Barrier coated drug layered particles for enhanced performance of amorphous solid dispersion dosage form

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) may entail tailor-made dosage form design to exploit their solubility advantage. Surface phenomena dominated the performance of amorphous celecoxib solid dispersion (ACSD) comprising of amorphous celecoxib (A-CLB), polyvinylpyrrolidone, and meglumine (7:2:1, w/w). ACSD cohesive interfacial interactions hindered its capsule dosage form dissolution (Puri V, Dhantuluri AK, Bansal AK 2011. J Pharm Sci 100:2460-2468). Furthermore, ACSD underwent significant devitrification under environmental stress. In the present study, enthalpy relaxation studies revealed its free surface to contribute to molecular mobility. Based on all these observations, barrier coated amorphous CLB solid dispersion layered particles (ADLP) were developed by Wurster process, using microcrystalline cellulose as substrate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), inulin, and polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP) as coating excipients. Capsule formulations of barrier coated-ADLP could achieve rapid dispersibility and high drug release. Evaluation under varying temperature and RH conditions suggested the crystallization inhibitory efficiency in order of inulin < PVA ≈ PVAP; however, under only temperature treatment, crystallization inhibition increased with increase in T(g) of the coating material. Simulated studies using DSC evidenced drug-polymer mixing at the interface as a potential mechanism for surface stabilization. In conclusion, surface modification yielded a fast dispersing robust high drug load ASD based dosage form.     

Development of spray-dried co-precipitate of amorphous celecoxib containing storage and compression stabilizers

The purpose of this study was to obtain an amorphous system with minimum unit operations that will prevent recrystallization of amorphous drugs since preparation, during processing (compression) and further storage. Amorphous celecoxib, solid dispersion (SD) of celecoxib with polyvinyl pyrrollidone (PVP) and co-precipitate with PVP and carrageenan (CAR) in different ratios were prepared by the spray drying technique and compressed into tablets. Saturation solubility and dissolution studies were performed to differentiate performance after processing. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder difraction revealed the amorphous form of celecoxib, whereas infrared spectroscopy revealed hydrogen bonding between celecoxib and PVP. The dissolution profile of the solid dispersion and co-precipitate improved compared to celecoxib and amorphous celecoxib. Amorphous celecoxib was not stable on storage whereas the solid dispersion and co-precipitate powders were stable for 3 months. Tablets of the solid dispersion of celecoxib with PVP and physical mixture with PVP and carrageenan showed better resistance to recrystallization than amorphous celecoxib during compression but recrystallized on storage. However, tablets of co-precipitate with PVP and carageenan showed no evidence of crystallinity during stability studies with comparable dissolution profiles. This extraordinary stability of spray-dried co-precipitate tablets may be attributed to the cushioning action provided by the viscoelastic polymer CAR and hydrogen bonding interaction between celecoxib and PVP. The present study demonstrates the synergistic effect of combining two types of stabilizers, PVP and CAR, on the stability of amorphous drug during compression and storage as compared to their effect when used alone.     

Preparation and characterization of spray-dried valsartan-loaded Eudragit® E PO solid dispersion microparticles

The purpose of this study was to develop the immediate release stomach-specific spray-dried formulation of valsartan (VAL) using Eudragit^® E PO (EPO) as the carrier for enhancing dissolution rate in a gastric environment. Enhanced solubility and dissolution in gastric pH was achieved by formulating the solid dispersion using a spray drying technique. Different combinations of drug–polymer–surfactant were dissolved in 10% ethanol solution and spray-dried in order to obtain solid dispersion microparticles. Use of the VAL–EPO solid dispersion microparticles resulted in significant improvement of the dissolution rate of the drug at pH 1.2 and pH 4.0, compared to the free drug powder and the commercial product. A hard gelatin capsule was filled with the VAL–EPO solid dispersion powder prior to the dissolution test. The increased dissolution of VAL from solid dispersion microparticles in gastric pH was attributed to the effect of EPO and most importantly the transformation of crystalline drugs to amorphous solid dispersion powder, which was clearly shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) studies. Thus, VAL, a potential antihypertensive drug in the form of a solid dispersion microparticulate powder, can be effectively delivered in the immediate release dosage form for stomach-specific drug delivery.     

