacetyl-beta-cyclodextrin (TAbetaCD), a hydrophobic cyclodextrin (CD) derivative was examined, using nicardipine hydrochloride (NC) as model drug. The binary compounds were prepared in a 1 : 1 molar ratio by the kneading and the spray-drying techniques. In order to confirm the complexation between NC and TAbetaCD in the solid state, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transformation-infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were carried out and the results were compared with the corresponding physical mixture in the same molar ratio. The kneaded product presented only slight modifications on the drug physicochemical and morphological properties, which could mean that no complex formation occurred during this process. In contrast, spray-drying was found to produce inclusion complexes with amorphous nature. In vitro dissolution studies were carried out in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and intestinal (pH 6.8) fluids, according to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) basket method. The NC in vitro release from the kneaded and spray-dried products was markedly retarded in both dissolution media. However, this retarding effect was significantly more evident for the spray-dried compound. It was concluded that the formation of real inclusion complexes could only be achieved by the spray-drying method.     

Physical and chemical changes of medicinals in mixtures with adsorbents in the solid state. II. Application of reduced pressure treatment for the improvement of dissolution of flufenamic acid

Flufenamic acid (FFA) was mixed with magnesium aluminum silicate (MAS) and stored at 60 degrees C at a reduced pressure of about 2.5 mmHg. After storage, when its concentration was not more than 20%, FFA was observed by X-ray diffraction and polarizing microscopy to be amorphous. The dissolution of FFA was thus enhanced in comparison with that of a freshly prepared mixture. Furthermore, the dissolution curves showed a typical supersaturation pattern, and the supersaturation state continued longer, the higher the pH value of the dissolution medium. Flufenamic acid, in a mixture with MAS, became amorphous more rapidly at reduced pressure than at atmospheric pressure, and therefore the effect of improved dissolution appeared earlier at reduced pressure. Infrared spectral studies suggested that FFA, after storage at a reduced pressure with MAS, was dispersed monomolecularly in an ionic form. The technique of treating crystalline medicinals, that have poor solubility in water, with adsorbent at reduced pressure may be useful for improving their dissolution characteristics.     

一种抗偏头痛复方制剂体外溶出度的比较研究

 A novel in vitro dissolution profile was developed for formulated drug in combinational form containing naproxen sodium (NAP) and sumatriptan succinate (SUMA). This study was performed to understand the dissolution of the drug in the physiological temperature and pH. Dissolution testing was performed using USP 29 type II testing apparatus rotating at 50 r/min, in 900 mL deaerated buffer （pH 1.2, 4.5 and 6.8） which was maintained at (37±0.5) ℃. Quantification was performed using a developed and validated high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Aceclofenac (ACE) was used as internal standard. SUMA, ACE and NAP were eluted at 4.8, 5.7 and 7.9 min, respectively. As expected for enteric coated immediate release (IR) tablets, the dissolution of NAP and SUMA was rapid and essentially complete within 2 h using phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). The comparison of the dissolution profiles was realized by model independent approach using a difference factor (f1), similarity factor (f2) and dissolution efficiency (DE). Statistical results showed the profiles were similar to the reference and the test products. Hence, this method demonstrated to be adequate for in vitro studies of NAP and SUMA in the combinational dosage form, since there is no official monograph, collaborating to the official codes.     

Effects of dissolved state of aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E/HCl on solubility enhancement effect for poorly water-soluble drugs

Eudragit® E/HCl salt (E–SD) displays a good antireprecipitation effect on solid dispersion formulations of poorly water-soluble drugs. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the antireprecipitation effect of E–SD, a study on supersaturation was conducted using a dissolution test method with test fluids at varying pH and ionic strength values. Both pH and ionic strength of the test fluid were shown to influence the antireprecipitation effect of E–SD; a strong antireprecipitation effect was observed at a neutral pH (pH?6～7) and an ionic strength of 0.1 to 1.0. To investigate E–SD in its dissolved state in each test fluid, fluorescence measurement using pyrene as a probe molecule and dynamic light-scattering (DLS) measurement were conducted. The total fluorescence intensity of pyrene increased with increasing E–SD concentrations. Further, small nanoparticles were observed using DLS measurement. These results suggest that E–SD may form a micelle-like structure in the dissolved test fluid.     

