Proposition of group molar constants for sodium to calculate the partial solubility parameters of sodium salts using the van Krevelen group contribution method.

The aim of this study is to propose, for the first time, a set of group molar constants for sodium to calculate the partial solubility parameters of sodium salts. The values were estimated using the few experimental partial solubility parameters of acid/sodium salt series available either from the literature (benzoic acid/Na, ibuprofen acid/Na, diclofenac Na) or determined in this work (salicylic acid/Na, p-aminobenzoic acid/Na, diclofenac), the group contribution method of van Krevelen to calculate the partial parameters of the acids, and three reasonable hypothesis. The experimental method used is a modification of the extended Hansen approach based on a regression analysis of the solubility mole fraction of the drug lnX(2) against models including three- or four-partial solubility parameters of a series of pure solvents ranging from non-polar (heptane) to highly polar (water). The modified method combined with the four-parameter model provided the best results for both acids and sodium derivatives. The replacement of the acidic proton by sodium increased the dipolar and basic partial solubility parameters, whereas the dispersion parameter remained unaltered, thus increasing the overall total solubility parameter of the salt. The proposed group molar constants of sodium are consistent with the experimental results as sodium has a relatively low London dispersion molar constant (identical to that of -OH), a very high Keesom dipolar molar constant (identical to that of -NO(2), two times larger than that of -OH), and a very high hydrogen bonding molar constant (identical to that of -OH). The proposed values are: F((Na)d)=270 (J cm(3))(1/2) mol(-1); F((Na)p)=1030 (J cm(3))(1/2) mol(-1); U((Na)h)=17000 J mol(-1). Like the constants for the other groups, the group molar constants proposed for sodium are certainly not the exact values. However, they are believed to be a fair approximation of the impact of sodium on the partial solubility parameters and, therefore, can be used as such in the group contribution method of van Krevelen.     

Partial-solubility Parameters of Naproxen and Sodium Diclofenac

The expanded Hansen method was tested for determination of the solubility parameters of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, naproxen and sodium diclofenac. This work describes for the first time the application of the method to the sodium salt of a drug. The original dependent variable of the expanded Hansen method, involving the activity coefficient of the drug, was compared with the direct use of the logarithm of the mole fraction solubility lnX₂ in the solubility models. The solubility of both drugs was measured in pure solvents of several chemical classes and the activity coefficient was obtained from the molar heat and the temperature of fusion. Differential scanning calorimetry was performed on the original powder and on the solid phase after equilibration with the pure solvents, enabling detection of possible changes of the thermal properties of the solid phase that might change the value of the activity coefficient. The molar heat and temperature of fusion of sodium diclofenac could not be determined because this drug decomposed near the fusion temperature. The best results for both drugs were obtained with the dependent variable lnX₂ in association with the four-parameter model which includes the acidic and basic partial-solubility parameters δ_a and δ_b instead of the Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter δ_h. Because the dispersion parameter does not vary greatly from one drug to another, the variation of solubility among solvents is largely a result of the dipolar and hydrogen-bonding parameters, a fact that is being consistently found for other drugs of small molecular weight. These results support earlier findings with citric acid and paracetamol that the expanded Hansen approach is suitable for determining partial-solubility parameters. The modification introduced in the expanded Hansen method, i.e. the use of lnX₂ as the dependent variable, provides better results than the activity coefficient used in the original method. This is advantageous for drugs such as sodium diclofenac for which the ideal solubility cannot be estimated. This paper shows for the first time that the method is suitable for determination of the partial-solubility parameters of a sodium salt of a drug, sodium diclofenac.     

A new method to determine the partial solubility parameters of polymers from intrinsic viscosity.

A modification of the extended Hansen method, formerly used to determine the partial solubility parameters of drugs and non-polymeric excipients is tested with a polymer for the first time. The proposed method relates the logarithm of the intrinsic viscosities of the polymer in a series of solvents and solvent mixtures with the Hansen (three parameter model) and Karger (four parameter model) partial solubility parameters. The viscosity of diluted solutions of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was determined in pure solvents and binary mixtures of varying polarity. The intrinsic viscosity was obtained from the common intercept of the Huggins and Kraemer relationships. The intrinsic viscosity tends to increase with increasing the solubility parameter of the medium. The results show that hydrogen bonding and polarity of the polymer largely determine polymer-solvent interactions. The models proposed provided reasonable partial and total solubility parameters for the polymer and enable one to quantitatively characterize, for the first time, the Lewis acid-base ability of a polymer thus, providing a more realistic picture of hydrogen bonding for solvent selection/compatibility and to predict drug-polymer interactions. Combination of the dispersion and polar parameters into a single non-specific solubility parameter was also tested. The results extend earlier findings and suggest that the models are quite versatile and may be applied to drugs, non-polymeric and polymeric excipients.     