环孢素-泊洛沙姆188固体分散体的体外评价

目的以泊洛沙姆188（F68）为载体制备环孢素（CsA）固体分散体并考察其体外溶出。方法以溶剂一熔融法制备固体分散体，以差示扫描量热法（DSC）和X．射线衍射法鉴定CsA在体系中的存在状态，以FTIR表征药物与载体的相互作用，以摇瓶法测定CsA的溶解度，按《中国药典》溶出度第三法测定CsA从物理混合物和固体分散体中的溶出。结果X-射线衍射图谱显示CsA结晶衍射峰消失，提示药物以无定形或分子状态存在于固体分散体中。FTIR结果表明药物与载体间无相互作用。药物溶解度和溶出度均随着F68比例的增加而增大，固体分散体和物理混合物60min的累积溶出百分率分别为99．32％和75．41％，两者具显著性差异（P〈0．01）。结论F68能提高CsA的溶解度和溶出度，可用来制备CsA的固体剂型。     

Stability and Solubility of Celecoxib-PVP Amorphous Dispersions: A Molecular Perspective

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the solubility advantage offered by celecoxib (CEL) amorphous systems and to characterize and correlate the physical and thermodynamic properties of CEL and its amorphous molecular dispersions containing poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). METHODS: The measurement of crystalline content, glass transition temperatures, and enthalpy relaxation was performed using differential scanning calorimetry. Solubility and dissolutions studies were conducted at 37 degrees C to elucidate release mechanisms. Further, the amorphous systems were characterized by polarized light microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction studies. RESULTS: The PVP content has a prominent effect on the stability and solubility profiles of amorphous systems. A dispersion of 20% w/w PVP with CEL resulted in a maxima in terms of solubility enhancement and lowering of relaxation enthalpy. The release of drug from amorphous molecular dispersions was found to be drug-dependent and independent of the carrier. CONCLUSIONS: The solubility enhancement and enthalpy relaxation studies with respect to PVP concentration helped in a better prediction of role of carrier and optimization of concentration in the use of solid dispersions or amorphous systems. The drug release mechanism is drug-controlled rather than carrier-controlled.     

Physicochemical characterization and dissolution properties of meloxicam-gelucire 50/13 binary systems

A solid dispersion of Meloxicam (MX), a poorly soluble, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and Gelucire 50/13 was prepared by spray drying. Spherical microparticles were yielded with smooth surfaces as observed by scanning electron microscopy. According to differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometry analysis, MX was transformed from the crystalline state to the amorphous state as confirmed by the disappearance of its melting peak and the crystalline peaks. The dissolution tests at pH 7.4 revealed that the dissolution rate of encapsulated MX was 2.5-fold higher than that of the corresponding physical mixture and fourfold higher than the drug alone, respectively. The microparticles prepared at a ratio of 1:4 (drug/Gelucire) exhibited a 4-fold higher anti-inflammatory activity on the paw edema of rats in comparison to the drug alone. All in all, this work reveals that spray drying is a suitable technique for preparation of solid dispersions with improved biopharmaceutical and pharmacological characteristics of MX.     

Dissolution behaviour of nalidixic acid solid dispersions using water soluble dispersion carriers

The oral bioavailability of nalidixic acid (NA) is low due to its poor solubility and slow dissolution. Solid dispersions of NA containing varying concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), beta-cyclodextrin (BCD) and sodium starch glycolate (SSG) were prepared by solvent evaporation technique in an attempt to improve dissolution rate of NA. Physical characterization of NA, physical mixtures (PM) and solid dispersions were investigated by a variety of analytical methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared (IR) spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM was useful in the verification of possible nalidixic acid inclusion in the dispersion system by studying its surface and shape characteristics of different samples. IR analysis demonstrated no strong interaction between the drug and the carrier exists in the solid dispersions. The degree of crystallinity of nalidixic acid decreased and also differed with the dispersion systems of different carriers. Disolution studies indicated that the dissolution rate and percent dissolution efficiency (DE) were significantly increased in the solid dispersions compared with drug alone. The relative potency of the carriers to enhance the dissolution rate of nalidixic acid was in the order: BCD > PVP > SSG. The dissolution rate of the drug in the solid dispersions was faster when the ration of the drug to carrier was smaller. F-test suggests that first order model may be used for explaining the kinetics of drug release from all the solid dispersion systems.     

