Cyclodextrin solubilization of celecoxib: solid and solution state characterization

The low aqueous solubility of celecoxib (CCB) hampers its oral bioavailability and permeation from aqueous environment through biological membranes. The aim of this study was to enhance the aqueous solubility of CCB by complexation with cyclodextrin (CD) in the presence of water-soluble polymer. The effects of different CDs (αCD, βCD, γCD, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RMβCD)) and mucoadhesive, water-soluble polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), chitosan and hyaluronic acid) were investigated. The phase solubility profiles and CCB/CD complex characteristics were determined. RMβCD exhibited the greatest solubilizing effect of the two CDs tested. However, γCD was also selected for further investigations due to its safety profile. Addition of polymer to the aqueous CD solutions enhanced the CD solubilization. Formation of CCB/RMβCD/HPMC and CCB/γCD/HPMC ternary complexes resulted in 11 and 19-fold enhancement in the apparent complexation efficiency in comparison to their CCB/CD binary complex, respectively. The size of ternary complex aggregates in solution were determined to be from about 250 to about 350 nm. The data obtained from Fourier transform infra-red, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction indicated presence of CCB/CD inclusion complexes in the solid state. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance data demonstrated that CCB was partially and totally inserted into the hydrophobic central cavities of RMβCD and γCD.     

An efficient synthesis of rufinamide, an antiepileptic drug

A two-step, one-pot synthesis of rufinamide, an antiepileptic drug, has been developed. 2,6-Difluorobenzyl azide reacts with methyl 3-methoxyacrylate followed by methanolic ammonia to afford rufinamide in 89% yield. The new method generates less waste and uses reagents that are both less expensive and less toxic than other reported syntheses.     

Evaluation the effect of cyclodextrin complexation on aqueous solubility of fluorometholone to achieve ophthalmic solution

In this study, the effect of different CDs including α-CD, β-CD, γ-CD, hydroxypropyl β-CD (HP β-CD), sulphobutylether β-CD (SBE β-CD) and HP γ-CD on aqueous solubility of fluorometholone (Flu) was investigated. Also the phase solubility studies were performed in the presence of eye drop excipients such as benzalkonium chloride, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and buffers. The aqueous solubility of Flu was increased by 8, 15, 5, 100, 65 and 135 folds in the presence of 20% w/v α-CD, β-CD, γ-CD, HP β-CD, HP γ-CD and SBE β-CD, respectively. Aqueous solubility of Flu was 0.43 ± 0.08 and 1.16 ± 0.04 mg/mL in systems containing 5% w/v HP γ-CD and SBE β-CD, respectively. The aqueous solubility of Flu in the presence of HP γ-CD was not influenced by buffer type while the phosphate buffer caused a reduction in the aqueous solubility in the presence of SBE-β-CD. Also, investigations on the solubility of Flu in water in the presence of 5% HP γ-CD and SBE-β-CD and the additives such as benzalkonium chloride and HPMC indicated that these components had no remarkable effect on the aqueous solubility of Flu. In conclusion, CD complexation is able to improve the aqueous solubility of Flu and it would be possible to prepare ophthalmic solution of Flu by this method.     

1,3-diindolylureas and 1,3-diindolylthioureas: anion complexation studies in solution and the solid state

1,3-Diindolylureas and thioureas have been synthesised and their anion complexation properties in solution studied. Whilst diindolylthioureas showed only moderate affinities and selectivities, diindolylureas show remarkably high affinity for dihydrogen phosphate in solution for an acyclic, neutral receptor in water/[D(6)]DMSO mixtures. These easy-to-make compounds adopt relatively planar conformations in the solid-state and are able to donate four hydrogen bonds and yet not fill the coordination sphere of carbonate or phosphate, allowing two or three receptors to bind to each anion in the solid-state.     

Unprecedented synthesis of 1,3-dimethylcyclobutadiene in the solid state and aqueous solution