Estimation of the solubility parameter of trimethoprim by current methods

Group contribution, the extended Hildebrand solubility (EHS) and the extended Hansen solubility approaches are utilised to estimate the solubility parameter value of trimethoprim. The solubility data in the binary solvent series showed peak solubility at the solubility parameter of solvent, 11.7 H. The regression expression on the lines of the EHS approach yielded 12.06 H. The data on the solubility of trimethoprim in individual solvents was processed as per the extended Hansen approach. The partial solubility parameters were obtained and are used to estimate the solubility parameter, 12.93 H. Extending the Flory-Huggins size correction to this approach gave a value of 10.95 H and improved the correlation coefficient by 3 percent. Partitioning of hydrogen bonding (four parameter approach) didn't improve the value.     

Relationship between swelling of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and the Hansen and Karger partial solubility parameters

A model that relates the equilibrium swelling of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose to the partial solubility parameters of both the polymer and the solvents is proposed to interpret and correlate the experimental data. The non-specific interactions are expressed as the dispersion delta(d) and polar delta(p) solubility parameters of Hansen, or as a combination of both. Hydrogen bonding is represented by the acidic delta(a) and the basic delta(b) Karger solubility parameters. The results are compared with models including the same parameters for non-specific interactions (delta(d) and delta(p)) and the Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter delta(h). Equilibrium swelling of this hydrophilic polymer that is widely used in drug formulation is measured in pure solvents covering a wide polarity range. In a qualitative way, swelling increases in solvents with higher Hildebrand solubility parameters and stronger hydrogen bonding capability, and it decreases in non-polar solvents. Single polarity indexes, such as the Hildebrand solubility parameter or the partition coefficient (PC), do not fit well the overall experimental data. The best correlations were obtained with the proposed model, providing at the same time an interpretation consistent with the physical meaning of the terms included in the equation. Swelling increases as the non-specific interactions of the polymer and the solvents become alike, and as the Lewis acid-base interactions of the polymer (1) and the solvent (2) represented by the products delta(1a)delta(2b) and delta(1b)delta(2a) become greater. Conversely, hydrogen bonding self association of the solvents (the product delta(1a)delta(1b)) lowers swelling. The results show that the Karger hydrogen bonding parameters provide a better approach than the Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter to correlate the swelling behavior of a hydrophilic polymer.     

Predicting the solubility of sulfamethoxypyridazine in individual solvents. I: Calculating partial solubility parameters

Sulfamethoxypyridazine, a representative model of a drug molecule, is used to test the extended Hansen method for estimating partial solubility parameters of solid compounds. Solubilities are determined in polar and nonpolar solvents. The method provides reasonable partial parameters for the sulfonamide, and it may be useful in obtaining partial parameters for other drug molecules. A four-parameter extended Hansen approach involving proton donor and acceptor parameters is used in fitting the data to a theoretical model. A term, Wh, is introduced as an empirical measure of solute-solvent interactions due to hydrogen bonding. The use of the empirical term Wh allows the researcher to fit experimental solubilities and thus design regression models and equations which provide a reasonable prediction of solubilities of a polar drug in a number of very different solvents. A Flory-Huggins size correction term improves the prediction of sulfamethoxypyridazine solubilities in these irregular solutions.     

A Modification of the Extended Hildebrand Approach to Predict the Solubility of Structurally Related Drugs in Solvent Mixtures

Abstract— A modification of the extended Hildebrand equation is proposed to estimate the solubility of an organic drug in solvent mixtures. The equation accurately reproduces the solubility of four sulphonamides in dioxane-water mixtures without requiring the heat of fusion of the solute. A single equation is obtained for predicting the solubility of related drugs using the solubilities of the drugs in the pure solvents, dioxane and water, and solute-solvent interaction terms consisting of the solubility parameter, δ₂, of the solute and the solubility parameter, δ₁, and basic partial solubility parameter, δ_1b, of the solvent mixture. By this procedure a single equation was obtained to estimate the solubilities of three xanthines in dioxane-water and another equation to obtain the solubilities of four sulphonamides. The equation obtained for sulphonamides is able to predict the experimental solubilities of two parent compounds, sulphasomidine and sulphathiazole, and the solubilities of a drug of different structure, p-hydroxybenzoic acid. This suggests that the intermolecular solute-solvent interaction of sulphonamides and p-hydroxybenzoic acid are similar. The results indicate that the solubility behaviour of drugs having different structures may be modelled using a common equation provided that they show similar solute-solvent interactions.     