Preparation, characterization and in vitro dissolution studies of solid dispersion of meloxicam with PEG 6000

The poor solubility and wettability of meloxicam leads to poor dissolution and hence showing variations in bioavailability. The present study is aimed to increase solubility and dissolution of the drug using solid dispersion techniques. The solid binary systems were prepared at various drug concentrations (5-40%) with polyethylene glycol 6000 by different techniques (physical mixing, solvent evaporation). The formulations were characterized by solubility studies, differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and in vitro dissolution rate studies. The solubility of drug increased linearly with increase in polymer concentration showing A(L) type solubility diagrams. Infrared spectroscopy studies indicated the possibility of hydrogen bonding with polymer. The differential scanning calorimetry and powder X ray diffraction demonstrated the presence of polymer as eutectica or monotectica in solid dispersion along with the physical characteristics of the drug (crystalline, amorphous or a mixture of both). The solid dispersions of the drug demonstrated higher drug dissolution rates than physical mixtures and pure meloxicam, as a result of increased wettability and dispersibility of drug in a solid dispersion system.     

紫杉醇-PVP固体分散体的制备、物相鉴定及细胞药效

用溶剂法制备紫杉醇-PVP固体分散体，对其溶解度及体外溶出特性进行考察并对物相进行鉴定。采用溶剂法制备紫杉醇-PVP固体分散体，对固体分散体中紫杉醇的溶解度和溶出率进行测定，研究固体分散体的溶出性质。同时，利用差热分析（Differential scanning calorimetry，DSC）、粉末X衍射（X-ray powder diffractometry,PXRD）、扫描电镜（Scanning electron microscopy，SEM）等方法对其进行物相鉴定。采用SRB法对紫杉醇-PVP固体分散体对SKOV-3细胞药效进行测定。紫杉醇-PVP固体分散体中紫杉醇的溶解度和溶出速率相对其原料药和物理混合物均有了明显的提高；热差分析及粉末X衍射结果表明固体分散体中紫杉醇呈非结晶形式；扫描电镜下固体分散体中无紫杉醇晶体。细胞药效结果表明紫杉醇-PVP固体分散体的细胞药效强于紫杉醇纯药。采用溶剂法制备的紫杉醇-PVP固体分散体可显著提高紫杉醇的溶解度和溶出速度。     

槲皮素PVP固体分散体的制备及物相鉴定

目的用溶剂法制备槲皮素-PVP固体分散体并考察其溶出特性并对物相进行鉴定。方法采用溶剂法制备槲皮素-PVP固体分散体,通过溶出实验对槲皮素溶出率的测定研究固体分散体的溶出性质,利用差热分析（Differentialscanning calorimetry,DSC）、红外光谱分析（Infrared spectroscopy,IR）、粉末X衍射（X-ray powder diffractometry,PXRD）、扫描电镜（Scanning electron microscopy,SEM）等方法对其进行物相鉴定。结果槲皮素-PVP固体分散体的溶出速率相对其物理混合物有了明显的改善; 溶解实验显示固体分散体中槲皮素的溶解度有了显著的提高;热差分析及粉末X衍射结果表明固体分散体中槲皮素呈非结晶形式;扫描电镜下固体分散体中无槲皮素晶体。结论采用溶剂法制备槲皮素-PVP固体分散体可显著提高槲皮素的溶解度及溶出速度。     

托伐普坦固体分散体的制备及体外溶出特性考察

目的 采用固体分散技术提高难溶性药物托伐普坦的体外溶出度。方法 选用聚维酮K_29/32为载体材料,以溶剂蒸发法制备托伐普坦固体分散体。采用差示扫描量热法(DSC)、X-射线粉末衍射法(XRPD)对所得固体分散体进行鉴定, 并进行溶解度、体外溶出实验。结果 固体分散体的DSC 图谱及X-射线粉末衍射确定了托伐普坦以无定形态分散在载体中, 体外溶解实验表明其溶出较原料药、物理混合物均有明显提高。结论 将托伐普坦与PVP K_29/32制成固体分散体,其分散状态发生了改变,溶出性能明显提高。     

吲哚美辛固体分散体的制备和理化性质的研究

目的:研究吲哚美辛(IMC)固体分散体的理化性质,提高IMC的溶出速度。方法:用溶剂法制备固体分散体,用粉末X射线衍射研究原型药物、载体、固体分散体(比例1∶1～1∶5)的物态性质,考察药物在分散体中溶出行为的改变。结果:制得的固体分散体大大提高了IMC的溶出速度,5min内溶出了将近100%的药物。结论:通过溶剂法,成功制备了IMC的固体分散体,药物在分散体中以无定型的状态存在,在溶出介质中药物能够迅速溶出。     