Dielectric dispersion in water + 2-hydroxypyridine solid mixtures

The complex electric permittivity was measured in water + 2-hydroxypyridine (2HP) solid mixtures as a function of concentration, temperature and frequency. Just after freezing of diluted mixtures, (mole fraction of 2HP < 0.2) pronounced dielectric dispersion in the MHz region was observed. The dispersion disappears on cooling between -30 and -40 degrees C in a first-order phase transition. The dispersion was explained in terms of the movement of a guest molecule (2HP) in a clathratelike structure of ice.     

Acetaminophen particle design using chitosan and a spray-drying technique

In this study matrices were prepared from particles of poorly water-soluble drugs such as acetaminophen (Act) to determine the drug release rate from these matrix particles. The matrix particles were prepared by incorporating drugs into chitosan powder (Cht, carrier) using a spray-drying method. The formation of composite particles was confirmed by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. The matrix particles prepared by spray-drying were spherical with a smooth surface. The crystallinity of acetaminophen in the composite particles was evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The degree of crystallinity of acetaminophen in the matrix particles decreased with a reduction in the weight ratio of acetaminophen relative to the carrier. These results indicate that a solid dispersion of acetaminophen in chitosan forms matrix particles. The interaction between acetaminophen and chitosan was also investigated by FT-IR analysis. FT-IR spectroscopy of the acetaminophen solid dispersion suggested that the carbonyl group of acetaminophen and the amino group of chitosan formed a hydrogen bond. There were some differences at pH levels of 1.2 and 6.8 in the release of acetaminophen from the physical mixture compared to the matrix particles. At pH 1.2, the release from the matrix particles (Act : Cht=1 : 5) was more sustained than from the physical mixtures. The 70% release time, T70, of acetaminophen from the matrix particles (Act : Cht=1 : 5) increased in pH 1.2 fluid by about 9-fold and in pH 6.8 fluid by about 5-fold compared to crystalline acetaminophen. These results suggest that matrix particles prepared by spray-drying are useful as a sustained release preparation.     

Covalent immobilization of Candida antarctica lipase B on nanopolystyrene and its application to microwave-assisted esterification

Nanopolystyrene was used as a solid support for the covalent immobilization of Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) using the photoreactive reagent 1-fluoro-2-nitro-4-azido benzene (FNAB) as a coupling reagent. The obtained derivative was then used as a biocatalyst in a microwave assisted esterification experiment. Factors such as contact time, pH, and enzyme concentration were investigated during immobilization. The hydrolytic activity, thermal, and operational stability of immobilized-CalB were determined. The maximum immobilized yield (218 μg/mg support) obtained at pH 6.8 exhibited optimum hydrolytic activity (4.42 × 10³ mU p-nitrophenol/min). The thermal stability of CalB improved significantly when it was immobilized at pH 10, however, the immobilized yield was very low (93.6 μg/mg support). The immobilized-CalB prepared at pH 6.8 and pH 10 retained 50% of its initial activity after incubation periods of 14 and 16 h, respectively, at 60 ℃. The operational stability was investigated for the microwave assisted esterification of oleic acid with methanol. Immobilized-CalB retained 50% of its initial activity after 15 batch cycles in the microwave-assisted esterification. The esterification time was notably reduced under microwave irradiation. The combined use of a biocatalyst and microwave heating is thus an alternative total green synthesis process.     

Improvement of dissolution and bioavailability for mebendazole, an agent for human echinococcosis, by preparing solid dispersion with polyethylene glycol.

