Thermal, spectroscopic, and dissolution studies of the simvastatin–acetylsalicylic acid mixtures

The objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of eutectic formation on in vitro dissolution of simvastatin (SIM) released from mixtures with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prepared by a grinding method. SIM–ASA mixtures were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), and in vitro dissolution tests. IR spectroscopy and XRPD studies indicated no interaction between SIM and ASA in the solid state. The DSC investigation has revealed that SIM and ASA form a simple eutectic system containing 66.6 % w/w of SIM at the eutectic point. In vitro dissolution studies of SIM and its mixtures with ASA were carried out. The eutectic mixture shows an appreciable increase in the dissolution rate in comparison with other ratios and SIM in 0.5 % w/v sodium lauryl sulfate. The dissolution enhancement of SIM was related to the effective wetting of the drug particles with a significantly reduced size released from eutectic composition. In conclusion, dissolution of SIM can be enhanced through eutectic formation with ASA by means of simple mechanical activation (a grinding method).     

Compatibility study of the acetylsalicylic acid with different solid dosage forms excipients

This study is part of a research project aimed to find and optimize methods by which drug-excipient compatibility can be reliably and quickly assessed. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the compatibility of the acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, with pharmaceutical excipients of common use including diluents, binders, disintegrants, lubricants and solubilising agents. In order to investigate the possible interactions between ASA and eleven excipients differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry analysis completed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray powder diffraction were used for compatibility study. The DSC has proven to be, among the selected analytical techniques, the most sensitive and specific in assessing the compatibility. The samples, as physical mixtures, were prepared by mixing the analyte and excipients in a proportion of 1:1 (w:w). On the basis of thermal results (especially DSC), confirmed by FT-IR and X-ray analysis, a possible chemical interaction was found between the ASA with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) and magnesium stearate, respectively a possible physical interaction with colloidal silicon dioxide and stearic acid (Ac. St.).     

Preparation and investigation on tetradecanol and myristic acid/cellulose form-stable phase change material

In this paper, a novel form-stable phase change material (FS PCM) was prepared by incorporating the eutectic mixture of tetradecanol (TD) and myristic acid (MA) into the hydroxylpropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). HPMC is used as support material, and the eutectic mixture is used as phase change material. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the chemical structure, crystallization behavior and morphology of the FS PCM, respectively. FT-IR, XRD and SEM showed that the TD–MA was distributed uniformly in HPMC by physical interaction. Specific surface area (BET) and pore size analysis determined the pore characteristics of the composite, and the results showed the porosity of HPMC. The thermal properties, thermal stability and thermal reliability were detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), thermal cycling test and leakage test. The TG, DSC and leakage analysis results revealed that the absorption of eutectic mixture into HPMC is nearly 50% and without seepage from the composite. The peak temperatures of melting and solidifying were 34.61 and 31.09 °C, and latent heat was 102.11/84.58 J g^?1 by DSC. TG and cycling experiment detected that the FS PCM showed good thermal stability and reliability performance.     

Thermodynamic and morphological analysis of eutectic formation of CBZ-l-Asp and l-PheOMe·HCl mixtures

The eutectic melting of a CBZ-l-Asp/l-PheOMe·HCl model mixture was investigated in kinetic, thermal, thermodynamic, rheological, and morphological aspects. From TX-phase diagrams, the eutectic composition was determined to be 0.55 M fraction of CBZ-l-Asp. The highest melting rate and the lowest apparent viscosity in the range of 55-75 °C were obtained at the eutectic composition. Using Arrhenius plots of melting rates and apparent viscosities, minimum activation energies in the range of 60-80 °C were obtained at the eutectic composition, whereas maximum values were attained below 60 °C. At the eutectic composition, the maximum heat of fusion, the lowest excess free energy, and the highest excess entropy values were observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A highly homogeneous morphology due to rearrangement of molecules was observed in the eutectic mixture via scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. IR spectra revealed that hydrogen bonding in the mixture increases during eutectic melting.     

A tale of two polymorphic pharmaceuticals: pyrithyldione and propyphenazone and their 1937 co-crystal patent

A co-crystal of two polymorphic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), first reported and patented in 1937, has been prepared and thoroughly characterised, including crystal structure analysis. The existence of four crystal forms of one of the APIs, the sedative and hypnotic active pharmaceutical ingredient 3,3-diethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyridinedione, pyrithyldione (PYR), and of three crystal forms of the co-crystal-forming second API, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug 1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one, propyphenazone (PROP), has been reported previously, but they have only been partly characterised. For both compounds, none of the metastable forms exist at room temperature. DSC, hot-stage microscopy, X-ray diffraction and powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction were employed to characterise the polymorphic forms and to determine the crystal structures of forms I-III of PYR and forms I and II of PROP.     

