Cyclodextrins as stabilizers for the preparation of drug nanocrystals by the emulsion solvent diffusion method

Cyclodextrins (CyDs) were employed as protective stabilizers for the preparation of surfactant-free nanocrystals of indomethacin (IMC) by using the emulsion solvent diffusion method. The effect of changing the type and concentration of CyDs on the formation of IMC nanocrystals was investigated. Dispersions were freeze-dried to characterize the size, shape, nanoparticle yield, crystallinity, and dissolution behavior of the obtained particles. Submicron-sized particles of IMC with average diameters in the range of 300–500 nm were obtained by incorporating -, β-, or γ-CyD in the outer phase of the primary emulsions. Quantitative determination demonstrated that more than 80% of IMC was recovered as fine particles smaller than 0.8 μm. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses of the freeze-dried samples confirmed the polymorphic change of IMC to the meta-stable form. A significant enhancement in the dissolution rate of IMC nanocrystals was observed when compared to the commercial powder.