Characterization and dissolution behavior of nifedipine and phosphatidylcholine binary systems

Physicochemical properties and the dissolution behavior of binary systems of nifedipine (NIF) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) or dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) as physical mixtures, solid dispersions and ground mixtures at 9:1 w/w were investigated. The drug and formulations were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The dissolution and solubility of NIF was increased in the order physical mixture < solid dispersion < ground mixture. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns and FTIR spectra indicated absence of major crystalline or molecular changes of NIF or the PCs. The fraction of NIF dissolved after 1 h was approximately 30 and 34% from NIF/DMPC and NIF/DPPC ground mixtures, respectively, and the dissolution was only slightly reduced from NIF/DPPC, 9.75:0.25 w/w systems. The crystal lattice parameter, c, of DPPC and DMPC in the solid dispersion was longer than that of PC alone but each was considered to be in an amorphous state in the ground mixture because of the absence of an X-ray diffraction peak. Full-width at half-maximum (half width) of the X-ray diffraction peak of NIF in the ground mixture was greater than NIF in the physical mixture or solid dispersion, suggesting that the lattice distortion of NIF crystals was increased by grinding. Thermal analysis confirmed the crystalline state of DPPC and DMPC in the physical mixture and the solid dispersion but an amorphous state in the ground mixture. Thus, an increase in lattice distortion of NIF crystals due to grinding and an amorphous state of DPPC or DMPC in the ground mixtures are considered mainly responsible for the larger increase in dissolution rate and extent of dissolution of NIF after 1 h compared to the solid dispersion formulation.     

Amorphous Stabilization and Dissolution Enhancement of Amorphous Ternary Solid Dispersions: Combination of Polymers Showing Drug–Polymer Interaction for Synergistic Effects

The purpose of this study was to understand the combined effect of two polymers showing drug–polymer interactions on amorphous stabilization and dissolution enhancement of indomethacin (IND) in amorphous ternary solid dispersions. The mechanism responsible for the enhanced stability and dissolution of IND in amorphous ternary systems was studied by exploring the miscibility and intermolecular interactions between IND and polymers through thermal and spectroscopic analysis. Eudragit E100 and PVP K90 at low concentrations (2.5%–40%, w/w) were used to prepare amorphous binary and ternary solid dispersions by solvent evaporation. Stability results showed that amorphous ternary solid dispersions have better stability compared with amorphous binary solid dispersions. The dissolution of IND from the ternary dispersion was substantially higher than the binary dispersions as well as amorphous drug. Melting point depression of physical mixtures reveals that the drug was miscible in both the polymers; however, greater miscibility was observed in ternary physical mixtures. The IR analysis confirmed intermolecular interactions between IND and individual polymers. These interactions were found to be intact in ternary systems. These results suggest that the combination of two polymers showing drug–polymer interaction offers synergistic enhancement in amorphous stability and dissolution in ternary solid dispersions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:3511–3523, 2014     

Cefuroxime axetil solid dispersions prepared using solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids

Cefuroxime axetil (CA) solid dispersions with HPMC 2910/PVP K-30 were prepared using solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS) in an effort to increase the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs. Their physicochemical properties in solid state were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy. No endothermic and characteristic diffraction peaks corresponding to CA were observed for the solid dispersions in DSC and PXRD. FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between CA and HPMC 2910/PVP K-30 in solid dispersions, resulting in the formation of amorphous or non-crystalline CA. Dissolution studies indicated that the dissolution rates were remarkably increased in solid dispersions compared with those in the physical mixture and drug alone. In conclusion, an amorphous or non-crystalline CA solid dispersion prepared using SEDS could be very useful for the formulation of solid dosage forms.     

Enhancement of dissolution of cyclosporine A using solid dispersions with polyoxyethylene (40) stearate

A solid dispersion containing cyclosporine A (CyA) and polyoxyethylene (40) stearate (PS) was prepared by the solvent-melt method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), hot-stage microscopy (HSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dissolution studies. The crystalline peaks of CyA disappeared in the PXRD spectra of solid dispersions but were seen in those of physical mixtures, demonstrating the amorphous state of the drug in solid dispersions. The solubility of CyA in aqueous solutions of PS was increased linearly with increasing amount of PS in water. Dissolution of the drug from solid dispersions and physical mixtures was dramatically enhanced compared to the drug powder alone in water at 37 degrees C.     