Thermal investigation of PEG 4000 — oxazepam binary system

A thermal study using DSC and Hot Stage Microscopy (HSM) was carried out to investigate the interaction in solid state of the binary system PEG 4000 — oxazepam, and to establish their phase diagram. The eutectic composition, which melting occurs at lower temperature as compared with the pure components, has been determined. The results obtained by DSC and HSM have indicated that PEG 4000 — oxazepam mixtures displays no obvious incompatibilities, and that the system shows a typical eutectic behaviour. However because of the closeness of the melting of PEG 4000 to the eutectic temperature, it was difficult to determine precisely the eutectic composition and temperature on the basis of DSC measurements alone. The use of heats of fusion corresponding to physical mixtures allowed an estimation of the eutectic composition at 6% w/w oxazepam. Additional information of temperature (57.6C) and composition (5–10% w/w oxazepam) of the eutectic was obtained by HSM using the contact method. This low melting temperature in this range of compositions offers advantages in terms of drug stability and easy manufacture.     

Compatibility study between indomethacin and excipients in their physical mixtures

Thermal analysis is a routine method for analysis of drugs and substances of pharmaceutical interest. Thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are thermoanalytical methods which offer important information about the physical and chemical properties of drugs (purity, stability, phase transition, polymorphism, compatibility, kinetic analysis, etc.). This work exemplifies a general method of studying the drug-excipient interactions with the aim of predicting rapidly and inexpensively the long thermal stability of their mixtures. The TG/DTG and DSC were used as screening techniques for assessing the compatibility between indomethacin (IND) and its physical associations as binary mixtures with some common excipients. Based on their frequent use in preformulations eleven different excipients: corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose (PH 101; PH 102), colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose (monohydrate and anhydre), polyvinilpyrrolidone K30, magnesium stearate, talc, stearic acid, and manitol were blended with IND. The samples were prepared by mixing the analyte and excipients in a proportion of 1:1 (w:w). In order to investigate the possible interactions between the components, the thermal curves of IND and each selected excipient were compared with those of their 1:1 (w/w) physical mixtures. FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction were used as complementary techniques to adequately implement and assist in interpretation of thermal results. On the basis of thermal results, confirmed by FT-IR and X-ray analyses, a possible interaction was found between IND with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, magnesium stearate, and stearic acid.     

Formation and characterization of high surface area thermally stabilized titania/silica composite materials via hydrolysis of titanium(IV) tetra-isopropoxide in sols of spherical silica particles

A direct synthetic route leading to titania particles dispersed on nonporous spherical silica particles has been investigated; 5, 10, and 20% (w/w) titania/silica sols mixtures were achieved via hydrolyzation of titanium tetra-isopropxide solution in the mother liquor of a freshly prepared sol of spherical silica particles (St?ber particles). Titania/silica materials were produced by subsequent drying and calcination of the xerogels so obtained for 3 h at 400 and 600 degrees C. The materials were investigated by means of thermal analyses (TGA and DSC), FT-IR, N(2) gas adsorption-desorption, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In spite of the low surface area (13.1 m(2)/g) of the pure spherical silica particles calcined at 400 degrees C, high surface area and mesoporous texture titania/silica materials were obtained (e.g., S(BET) ca. 293 m(2)/g for the 10% titania/silica calcined at 400 degrees C). Moreover, the materials were shown to be amorphous toward XRD up to 600 degrees C, while reasonable surface areas were preserved. It has been concluded that dispersion of titania particles onto the surface of the nonporous spherical silica particles increase their roughness, therefore leading to composite materials of less firm packing and mesoporosity.     

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.     

Physicochemical analyses of phase transition and dehydration processes of a new oral 1beta-methylcarbapenem antibiotic agent,CS-834

The characterizations of the anhydrate (A-form), monohydrate (B1-form), and dihydrate (B2-form) of CS-834 were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), infrared spectroscopy, and Karl Fischer moisture titration. The typical DSC curve of the B2-form showed five endothermic peaks at 35.0, 46.4, 56.2, 99.2, and 190.4 degrees C and an exothermic peak at 123.4 degrees C. In TG-DTA analysis, the three peaks at 35.0, 46.4, and 56.2 degrees C had a total weight loss of 7.3%, corresponding to the release of two water molecules. From morphological observation under thermomicroscopy, the endothermic peak at 99.2 degrees C was attributed to the melting of the dehydrous crystals (B0-form) and the exothermic peak at 123.4 degrees C to the recrystallization to the A-form crystals. The endothermic peak at 190.4 degrees C was due to the melting of the A-form crystals. After incubation for 6.0 h at 35, 50, 60, and 80 degrees C, the powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the B2-form indicated that it was converted into the A-form via the B1-form and B0-form. Thus CS-834 exists in homologous hydrous crystal forms in multiple-phase transformations with the dehydration of two water molecules.     

