Institution: | 1.Department of Chemical Engineering,University of Chemistry and Technology Prague,Prague 6,Czech Republic;2.Department of Chemical Engineering,Imperial College London,London,UK;3.Zentiva, k.s,Prague 10,Czech Republic |
Abstract: | PurposeImaging methods were used as tools to provide an understanding of phenomena that occur during dissolution experiments, and ultimately to select the best ratio of two polymers in a matrix in terms of enhancement of the dissolution rate and prevention of crystallization during dissolution.MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging, ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging and Raman mapping have been used to study the release mechanism of a poorly water soluble drug, aprepitant, from multicomponent amorphous solid dispersions. Solid dispersions were prepared based on the combination of two selected polymers - Soluplus, as a solubilizer, and PVP, as a dissolution enhancer. Formulations were prepared in a ratio of Soluplus:PVP 1:10, 1:5, 1:3, and 1:1, in order to obtain favorable properties of the polymer carrier.ResultsThe crystallization of aprepitant during dissolution has occurred to a varying degree in the polymer ratios 1:10, 1:5, and 1:3, but the increasing presence of Soluplus in the formulation delayed the onset of crystallization. The Soluplus:PVP 1:1 solid dispersion proved to be the best matrix studied, combining the abilities of both polymers in a synergistic manner.ConclusionsAprepitant dissolution rate has been significantly enhanced. This study highlights the benefits of combining imaging methods in order to understand the release process. |