Characterization of solid dispersions of itraconazole and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose prepared by melt extrusion--Part I

Solid dispersions containing different ratios of itraconazole and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) were prepared by solvent casting. Based on dose, differential scanning calorimetry and dissolution results, a drug/polymer ratio of 40/60 w/w was selected in order to prepare dispersions by melt extrusion. The melt extrusion process was characterized using a design of experiments (DOE) approach. All parameter settings resulted in the formation of an amorphous solid dispersion whereby HPMC 2910 5 mPas prevents re-crystallization of the drug during cooling. Dissolution measurements demonstrated that a significantly increased dissolution rate was obtained with the amorphous solid dispersion compared to the physical mixture. The outcome of DOE further indicated that melt extrusion is very robust with regard to the itraconazole/HPMC melt extrudate characteristics. Stability studies demonstrated that the itraconazole/HPMC 40/60 w/w milled melt extrudate formulation is chemically and physically stable for periods in excess of 6 months as indicated by the absence of degradation products or re-crystallization of the drug.     

Physicochemical characterization of solid dispersions of three antiepileptic drugs prepared by solvent evaporation method

We have investigated the solid dispersion and dissolution profiles of three antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine (CBZ), oxcarbazepine (OXC) and rufinamide (RFN)) with different aqueous solubilities, prepared by the solvent evaporation method. Solid dispersions of the three drugs in hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose (HPMC), with drug:polymer ratios of 1:4, were prepared and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. The release mechanism was also investigated and the kinetic order of the solid dispersions was evaluated. It appeared that the dissolution behaviour depended on the physicochemical properties of the drug and drug-polymer interactions. DSC thermographs showed amorphous forms for all drugs confirmed by XRD patterns. The FTIR spectra of CBZ and OXC demonstrated drug interactions with HPMC through hydrogen polymer bonds. Thus, solid dispersions of these drugs had an improved dissolution profile. In contrast, solid dispersions of RUF showed modest enhancement of dissolution, suggesting negligible drug-polymer interactions. The different dissolution behaviour is attributed to the extent of interactions between the polymer hydroxyl group and the drug amide groups.     

Development of amorphous dispersions of artemether with hydrophilic polymers via spray drying: Physicochemical and in silico studies

Artemether (ARM) is a poorly water soluble and poorly permeable drug effective against acute and severe falciparum malaria, hence there is a strong need to improve its solubility. The objective of the study was to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of ARM by preparation of solid dispersions using spray-drying technique. Solid dispersions of ARM were prepared with Soluplus, Kollidon VA 64, HPMC and Eudragit EPO at weight ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 using spray drying technology, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) to identify the physicochemical interaction between drug and carrier, as well as effect on dissolution. The prepared solid dispersion of ARM with polymers showed reduced crystallinity as compared to neat ARM, which was confirmed by DSC and XRD. Drug/polymer interactions were studied in-silico by docking and molecular dynamics which indicated formation of van der Waals type of interactions of ARM with the polymers. Based on solubility studies, the optimum drug/Soluplus ratio was found to be 1:3. The dissolution studies of formulation SD3 showed highest drug release up to 82% compared to neat ARM giving only 20% at 60 minutes. The spray-dried products were free of crystalline ARM; possessed higher dissolution rates, and were stable over a period according to ICH guidelines. These findings suggest that an amorphous solid dispersion of ARM could be a viable option for enhancing the dissolution rate of ARM.     

Modeling of drug release from celecoxib-PVP-meglumine amorphous systems

An empirical assessment of drug release from amorphous systems of celecoxib (CEL), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), and meglumine (MEG) was performed and compared with that for its crystalline form. CEL-PVP (4:1 w/w) binary and CEL-PVP-MEG (7:2:1 w/w) ternary amorphous systems provided higher drug dissolution. Mathematical modeling of drug release data was found to best fit the Hixson-Crowell release model. The biphasic drug release during a 6-h duration exhibited higher release kinetics in the first phase due to the presence of drug in amorphous form. The release kinetics subdued in the latter phase due to ongoing devitrification process in amorphous systems. A comprehensive understanding of drug release from amorphous systems will accentuate the rationalized design of amorphous drug delivery systems.