Cyclobutadiene ( CBD ), the smallest cyclic hydrocarbon bearing conjugated double bonds, has long intrigued chemists because of its chemical characteristics. The question of whether the molecule could be prepared at all has been answered, but the parent compound and its unperturbed derivatives have eluded crystallographic characterization or synthesis “in water”. Different approaches have been used to generate and to trap cyclobutadiene in a variety of confined environments: a) an Ar matrix at cryogenic temperatures, b) a hemicarcerand cage enabling the characterization by NMR spectroscopy in solution, and c) a crystalline guanidinium–sulfonate–calixarene G₄C matrix that is stable enough to allow photoreactions in the solid state. In the latter case, the 4,6‐dimethyl‐α‐pyrone precursor, Me₂1 , has been immobilized in a guanidinium–sulfonate–calixarene G₄C crystalline network through a combination of non‐covalent interactions. UV irradiation of the crystals transforms the entrapped Me₂1 into a 4,6‐dimethyl‐Dewar‐β‐lactone intermediate, Me₂2 , and rectangular‐bent 1,3‐dimethylcyclobutadiene, Me₂CBD^R , which are sufficiently stable under the confined conditions at 175 K to allow a conventional structure determination by X‐ray diffraction. Further irradiation drives the reaction towards Me₂3&Me₂CBD^S /CO₂ (63.7 %) and Me₂CBD^R (37.3 %) superposed crystalline architectures and the amplification of Me₂CBD^R . The crystallographic models are supported by additional FTIR and Raman experiments in the solid state and by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry experiments in aqueous solution. Amazingly, the 4,6‐dimethyl‐Dewar‐β‐lactone, Me₂2 , the cyclobutadiene‐carboxyl zwitterion, Me₂3 , and 1,3‐dimethylcyclobutadiene, Me₂CBD , were obtained by ultraviolet irradiation of an aqueous solution of G₄C{Me₂1} . 1,3‐Dimethylcyclobutadiene is stable in water at room temperature for several weeks and even up to 50 °C as demonstrated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy.     

Properties of the methyl cellulose-polyvinylpyrrolidone binary system in solution and in the solid state

Rheological properties of dilute and moderately concentrated aqueous solutions of methyl cellulose-polyvinylpyrrolidone blends, as well as the conditions of gelation in them, were studied. Films were obtained from solutions of the polymer blends, and their physicomechanical properties were examined. The range of the compositions corresponding to thermodynamic compatibility of methyl cellulose with polyvinylpyrrolidone was identified by the solvent vapor sorption method and by thermomechanical examinations of the films.     

Enhancing the dissolution of hydrophobic guests using solid state inclusion complexation: characterization and in vitro evaluation

The objectives of the present investigation were to prepare and characterize solid inclusion complexes of Etodolac (ETD) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in order to study the effect of complexation on the dissolution rate of ETD, a hydrophobic guest molecule. Phase solubility curve was classified as a typical A_L-type for the cyclodextrins (CD’s), showing that soluble complex was formed. The inclusion complexes in the molar ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 (β-CD–ETD) were prepared by various methods such as kneading, co-evaporation and in molar ratio of 1:1 by spray dried technique respectively. The molecular behaviors of ETD in all samples were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies and Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results of these studies indicated that complexes prepared by kneading, co-evaporation and spray drying techniques showed inclusion of the ETD molecule into the CD’s cavities. The highest improvement in in vitro dissolution profiles was observed in complexes prepared with spray dried technique. Mean in vitro dissolution time indicated significant difference between the release profiles of ETD from complexes and physical mixtures and from pure ETD.     

Np(V) carbonates in solid state and aqueous solution

The solubility of NaNpO₂CO₃(s) in 0.1M perchlorate solution at 25°C in equilibrium with 1.0% CO₂/N₂ atmosphere has been investigated as a function of pH/lg [CO₃ ^2-]. The solid phase was found hexagonal with a=1008.1±0.3 pm and c=991.1±0.2 pm. A solubility product of lg Ksp(NaNpO₂CO₃)=–10.22±0.02 and a formation constant of the first Np(V) carbonato species of lg ß₀₁ = 4.52±0.02 was evaluated. For the dicarbonato species an upper limit of lg lg ß₀₂ < 6.6 was derived. Comparison of the present data with solubility values of Np(V) in equilibrium with 0.03% CO₂ partial pressure gave evidence that carbonato species are prevailing in solutions at both 1% and 0.03% CO₂ partial pressures.     

Physicochemical characterization of terbinafine-cyclodextrin complexes in solution and in the solid state

Terbinafine (TB) is an allylamine derivative used as oral and topical antifungal agent. The physicochemical properties of the complexes between TB and different cyclodextrins (CDs): α-CD, β-CD, hydroxypropylβ-CD, methylβ-CD and γ-CD, have been studied in pH 12 aqueous solutions at 25 °C and in the solid state. Different phase solubility profiles of TB in the presence of CDs have been obtained: A_L type for TB with hydroxypropylβ-CD and γ-CD, A_P type for the complexes with methylβ-CD and α-CD, while a B_S profile was found for TB-β-CD. The apparent stability constants of the complexes were calculated at 25 °C from the phase solubility diagrams. The higher increase of TB solubility, up to 200-fold, together with the higher value of the stability constant were found for the complex with methylβ-CD. Solid systems of 1:1 drug:CD molar ratio were prepared and characterised using X-ray diffraction patterns, thermal analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. The coevaporation method can be considered the best method in preparing these solid complexes. The complexes of TB with natural CDs, except with α-CD, were crystalline, whereas the methyl and hydroxypropyl derivatives gave rise to amorphous phases. Dissolution rate studies have been performed with TB-β-CD and TB-HPβ-CD complexes, showing a positive influence of complexation on the drug dissolution.     

Sertaconazole-HPβCD-pluronic F127 solid inclusion complexes: characterization and effect on drug solubility

The influence of Pluronic^® F127 (PF127) on hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-βCD) complexation in solid state with sertaconazole, a highly active but poorly soluble antifungal drug, and its repercussion on drug solubilization and release rate were evaluated. Solid ternary systems comprising sertaconazole: HP-βCD:PF127 were obtained by (i) kneading of blends wetted with methanol:phosphate buffer; (ii) freeze-drying of filtered suspensions; and (iii) cast of films of filtered suspensions in an oven at 37°C. Two levels of PF127 concentrations were evaluated, one below (0.1%) and other above (5%) the critical micellar concentration (CMC). Physical mixtures were used as references. Differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray difractometry showed that PF127 did not significantly interfere in the complexation process, as confirmed by the total amount of sertaconazole nitrate (SN) dissolved. Nevertheless, the presence of 5% PF127 significantly delayed the release owing to its ability to form a gel layer. These ternary systems are potentially useful to combine drug solubilization ability with control of drug release.     

Comparative study of oxaprozin complexation with natural and chemically-modified cyclodextrins in solution and in the solid state

The complexing, solubilizing and amorphizing abilities toward oxaprozin (a poorly water-soluble anti-inflammatory agent) of some β-cyclodextrin derivatives (hydroxypropyl-βCd, heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl-βCd (DIMEB) amorphous randomly substituted methyl-βCd (RAMEB) and semi-crystalline methyl-βCd (CRYSMEΒ)) were investigated and compared with those of natural (α-, β-, γ-) cyclodextrins. The role of both the cavity size, the amorphous or crystalline state and the presence and type of substituent on the ability of cyclodextrins in establishing effective interactions with the drug has been evaluated. Equimolar drug-cyclodextrin solid systems were prepared by blending, kneading, co-grinding, sealed-heating, coevaporation, and colyophilization. Drug-carrier interactions were studied in both the liquid and solid state by phase-solubility analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry, FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. βCd showed the best performance among the natural Cds, indicating that its cavity was the most suitable for accommodating the drug molecule. The presence of substituents on the rim of the βCd cavity significantly improved its complexing and solubilizing effectiveness towards the drug, and methylated derivatives were better than the hydroxy-propylated ones The amorphous nature of the partner was also important: among the examined methyl-derivatives, RAMEB proved to be the most effective in performing solid state interactions and in improving drug wettability and dissolution properties.     

New insights into the use of hydroxypropyl cellulose for drug solubility enhancement: An analytical study of sub-molecular interactions with fenofibrate in solid state and aqueous solutions

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a solubility enhancer used for poorly soluble drugs, nano-suspensions and amorphous solid dispersions (ASD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. ASDs of a poorly soluble drug, fenofibrate (FEN), were analyzed using liquid nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and solid state NMR (ss-NMR). Liquid NMR revealed interactions between the pyranose ring of the HPC molecule and the diphenylketone from FEN. The water accessibility of the CH₃ groups in HPC and FEN is very low, they form a hydrophobic zone in aqueous solution that may sustain the drug nucleation. Moreover, ss-NMR measurements confirmed very low drug crystallinity for HPC-FEN ASDs. Cross-polarization and direct polarization ¹³C spectra, ¹³C-CPMAS and ¹³C-PARIS, distinguished the most rigid and flexible portions in concordance with the ss-NMR proton T₁ and T_1r relaxation results. Although HPC side chains (hydroxypropoxy) are the most flexible portions, their flexibility is moderate and high rigidity is the predominant. The ss-NMR proton relaxation indicates a rather homogeneous distribution of the components (HPC and FEN) in the solid mixtures. The versatile NMR methodology proposed can be used to study other polymer-drug systems and it may contribute to understand relevant functional aspects such as the rate of drug-delivery and their stability.     