Predicting the solubility of sulfamethoxypyridazine in individual solvents. II: Relationship between solute-solvent interaction terms and partial solubility parameters

In the first paper in the series, an expanded system of parameters was devised to account for orientation and induction effects, and the term Wh was introduced to replace delta 1h delta 2h of the extended Hansen solubility approach. In the present report, a new term, Kh = Wh/delta 1h delta 2h is observed to take on values larger or smaller than unity depending on whether the hydrogen bonded solute-solvent interaction is larger or smaller than predicted by the term delta 1h delta 2h. The acidic delta a and basic delta b solubility parameters are used to represent two parameters, sigma and tau, suggested by Small in his study of proton donor-acceptor properties. The Small equation, including a heat of mixing term for hydrogen bonded species, is shown to be capable of semiquantitative evaluation. A partial molar heat delta H2h of hydrogen bonding is calculated using delta h and Wh terms; delta H2h is found to be correlated with the logarithm of the residual activity coefficient, In alpha R, a term representing strong solute-solvent interaction. The terms Wh, delta H2h, and In alpha 2R may be used to test the deviation from the geometric mean assumed in regular solution theory, and to replace the hydrogen bonding terms of the extended Hansen three-parameter model. The solubility of sulfamethoxypyridazine in 30 solvents is used to test the semiempirical solubility equations. The results are interpreted in terms of partial solubility parameters and the proton donor-acceptor properties of the solvents.     

Ex vivo study of transdermal permeation of four diclofenac salts from different vehicles

The ex vivo permeation of diclofenac was studied using four different salts (sodium, potassium, diethylamine, and epolamine) dissolved in four different solvents (water, propylene glycol (PG), Transcutol, and oleic acid (OA)) as donor phases through a human skin membrane. The four salts show different solubility values and different behavior in the four solvents, which are also permeation enhancers and this fact further is connected to the permeation results. The same order of magnitude of fluxes through the membrane as those previously reported for acidic diclofenac released from buffer solutions of pH >7 were found, taking into account differences originated by different membranes and other parameters tested in the experiments. Saturation concentration for the four salts in different solvents, necessary to calculate permeation coefficients, was critically evaluated; a short discussion made it possible to explain that corrections in the solubility values must be considered, related to the complex behavior in solution of these salts. Statistical processing of the experimental data suggests that differences between the four salts in promoting absorption of the drug is unproven; while differences are evident between the solvents, water is the most effective enhancing vehicle. Aqueous formulations containing diclofenac salt with an organic base appear to be the best combination to promote permeation in topical applications.     

The Expanded Hansen Approach to Solubility Parameters. Paracetamol and Citric Acid in Individual Solvents

In this study two solubility-parameter models have been compared using as dependent variables the logarithm of the mole fraction solubility, lnX₂^e, and ln(α)/U (originally used in the extended Hansen method), where α is the activity coefficient and U is a function of the molar volume of the solute and the volume fraction of the solvent. The results show for the first time the proton-donor and -acceptor hydrogen-bonding capacities of paracetamol, as measured by the acidic and basic partial-solubility parameters. The influence of solvents on the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) pattern of the solid phases was also studied in relation to the solubility models tested. Citric acid was chosen as a test substance because of its high acidity and its proton donor capacity to form hydrogen bonds with basic solvents. The partial acidic and basic solubility parameters obtained from multiple regression were consistent with this property, validating the model chosen. The results show that the more direct lnX₂^e variable was more suitable for fitting both models, and the four-parameter model seemed better for describing the interactions between solvent and solute.     

Solubility behaviour of haloperidol in individual solvents determination of partial solubility parameters.

The solubility behaviour of haloperidol in individual solvents ranging from non-polar to highly polar solvents was studied. Extended Hansen's method was used to analyze the solubility data and obtain partial solubility parameters of haloperidol. Flory-Huggin's size connection term 'B' was found to further improve the prediction of solubility. A four parameter extended Hansen's approach involving proton-donor and proton-acceptor parameters was also used in fitting the solubility data to a theoretical model. The term Wh, used as an empirical measure of solute-solvent interaction due to hydrogen bonding was used in calculating B. Different approaches were thus used in fitting the experimental solubility data to obtain regression equations which aim to provide a reasonable prediction of solubility of haloperidol in untested solvents. Solubility parameter was calculated from the partial solubility parameter values obtained from the different methods of data analysis, and compared with the theoretically obtained values. Solubility parameter of haloperidol is fixed at 10.58 H.     