The solid dispersion of mebendazole was prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to enhance the dissolution rate of mebendazole, an agent for the chemotherapy of human echinococcosis. The dissolution rate of the solid dispersion increased compared with the physical mixture, and also increased with the incorporation of an increasing amount of PEG-6000. An extensive improvement of the dissolution rate was observed when the ratio of the solid dispersion of mebendazole to PEG-6000 was more than 1: 2. Furthermore, greater bioavailability in rabbits was obtained after oral administration of the solid dispersion compared with the physical mixture.     

pH响应性P(MMA-co-MAA-co-HEMA)微凝胶的制备及其性能

利用预乳化乳液法制备了不同单体配比的聚(甲基丙烯酸甲酯-co-甲基丙烯酸-co-甲基丙烯酸羟乙酯)(P(MMA-co-MAA-co-HEMA))微凝胶分散液;采用透射电子显微镜、动态光散射仪研究了微凝胶的微观形态、粒径大小及其溶胀率;利用试管倒转法对微凝胶分散液的凝胶化相转变行为进行了研究,借助椎板流变仪考察了所形成胶态凝胶的储能模量与单体配比、微凝胶分散液浓度和温度的关系.结果表明,所制备的微凝胶的数均粒径为90 nm左右,当MMA与MAA的投料质量不变时,随着HEMA含量的增加,分散液凝胶化所需的临界最小浓度增大,临界最大pH值减小,胶态凝胶的储能模量增加.当保持单体MMA与HEMA的投料质量不变时,随着单体MAA投料质量的增多,微凝胶的数均粒径和溶胀率增大,胶态凝胶的储能模量先升高后降低;当MAA占单体总摩尔数的25%时,浓度为15 wt%的微凝胶分散液在扫描频率为100 rad/s时,胶态凝胶的储能模量最高可达2×104Pa.这类微凝胶分散液在组织工程支架材料方面有潜在的应用价值.     

Development of extended release coevaporates and coprecipitates of promethazine HCl with acrylic polymers: formulation considerations

The present investigation studied a novel extended release system of promethazine hydrochloride (PHC) with acrylic polymers Eudragit RLPO and Eudragit RS100 in different weight ratios (1 : 1 and 1 : 5) using coevaporation and coprecipitation techniques. Solid dispersions were characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as solubility and in vitro dissolution studies in 0.1 n HCl (pH 1.2), double distilled water and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Adsorption test from drug solution to solid polymers were also performed. Selected solid dispersion system was subjected to direct compression and compressed tablets were evaluated for in vitro dissolution studies. The progressive disappearance of drug peaks in thermotropic profiles of coevaporates were related to increasing amount of polymers while SEM studies suggested homogenous dispersion of drug in polymer. Eudragit RLPO had a greater adsorptive capacity than Eudragit RS100 and thus its coevaporates in 1 : 5 ratio exhibited higher dissolution rate with 91.90% drug release for 12 h. Among different formulations, tablets prepared by Eudragit RLPO coevaporates (1 : 5) displayed extended release of drug for 12 h with 90.87% release followed by zero order kinetics (r(2)=0.9808).     

Interfacial-chemistry mediated behavior of colloidal talc dispersions

Interfacial chemistry and rheological behavior of talc suspensions as a function of pH, talc solid content, and type and concentration of ions have been investigated using electrokinetic measurements, rheology, settling behavior, and solution analysis. Zeta potential measurements show a strong dependence on the pH history of the talc suspension that only occurs when the surface area (solid content) of the talc is high. Particle interactions measured through dispersion yield stress measurements show a similar dependence. Talc is a magnesium silicate mineral and the dependence seen in the electrokinetic properties in this study has been attributed to Mg(II) dissolution at low pH, and has been confirmed by solution analysis. At high solid content (>20 wt%), pronounced Mg(II) ion dissolution occurs at low pH values. Formation and adsorption of electropositive Mg(II) hydrolysis products occurs at high pH (>9), and these lead to zeta potential reduction and, at high solid contents, charge reversal. Particle interactions reflect the surface chemistry behavior. Consequently, for a freshly prepared suspension at high pH, the yield stress is lower compared to after the pH has been taken to 5 and subsequently increased.