On the inherent properties of Soluplus and its application in ibuprofen solid dispersions generated by microwave-quench cooling technology

• Published in: Pharmaceutical development and technology 2018-07, Vol.23 (6), p.573-586
• Main Authors: Shi, Nian-Qiu, Lai, Hong-Wei, Zhang, Yong, Feng, Bo, Xiao, Xiao, Zhang, Hong-Mei, Li, Zheng-Qiang, Qi, Xian-Rong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1083-7450; 1097-9867
• DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2016.1256409

Polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer, or Soluplus , is a relatively new copolymer and a promising carrier of amorphous solid dispersions. Knowledge on the inherent properties of Soluplus (e.g. cloud points, critical micelle concentrations, and viscosity) in different conditions is relatively inadequate, and the application characteristics of Soluplus -based solid dispersions made by microwave methods still need to be clarified. In the present investigation, the inherent properties of a Soluplus carrier, including cloud points, critical micelle concentrations, and viscosity, were explored in different media and in altered conditions. Ibuprofen, a BCS class II non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was selected to develop Soluplus -based amorphous solid dispersions using the microwave-quench cooling (MQC) method. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were adopted to analyze amorphous properties and molecular interactions in ibuprofen/Soluplus amorphous solid dispersions generated by MQC. Dissolution, dissolution extension, phase solubility, equilibrium solubility, and supersaturated crystallization inhibiting experiments were performed to elucidate the effects of Soluplus on ibuprofen in solid dispersions. This research provides valuable information on the inherent properties of Soluplus and presents a basic understanding of Soluplus as a carrier of amorphous solid dispersions.