Coordination of a uraniumIV sulfate monomer in an aqueous solution and in the solid state

UraniumIV sulfate in an aqueous solution and the solid state has been investigated with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The coordination polyhedron comprises monodentate sulfate, bidentate sulfate, and water molecules. The coordination modes of sulfate in solution have been determined from the U-S distances with EXAFS. The U-S distance of 3.67 +/- 0.02 A indicates monodentate sulfate, and the U-S distance of 3.08 +/- 0.02 A indicates bidentate coordination. The obtained sulfur coordination numbers of a solution with a [SO42-]/[U4+] ratio of 40 suggest species with compositions of [U(SO4,bid)2(SO4,mon)2 x nH2O]4- and [U(SO4,bid)3 (SO4,mon)2 x mH2O]6-. Charge-compensating countercations or ion pairing with Na+ and NH4+ could not be detected with EXAFS. One of the solution species, [U(SO4)5H2O]6-, has been conserved in a crystal. The corresponding crystal structure of Na1.5(NH4)4.5[U(SO4)5 x H2O] x H2O [space group P1, a = 9.4995(16) A, b = 9.8903(16) A, c = 12.744(2) A, alpha = 93.669(2) degrees, beta = 103.846(2) degrees, gamma = 109.339(2) degrees] has been determined by single-crystal XRD. Two monomeric uraniumIV sulfate complexes and three sodium units are linked in alternating rows and form a one-dimensional ribbon structure parallel to the a axis.     

Vapour pressure of binary,three-phase (S-L-V) systems and solubility

Solubilities and vapour pressures along the solid-liquid equilibrium line for systems 2-t-butyl-4-methylphenol+benzene, 2-t-butyl-4-methylphenol+cyclohexane, 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol+benzene, 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol+cyclohexane and enthalpies of fusion for six phenols have been measured.The effect of specific interactions, leading to association, on solubilities and vapour pressures of 13 binary three-phase systems (S—L—V) has been discussed. Results of solubility prediction from vapour pressure measurements and vice versa are presented.     

Inclusion complex of cinnarizine withβ-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution and in solid state

Inclusion complex formation of cinnarizine (CN) with -cyclodextrin (-CD) in aqueous solution and in solid state was confirmed by the solubility method, powder X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy. The apparent stability constant, K, of the complex in water at 20°C was estimated as 6.2×10³M^–1. The stoichiometry of the complex was given as the ratio 12 of CN to -CD. The dissolution rate of CN/-CD complex which could be prepared three different methods, coprecipitation method, neutralization method and spray-drying method, was much more rapid than intact CN, i.e., about 30 times or more. The degradation of CN in acidic solution was found to be of pseudo first-order reaction. The pseudo first-order rate constant with -CD decrease with an increase in concentration of -CD at pH 1.20. The inclusion complex prepared by spray-drying method was very stable under heating conditions and under high humid conditions. There was no difference in the bioavailability of CN between oral administration of -CD complex and that of CN alone. The absorption of CN decreased significantly when CN administered with NaHCO₃. However, there was observed no decrease in the case of CN/-CD inclusion complex.     

Janus-type AT nucleosides: synthesis, solid and solution state structures

Novel Janus-type nucleoside analogues (1a-d) were synthesized. Their pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine base moiety has one face with a bidentate Watson-Crick donor-acceptor (DA) H-bond array of adenine and the other face with an acceptor-donor (AD) H-bond array of thymine. These nucleosides may self-associate through the self-complementary base pair. Indeed, in the solid state, compound 6d displayed a honeycomb-like supramolecular structure with tetrameric membered cavities formed through the combination of reverse Watson-Crick base pairs and aromatic stacking, in which the solvent molecules were accommodated. The result of temperature-dependent CD studies showed that the free nucleosides can form higher order chiral structures in aqueous solution.     

Vibrational spectra of alpha-amino acids in the zwitterionic state in aqueous solution and the solid state: DFT calculations and the influence of hydrogen bonding

The zwitterionic forms of the two simplest alpha-amino acids, glycine and l-alanine, in aqueous solution and the solid state have been modeled by DFT calculations. Calculations of the structures in the solid state, using PW91 or PBE functionals, are in good agreement with the reported crystal structures, and the vibrational spectra computed at the optimized geometries provide a good fit to the observed IR and Raman spectra in the solid state. DFT calculations of the structures and vibrational spectra of the zwitterions in aqueous solution at the B3-LYP/cc-pVDZ level were found to require both explicit and implicit solvation models. Explicit solvation was modeled by inclusion of five hydrogen-bonded water molecules attached to each of the five possible hydrogen-bonding sites in the zwitterion and the integration equation formalism polarizable continuum model (IEF-PCM) was employed, providing a satisfactory fit to observed IR and Raman spectra. Band assignments are reported in terms of potential-energy distributions, which differ in some respects to those previously reported for glycine and l-alanine.