Predicting the Solubility of Drugs in Solvent Mixtures: Multiple Solubility Maxima and the Chameleonic Effect

Abstract— An approach to reproduce the solubility profile of a drug in several solvent mixtures showing two solubility maxima is proposed in this work. The solubility of sulphamethoxypyridazine was determined at 25°C in several mixtures of varying polarity (hexane: ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate:ethanol and ethanol: water). Sulphamethoxypyridazine was chosen as a model drug because of its proton-donor and proton-acceptor properties. A plot of the mole fraction of the drug vs the solubility parameter of the solvent mixtures shows two solubility peaks. The two peaks found for sulphamethoxypyridazine demonstrate the chameleonic effect as described by Hoy and suggest that the solute-solvent interaction does not vary uniformly from one mixture to another. The different behaviour of the drug in mixtures of two proton-donor and proton-acceptor solvents (alcohol and water), and in mixtures of one proton acceptor (ethyl acetate) and one proton donor-proton acceptor (ethanol) is rationalized in terms of differences in the proton donor-acceptor ability of the solvent mixtures. An approach based on the acidic and basic partial solubility parameters together with the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the solvent mixtures is developed to reproduce the experimental results quantitatively. The equation predicts the two solubility maxima as found experimentally, and the calculated values closely correspond to the experimental values through the range composition of the solvent mixtures. These results show that the chameleonic effect can be described in a quantitative way in terms of Lewis acid-base interactions; this approach can assist the product formulator to choose the proper solvent mixture for a new drug. A good solvent blend should result in a solubility parameter close to that of the drug; the acidic and basic partial solubility parameter values should provide maximum acid-base interaction of the mixed solvent with the drug. The failure in one of these conditions results in decreased solubility. Solubility parameters as well as the acidic and basic parameters are tabulated or they can be obtained from group contribution methods, making easier the evaluation of the best solvent mixture for a drug.     

Determination of partial solubility parameters of five benzodiazepines in individual solvents

Three and four component partial solubility parameters for diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam and temazepam were determined using the extended and expanded Hansen regression models. A comparison was made also with solubility parameters calculated by the group contribution method proposed by Van Krevelen. Although a limited number of solvents was used, the results from the present study indicate that the partial solubility parameters obtained from the experimental regression models clearly reflect the structural differences in these five structurally related molecules. High R(2)-values were observed in the regression models (0.932 < or =R(2)< or =0.984), except for lorazepam (0.606 < or =R(2)< or =0.825). This was attributed to difficulties in obtaining reliable values of the temperature and heat of fusion due to thermal decomposition of this compound. Introduction of the Flory-Huggins size correction parameter did not improve the R(2)- and F-values in any of the regression models used.     

Chitosan and its salts for mucosal and transmucosal delivery

This review considers the application of chitosan and its salts in the delivery of drugs intended to act locally towards diseases of the mucosa itself (mucosal delivery), and to undergo systemic absorption by means of transmucosal routes (transmucosal delivery). Those chitosan properties that are particularly useful in mucosal and transmucosal delivery have been reviewed, such as mucoadhesion, penetration enhancement and peptidase inhibition behaviour. Chitosan bioactive properties have also been considered, such as anti-infective, haemostatic, wound healing and immune-stimulating activity. Chitosan is available with a wide range of molecular mass and deacetylation degree: the influence of these properties on polymer performance and solubility has been taken into account. As solubility in particular can strongly limit the results obtained at pH values close to neutrality, particular attention has been paid to chitosan salts and derivatives with modified solubility. Thanks to the presence of positively charged amino groups of the polymer, a subject of increasing interest is the exploitation of its interaction with acidic molecules having potential synergistic behaviour towards bioactive properties, or even with acidic drugs. The aim of the review is to describe not only some properties of chitosan, but also the way they can be modified by the acidic moiety.     