Phase equilibria in the ternary system NaF–KF–CsF

The ternary eutectic system CsF–KF–NaF was studied by differential thermal analysis. The melting point and composition of the ternary eutectic were determined, and so was the boundary of the region of limited series of solid solutions within the composition triangle. The compositions of crystallizing phases were confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The specific enthalpy of melting of the ternary eutectic was experimentally found.     

Physicochemical characterization of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor alogliptin in physical mixtures with excipients

Alogliptin (ALG) is a hypoglycemic drug used in diabetes which inhibits the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), preventing the degradation of incretins, stimulating insulin secretion. The physicochemical characteristics of ALG were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDS). The compatibility studies were carried out between ALG and excipients (physical mixtures, 1:1) using DSC, TG, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and hot-stage microscopy. ALG presented purity near to 99%, melted in the range of 179.4–187.2 °C, followed by decomposition which started in 198.0 °C. SEM/EMS analysis of ALG presented irregular crystals and traces of impurities as copper and lead. DSC investigations obtained by physical mixtures showed minor alterations in the melting ranges of ALG with mannitol, magnesium stearate and commercial tablets. Solubilization of ALG in the fused excipient was observed by hot-stage microscopy between mannitol and ALG, and in tablets. The interaction observed in the mixture with magnesium stearate is due to the melting of the excipient and drug separately, first the excipient and then the drug. FTIR showed additional bands related to the excipients. XRPD proved that ALG has a crystal form and no alterations in the ALG profile were observed after the mixtures. ALG was compatible with all excipients tested. These results were important to understand the characteristics, stability and compatibility of the drug, and proved to be useful in preformulation studies.

     

The Usefulness of X-ray Diffraction and Thermal Analysis to Study Dietary Supplements Containing Iron

X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry/derivative of thermogravimetry (DSC/DTG)) are solid-state techniques that can be successfully used to identify and quantify various chemical compounds in polycrystalline mixtures, such as dietary supplements or drugs. In this work, 31 dietary supplements available on the Polish market that contain iron compounds, namely iron gluconate, fumarate, bisglycinate, citrate and pyrophosphate, were evaluated. The aim of the work was to identify iron compounds declared by the manufacturer as food supplements and to try to verify compliance with the manufacturer’s claims. Studies performed by X-ray and thermal analysis confirmed that crystalline iron compounds (iron (II) gluconate, iron (II) fumarate), declared by the manufacturers, were present in the investigated dietary supplements. Iron (II) bisglycinate proved to be semi-crystalline. However, depending on the composition of the formulation, it was possible to identify this compound in the tested supplements. For amorphous iron compounds (iron (III) citrate and iron (III) pyrophosphate), the diffraction pattern does not have characteristic diffraction lines. Food supplements containing crystalline iron compounds have a melting point close to the melting point of pure iron compounds. The presence of excipients was found to affect the shapes and positions of the endothermic peaks significantly. Widening of endothermic peaks and changes in their position were observed, as well as exothermic peaks indicating crystallization of amorphous compounds. Weight loss was determined for all dietary supplements tested. Analysis of the DTG curves showed that the thermal decomposition of most food supplements takes place in several steps. The results obtained by a combination of both simple, relatively fast and reliable XRPD and DSC/DTG methods are helpful in determining phase composition, pharmaceutical abnormalities or by detecting the presence of the correct polymorphic form.     

Grinding of drugs with pharmaceutical excipients at cryogenic temperatures

The effect of cryogenic grinding on the piroxicam and its mixtures with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was studied by powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystallization of the amorphous piroxicam obtained during cryogrinding showed two events in a DSC curve (noticeable for pure piroxicam, and much more pronounced for the PVP-piroxicam mixtures). For the same measurement conditions, the intensity ratio of the peaks corresponding to the two events differed for the PVP-piroxicam mixtures of different drug-excipient ratios. The temperatures, at which these events were observed, increased with the increase in the PVP-concentration in the mixture. For the mixtures with a high relative content of PVP (≥60%), crystallization was not observed at all. Only one glass transition was revealed for the mixture containing 80% PVP suggesting that a molecular alloy was formed.     

Compatibility study between ibuprofen and excipients in their physical mixtures

The thermal techniques of analysis were used to assess the compatibility between ibuprofen (IB) and some excipients used in the development of extended released formulations. This study is a part of a systematic study undertaken to find and optimizes a general method of detecting the drug–excipient interactions, with the aim of predicting rapidly and assuring the long-term stability of pharmaceutical product and speeding up its marketing. The thermal properties of IB and its physical association as binary mixtures with some common excipients were evaluated by thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry. FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) were used as complementary techniques to adequately implement and assist in interpretation of the thermal results. Based on their frequent use in preformulations nine different excipients: starch; microcrystalline cellulose (PH 101 and PH 102); colloidal silicon dioxide; lactose (monohydrate and anhydre); polyvinylpyrrolidone; magnesium stearate and talc were blended with IB. The samples were prepared by mixing the analyte and excipients in a proportion of 1:1 (w:w). The TG/DSC curves of the IB have shown a single stage of mass loss between 175 and 290 °C, respectively, an endothermic peak at 78.5 °C, which corresponds to the melting (literature T _m = 75–78 °C).     

Lactose as a low molecular weight carrier of solid dispersions for carbamazepine and ethenzamide

Solid dispersions of carbamazepine or ethenzamide were prepared by melting and rapid cooling with liquid nitrogen using lactose as a carrier. The physical characteristics of these solid dispersions were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and dissolution rate analysis. The degree of crystallinity of the drugs in solid dispersions decreased with decreases in the molar ratio of the drugs to lactose. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis demonstrated the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the primary amide group of carbamazepine and lactose. Dissolution studies indicated that the dissolution rate was markedly increased in solid dispersions compared with physical mixtures and pure drugs. These results indicated that lactose is useful as a carrier for the production of solid dispersions of drugs having a primary amide group in their structures.     

Polymorphic effects at the eutectic melting in the H2O–glycine system

Solid mixtures of ice with three glycine polymorphs were heated up to the eutectic melting and the DSC has detected the eutectic temperatures of ?2.8 °C for α-, ?3.6 °C for β-, and ?2.8 °C for γ-glycine. DSC peaks of the eutectic melting are rather strange in shape, indicating unclear processes in the solutions. Accurate DSC measurements of extremely small samples can probably provide us with the physicochemical tool for the investigation of polymorphic differences among different solutions. This may be important in relation to different bioavailability of solutions prepared from different polymorphs. Eutectic temperature of ?4.7 °C in water–glycine system allows us to suggest that the unknown polymorph of glycine exists.     

Thermal,spectroscopic, and dissolution studies of ketoconazole–Pluronic F127 system

One strategy for improving the dissolution of poorly water soluble drugs is to prepare solid dispersions such as binary mixtures with hydrophilic carriers. These mixtures are generally characterized by better solubility than those of the individual components from which they are formed. In the present study, solid dispersions of ketoconazole (KET) with Pluronic F127 (PLU) were prepared by the grinding method. Solid–liquid equilibria in the system being studied were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. A phase diagram for the whole range of compositions was constructed. The investigation revealed that ketoconazole and Pluronic F127 form a simple eutectic system containing 4.4 % w/w of ketoconazole at the eutectic point. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffractometry studies of obtained mixtures suggest that there is no drug-carrier interaction and both components are crystalline in the solid dispersion with the whole range of composition. The prepared mixtures show an appreciable improvement of the dissolution rate of KET in 0.5 % w/v sodium lauryl sulfate. The improvement of the dissolution rate of drug is additionally increased by effective solubilization.     

Compatibility study of tobramycin and pharmaceutical excipients using differential scanning calorimetry,FTIR, DRX,and HPLC

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), isothermal stress testing–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (IST–FTIR), isothermal stress testing–high-performance liquid chromatography, and powder X-ray diffraction (PDRX) were used as screening techniques for assessing the compatibility of tobramycin with some currently employed ophthalmic excipients. In the first phase of the study, DSC was used as a tool to detect any interaction. The absolute value of the difference between the enthalpy of the pure tobramycin melting peak and that of its melting peak in the different analyzed mixtures was chosen as a parameter of the drug–excipient interaction degree. DSC results demonstrated that benzalkonium chloride, monobasic sodium phosphate, boric acid, edetate disodium, sodium metabisulfite, thimerosal, and potassium sorbate interact with tobramycin. Taking into account these results, it could be suggested that some of the changes observed in the IST–FTIR spectra of binary blends of tobramycin and some of the excipients would account for a possible interaction between the mixture component. In this study, PDRX did not provide much information, since only tobramycin–thimerosal interactions could be detected. DSC and IST–FTIR are suitable and simple methods for the detection of potential incompatibilities between active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipients.

     

Thermoanalytical method for studying the guest content in cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

The interaction of cypermethrin with β-cyclodextrin was investigated using different (coprecipitation, suspension, kneading and ‘melting in solution’) complexation methods and qualifying the resulted complexes by UV-spectrophotometry, thermal methods (TG, DTG and DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction. The total guest content of complexes can be measured by UV-spectrophotometry in aqueous ethanol solution, while the uncomplexed guest fraction of samples can be determined by DSC based on a previous calibration curve, which was found between the melting enthalpy change of cypermethrin and the guest content of physical mixture samples. The combination of both analytical methods enables the determination of really complexed guest content.