Improved group contribution parameter set for the application of solubility parameters to melt extrusion

Hot-melt extrusion is gaining importance for the production of amorphous solid solutions; in parallel, predictive tools for estimating drug solubility in polymers are increasingly demanded. The Hansen solubility parameter (SP) approach is well acknowledged for its predictive power of the miscibility of liquids as well as the solubility of some amorphous solids in liquid solvents. By solely using the molecular structure, group contribution (GC) methods allow the calculation of Hansen SPs. The GC parameter sets available were derived from liquids and polymers which conflicts with the object of prediction, the solubility of solid drugs. The present study takes a step from the liquid based SPs toward their application to solid solutes. On the basis of published experimental Hansen SPs of solid drugs and excipients only, a new GC parameter set was developed. In comparison with established parameter sets by van Krevelen/Hoftyzer, Beerbower/Hansen, Breitkreutz and Stefanis/Panayiotou, the new GC parameter set provides the highest overall predictive power for solubility experiments (correlation coefficient r = −0.87 to −0.91) as well as for literature data on melt extrudates and casted films (r = −0.78 to −0.96).     

Transformation of acidic poorly water soluble drugs into ionic liquids

Poor water solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) is a major challenge in drug development impairing bioavailability and therapeutic benefit. This study is addressing the possibility to tailor pharmaceutical and physical properties of APIs by transforming these into tetrabutylphosphonium (TBP) salts, including the generation of ionic liquids (IL). Therefore, poorly water soluble acidic APIs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Naproxen, Sulfadiazine, Sulfamethoxazole, and Tolbutamide) were converted into TBP ILs or low melting salts and compared to the corresponding sodium salts. Free acids and TBP salts were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, DSC and XRPD, DVS and dissolution rate measurements, release profiles, and saturation concentration measurements. TBP salts had lower melting points and glass transition temperatures and dissolution rates were improved up to a factor of 1000 as compared to the corresponding free acid. An increase in dissolution rates was at the expense of increased hygroscopicity. In conclusion, the creation of TBP ionic liquids or solid salts from APIs is a valuable concept addressing dissolution and solubility challenges of poorly water soluble acidic compounds. The data suggested that tailor-made counterions may substantially expand the formulation scientist’s armamentarium to meet challenges of poorly water soluble drugs.     

The influence of guaifenesin and ketoprofen on the properties of hot-melt extruded polyethylene oxide films

Films containing polyethylene oxide (PEO) and a model drug, either guaifenesin (GFN) or ketoprofen (KTP), were prepared by hot-melt extrusion. The thermal properties of the hot-melt extruded films were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology of the films, and wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to investigate the crystalline properties of the polymer, drugs and physical mixtures as well as the solid state structure of the films. The stability of the polymer was studied using gel permeation chromatography. The mechanical properties, including percent elongation and tensile strength of the films, were determined on an Instron according to American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) procedures. The Hansen solubility parameter was calculated using the Hoftyzer or van Krevelen method to estimate the likelihood of drug–polymer miscibility. Both GFN and KTP were stable during the extrusion process. Melting points corresponding to the crystalline drugs were not observed in the films. Crystallization of GFN on the surface of the film was observed at all concentrations studied, however KTP crystallization did not occur until reaching the 15% level. Guaifenesin and ketoprofen were found to decrease drive load, increase PEO stability and plasticize the polymer during extrusion. The Hansen solubility parameters predicted miscibility between PEO and KTP and poor miscibility between PEO and GFN. The predictions of the solubility parameters were in agreement with the XRD and SEM results. The percent elongation decreased with increasing GFN concentrations and significantly increased with increasing levels of KTP. Both GFN and KTP decreased the tensile strength of the extruded film.     

The use of quantitative analysis and Hansen solubility parameter predictions for the selection of excipients for lipid nanocarriers to be loaded with water soluble and insoluble compounds

The aim of these studies was to determine the miscibility of different API with lipid excipients to predict drug loading and encapsulation properties for the production of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers. Five API exhibiting different physicochemical characteristics, viz., clarithromycin, efavirenz, minocycline hydrochloride, mometasone furoate, and didanosine were used and six solid lipids in addition to four liquid lipids were investigated. Determination of solid and liquid lipids with the best solubilization potential for each API were performed using a traditional shake-flask method and/or a modification thereof. Hansen solubility parameters of the API and different solid and liquid lipids were estimated from their chemical structure using Hiroshi Yamamoto’s molecular breaking method of Hansen Solubility Parameters in Practice software. Experimental results were in close agreement with solubility parameter predictions for systems with ΔδT < 4.0 MPa^1/2. A combination of Hansen solubility parameters with experimental drug-lipid miscibility tests can be successfully applied to predict lipids with the best solubilizing potential for different API prior to manufacture of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers.