Formulation and evaluation of inhaled Sildenafil-loaded PLGA microparticles for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): A novel high drug loaded formulation and scalable process via hot melt extrusion technology (Part Ⅰ)

In recent years, several techniques were employed to develop a local sustained pulmonary delivery of sildenafil citrate (SC) as an alternative for the intravenous and oral treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Most of these methods, however, need to be improved due to limitations of scalability, low yield production, low drug loading, and stability issues. In this study, we report the use of hot-melt extrusion (HME) as a scalable process for making Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles with high SC load. The prepared particles were tested in vitro for local drug delivery to the lungs by inhalation. Sodium bicarbonate was included as a porogen in the formulation to make the particles more brittle and to impart favorable aerodynamic properties. Six formulations were prepared with different formulation compositions. Laser diffraction analysis was used to estimate the geometric particle size distribution of the microparticles. In-vitro aerodynamic performance was evaluated by the next-generation cascade impactor (NGI). It was reported in terms of an emitted dose (ED), an emitted fraction (EF%), a respirable fraction (RF%), a fine particle fraction (FPF%), a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), and geometric standard deviation (GSD). The formulations have also been characterized for surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug load, and in-vitro drug release. The results demonstrated that PLGA microparticles have a mean geometric particle size between 6 and 14 µm, entrapment efficiency of 77 to 89 %, and SC load between 17 and 33 % w/w. Fifteen percent of entrapped sildenafil was released over 24 h from the PLGA microparticles, and seventy percent over 7 days. The aerodynamic properties included fine particle fraction ranging between 19 and 33 % and an average mass median aerodynamic diameter of 6-13 µm.

Development of multiple structured extended release tablets via hot melt extrusion and dual-nozzle fused deposition modeling 3D printing

The study aims to fabricate extended release (ER) tablets using a dual-nozzle fused deposition modeling (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology based on hot melt extrusion (HME), using caffeine as the model compound. Three different ER tablets were developed, which obtained "delayed-release", "rapid-sustained release", and "release-lag-release" properties. Each type of tablet was printed with two different formulations. A novel printing method was employed in this study, which is to push the HME filament from behind with polylactic acid (PLA) to prevent sample damage by gears during the printing process. Powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that caffeine was predominately amorphous in the final tablets. The dissolution of 3D printed tablets was assessed using a USP-II dissolution apparatus. ER tablets containing PVA dissolved faster than those developed with Kollicoat IR. Overall, this study revealed that ER tablets were successfully manufactured through HME paired with dual-nozzle FDM 3D printing and demonstrated the power of 3D printing in developing multi-layer tablets with complex structures.

Genetic analysis of post-weaning growth traits in a simple crossbreeding experiment between Gabali and Hyplus line rabbits

A simple crossbreeding experiment between Gabali (G) bucks and Hyplus (H) does was performed to estimate crossbreeding effects for post-weaning growth traits (body weight at 5 (BW5), 7 (BW7), 9 (BW9), 11 (BW11), and 13 (BW13) weeks of age and daily weight gains (DG) during (DG5-7), (DG7-9), (DG9-11), (DG11-13) and (DG5-13), weeks of age). Estimates of heritability were mostly low or moderate for growth traits and ranged from 0.12 to 0.35 for body weights and 0.05 to 0.66 for daily weight gains. The percentages of direct additive genetic effects on body weights favored (p ≤ 0.01) the Gabali breed by 22.1, 31.2, 32.8, 31.1, and 25.2% at 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 weeks and by 35.4, 38.1, 21.9, 3.7, and 27% for DG5-7, DG7-9, DG9-11, DG11-13, and DG5-13, respectively. The percentages of maternal effects ranged from 22 to 34.8% for body weights and ranged from 4.7 to 43.4% for daily weight gains. The percentages of direct heterosis were significantly positive by 11, 19.1, 20.3, 19.7, and 16.5% for body weights at 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 weeks and by 25.6, 27.2, 17.3, 3.5, and 17.9% for DG5-7, DG7-9, DG9-11, DG11-13, and DG5-13, respectively. These results suggest that the Gabali breed could be used as a sire-group and the Hyplus line could be used as a dam-group to create new high growth rabbit lines in Egypt.

Development of Subdermal Implants Using Direct Powder Extrusion 3D Printing and Hot-Melt Extrusion Technologies

Implants are drug delivery platforms that consist of a drug-polymer matrix with the ability of providing a localized and efficient controlled release of the drug with minimal side effects and achievement of the desired therapeutic outcomes with low drug loadings. Direct powder extrusion (DPE) 3D printing technology involves the extrusion of material through a nozzle of the printer in the form of pellets or powder. The present study aimed at investigating the use of the CELLINK BIO X™ bioprinter using DPE 3D printing technique to fabricate and evaluate the impact of different shapes (cuboid, cylinder, and tube) of raloxifene hydrochloride (RFH)-loaded subdermal implants on the release of RFH from the implants. This study further evaluated the impact of different processing techniques, viz., hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology vs. DPE 3D printing technique, on the release of RFH from the implants fabricated by each processing technique. All the fabricated implants were characterized by XRD, DSC, SEM, and FTIR, and evaluated for their water uptake, mass loss, and in vitro RFH release. The current study successfully demonstrated a great opportunity of controlling and/or tuning the release of RFH from the subdermal implants by altering the implant shape, and hence surface area, and could be a great contribution and/or addition to the personalization of medicines and improvement of patient compliance.

Disulfiram 3D printed film produced via hot-melt extrusion techniques as a potential anticervical cancer candidate

Cervical cancer is known globally as one of the most common health problems in women. Indeed, one of the most convenient approaches for its treatment is an appropriate bioadhesive vaginal film. This approach provides a local treatment modality, which inevitably decreases dosing frequency and improves patient compliance. Recently, disulfiram (DSF) has been investigated and demonstrated to possess anticervical cancer activity; therefore, it is employed in this work. The current study aimed to produce a novel, personalized three-dimensional (3D) printed DSF extended-release film using the hot-melt extrusion (HME) and 3D printing technologies. The optimization of the formulation composition and the HME and 3D printing processing temperatures was an important factor for overcoming the DSF heat-sensitivity issue. In addition, the 3D printing speed was specifically the most crucial parameter for alleviating heat-sensitivity concerns, which led to the production of films (F1 and F2) with an acceptable DSF content and good mechanical properties. The bioadhesion film study using sheep cervical tissue indicated a reasonable adhesive peak force (N) of 0.24 ± 0.08 for F1 and 0.40 ± 0.09 for F2, while the work of adhesion (N.mm) for F1 and F2 was 0.28 ± 0.14 and 0.54 ± 0.14, respectively. Moreover, the cumulative in vitro release data indicated that the printed films released DSF for up to 24 h. HME-coupled 3D printing successfully produced a patient-centric and personalized DSF extended-release vaginal film with a reduced dose and longer dosing interval.

Recent Advances in the Applications of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) in Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Review

There has been a tremendous increase in the investigations of three-dimensional (3D) printing for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, and drug delivery in particular, ever since the US FDA approved the first 3D printed medicine, SPRITAM® (levetiracetam) in 2015. Three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing, involves various manufacturing techniques like fused-deposition modeling, 3D inkjet, stereolithography, direct powder extrusion, and selective laser sintering, among other 3D printing techniques, which are based on the digitally controlled layer-by-layer deposition of materials to form various geometries of printlets. In contrast to conventional manufacturing methods, 3D printing technologies provide the unique and important opportunity for the fabrication of personalized dosage forms, which is an important aspect in addressing diverse patient medical needs. There is however the need to speed up the use of 3D printing in the biopharmaceutical industry and clinical settings, and this can be made possible through the integration of modern technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things, into additive manufacturing. This will lead to less human involvement and expertise, independent, streamlined, and intelligent production of personalized medicines. Four-dimensional (4D) printing is another important additive manufacturing technique similar to 3D printing, but adds a 4th dimension defined as time, to the printing. This paper aims to give a detailed review of the applications and principles of operation of various 3D printing technologies in drug delivery, and the materials used in 3D printing, and highlight the challenges and opportunities of additive manufacturing, while introducing the concept of 4D printing and its pharmaceutical applications.

Development and Characterization of Different Dosage Forms of Nifedipine/Indomethacin Fixed-Dose Combinations

Studies have shown that 40 individuals out of 100,000 are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) yearly, with a total of 1.3 million in the United States. Furthermore, the impact of RA in some cases can extend to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), as the studies showed that 84% of RA patients are at risk of developing hypertension. This study aims to design and develop different dosage forms (capsule-in-capsule and three-dimensional (3D) printed tablet) of nifedipine/indomethacin fixed-dose combination (FDC). The hot-melt extrusion (HME) was utilized alone and with fused deposition modeling (FDM) techniques The developed dosage forms were intended to provide delayed-extended and immediate release profiles for indomethacin and nifedipine, respectively. FDC dosage forms were successfully developed and characterized. Nifedipine formulations showed significant improvement in release profiles, having 94% of the drug release at 30 minutes compared with pure nifedipine, which had a percent release of 2%. Furthermore, the release of indomethacin was successfully delayed at a pH of 1.2 and extended at a pH of 6.8. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed endothermic crystalline peaks at 165 °C and 176 °C for indomethacin and nifedipine, respectively. Moreover, the thermal analysis of all formulations showed the absence of the endothermic peaks indicating complete solubilization of indomethacin and nifedipine in the polymeric carriers. All formulations had post-processing drug content in the range of 95% to 98%. Moreover, results from the stability study showed that all formulations were able to remain chemically and physically stable with no signs of recrystallization or degradation. The designed FDC dosage forms could improve the quality of life by enhancing patient compliance and preventing the need for polypharmacy.

Prediction and Construction of Drug-Polymer Binary System Thermodynamic Phase Diagram in Amorphous Solid Dispersions (ASDs)

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) has been well known as a potential strategy to improve the bioavailability and dissolution performance of poorly water-soluble drugs. The primary concern of this approach is the long-term stability of the amorphous drug in the solid dispersion. Accurate prediction and detection of the solubility and miscibility of drug in polymeric binary system will be a milestone to the development of ASDs. In this investigation, a method based on Flory-Huggins (F-H) theory was proposed to predict and calculate the solubility and miscibility of the drug in polymeric matrix and construct the phase diagram to identify the relevance between drug loading and temperature for ASDs development. Indomethacin (Indo) was chosen as the model drug, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone vinyl acetate (Kollidon® VA 64) was used as a polymeric carrier for the ASD systems. Physical mixtures were prepared with different drug loadings (10 to 90%) and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The interaction parameter χ was calculated for physical mixtures by the melting point depression and solubility parameter contribution methods. The phase diagram was constructed to investigate the impact of other parameters like drug loading, processing temperature, and Gibbs free energy of mixing (ΔG_mix). For further validation, formulations were developed using HME to verify the accuracy of the phase diagram and to guide in the hot-melt extrusion (HME) process design space and optimization.

Development and evaluation of raloxifene hydrochloride-loaded subdermal implants using hot-melt extrusion technology

Implantable drug delivery systems are known to provide great patient compliance and allow for controlled delivery of drugs over a prolonged period of time. This study aimed to prepare novel polycaprolactone/polyethylene glycol-based raloxifene hydrochloride subdermal solid cylindrical implants using a single-step hot-melt extrusion (HME) continuous process, for the provision of a sustained and prolonged release of RX-HCl as a cornerstone and alternative treatment and prevention option of osteoporosis, most especially post-menopausal osteoporosis, and invasive breast cancer, while providing better clinical outcomes by circumventing clinical and biopharmaceutical hurdles like first-pass metabolism and patient non-adherence and incompliance associated with the oral dosage forms of raloxifene hydrochloride. The 11-mm co-rotating twin-screw extruder was used to prepare the implants. The prepared cylindrical-shaped solid implants with dimensions of 10 mm (length) by 2 mm (diameter) were characterized by DSC, PXRD, FTIR, SEM, and in vitro dissolution analysis. Based on the physicochemical characterization of the prepared implants, the HME fabrication technology and optimized process parameters were determined to be acceptable and suitable. The prepared implants showed no obvious burst release and no significant amounts of drug on the surface of the implants. F-1, F-2, and F-3 implant batches showed a maximum cumulative percent drug release of 82.9 %, 42.2 %, and 20.6 %, respectively, in a period of 30 days, and 100 % drug release would be expected in a period of about 40 days (F-1), 72 days (F-2), and up to 150 days (F-3) by simple extrapolation. Interestingly, implant batches with a low drug load exhibited a relatively faster and higher rate of release of the drug compared to implant batches with high drug loading. In the present study, a single-step HME process was successfully used to fabricate RX-HCl-loaded subdermal implants, that could potentially be used as a cornerstone regimen in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, most especially post-menopausal osteoporosis, by providing release of RX-HCl over a long time period, and avoiding the clinical inconveniences and possible patient incompliance caused by daily administration of the drug.

CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF RALOXIFENE HYDROCHLORIDE LOADED NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS USING HOT-MELT EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGY

The aim of this study was to utilize a continuous process for the production of orally administered raloxifene hydrochloride (RX-HCl) loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulations for extended drug release using hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology coupled with probe sonication, and also to evaluate the in vitro characteristics of the prepared NLCs. Preparation of the NLCs using HME technology involved two main steps, first formation of a pre-emulsion after extrusion and then size reduction of the pre-emulsion using probe sonication to obtain the NLCs. A screw speed of 100 rpm and a barrel temperature of 85 °C, were used in the extrusion process. NLCs prepared by HME technology showed a lower particle size compared to those prepared by the conventional probe sonication method. The prepared NLCs had high entrapment efficiency values (>90 %). In vitro drug release was evaluated using dialysis bag diffusion technique and USP apparatus I. Overall, the RX-HCl loaded NLCs had a higher rate of drug release than the pure drug. The release profile for the F4-3 NLC formulations and pure drug at the beginning and end of the stability study were comparable. The particle size of the prepared NLCs remained stable over the storage period and all PDI and zeta potential values were ≤ 0.5 and in the range of -15 to -30 mV, respectively, indicating good physical stability of the formulations. In summary, HME technology and probe sonication were successfully used to prepare RX-HCl loaded NLC formulations with shorter processing times as compared to the conventional probe sonication method, which makes this technique a uniquely more industry-friendly method.

A Comparison Between Lab-Scale and Hot-Melt-Extruder-Based Anti-inflammatory Ointment Manufacturing

Hot-melt extrusion (HME) has been extensively investigated for continuous manufacturing of amorphous solid dispersions, to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drug substances, impart abuse deterrence to controlled substances, taste masking for pediatric and geriatric formulations and development of cocrystal system. Much research has been conducted on the continuous manufacturing of solid dosage forms using HME, but its applicability in the manufacturing of semisolids remains an unexplored domain. This study aimed to explore the applicability of HME in the continuous manufacturing of topical semi-solid formulations with two active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Ointments containing a combination of triamcinolone acetonide and lidocaine hydrochloride were screened based on a quality target product profile (QTPP) and established critical quality attributes (CQAs) using design of experiments (DoE). Three selected formulations, manufactured by a lab-scale fusion method and HME, were subjected to further characterization studies including work of adhesion, stiffness, apparent pH, content uniformity, differential scanning calorimetry, accelerated stability, and in vitro drug release testing. Selected formulations met design characteristics and demonstrated the applicability of HME in the continuous manufacturing of semi-solid formulations. Graphical abstract.

Growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and microbial aspects of growing quail fed diets enriched with two different types of probiotics (Bacillus toyonensis and Bifidobacterium bifidum)

The present investigation aimed to explore the impact of dietary graded levels of 2 types of probiotic bacteria (Bacillus toyonensis [BT] and Bifidobacterium bifidum [BB]) on growth, carcass traits, meat quality, and bacteriology of growing Japanese quail reared under the cage system. One thousand three hundred sixty Japanese quail day-old chicks were randomly divided into 10 groups (8 replicates each). Birds were fed a basal diet (control, T1) and the basal diet plus 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.125% BT (T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively), 0.10% BB (T6), and the same previous doses of BT plus 0.05% BB (T7, T8, T9, and T10, respectively). Results showed a significant (P < 0.001) increase in final BW and weight gain because of probiotic supplementation (except T2 for weight gain). Both feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ during the overall experimental period (1–42 D of age) except feed intake that was reduced in T2 and increased in T5 and T9 groups. All carcass traits studied were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by probiotics, and the combination between BT and BB in group T8 increased all studied parameters as compared with the other treatment groups. The quail meat color of redness a∗ and L∗ values, thiobarbituric content, cooking loss, proteolysis, and total coliform were decreased (P < 0.001) by probiotic treatment. In general, supplementing BT, BB, or their combination to the basal diet delayed the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the diet and intestine. Using BT and BB as feed supplements enhanced growth performance and meat quality of quails as well as diminished pathogenic bacteria proliferation in their diet and intestine. As per our results, we can recommend the application of T5 and T8 to T10 levels for the best performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of growing quails.

Preparation and evaluation of enteric coated tablets of hot-melt extruded lansoprazole

The objective of this work was to use hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology to improve the physiochemical properties of lansoprazole (LNS) to prepare stable enteric coated LNS tablets. For the extrusion process, we chose Kollidon^® 12 PF (K12) polymeric matrix. Lutrol^® F 68 was selected as the plasticizer and magnesium oxide (MgO) as the alkalizer. With or without the alkalizer, LNS at 10% drug load was extruded with K12 and F68. LNS changed to the amorphous phase and showed better release compared to that of the pure crystalline drug. Inclusion of MgO improved LNS extrudability and release and resulted in over 80% drug release in the buffer stage. Hot-melt extruded LNS was physically and chemically stable after 12 months of storage. Both formulations were studied for compatibility with Eudragit^® L100-55. The optimized formulation was compressed into a tablet followed by coating process utilizing a pan coater using L100-55 as an enteric coating polymer. In a two-step dissolution study, the release profile of the enteric coated LNS tablets in the acidic stage was less than 10% of the LNS, while that in the buffer stage was more than 80%. Drug content analysis revealed the LNS content to be 97%, indicating the chemical stability of the enteric coated tablet after storage for six months. HME, which has not been previously used for LNS, is a valuable technique to reduce processing time in the manufacture of enteric coated formulations of an acid-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredient as compared to the existing methods.

Hot melt extrusion as an approach to improve solubility, permeability and oral absorption of a psychoactive natural product, piperine

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the current research project were to investigate the efficiency of various polymers to enhance the solubility and increase the systemic absorption of piperine using hot melt extrusion technology.

METHODS

Piperine 10-40% w/w and Eudragit(®) EPO/Kollidon(®) VA 64 or Soluplus(®) were mixed, and the resulting blends were extruded using a twin-screw extruder (Process 11, Thermo Fisher Scientific). Drug release profiles and piperine solubility studies of the extrudates were evaluated. A non-everted intestinal sac was employed for the most promising formulation, 10% w/w piperine/Soluplus(®) , and pure piperine to study the permeability characteristics.

KEY FINDINGS

Dissolution studies demonstrated enhancement in piperine per cent release of 10% and 20% w/w piperine/Soluplus(®) extrudates up to 95% and 74%, respectively. The solubility of 10% and 20% piperine/Soluplus(®) increased more than 160- and 45-fold in water, respectively. Furthermore, permeability studies demonstrated the enhancement in piperine absorption of 10% w/w piperine/Soluplus(®) extrudates up to 158.9 μg/5 ml compared with pure piperine at 1.3 μg/5 ml within 20 min.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that increasing the bioavailability of piperine may be achieved as demonstrated by findings in this study.

Improving productive performance and mitigating harmful emissions from laying hen excreta via feeding on graded levels of corn DDGS with or without Bacillus subtilis probiotic

An experiment that included some inclusions of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) with or without supplementation of probiotic bacteria to Hi-sex Brown laying hen diets was conducted to evaluate the impacts on performance, egg quality, blood metabolites and nitrogen and phosphorus excretion in the manure. A total of 216 twenty-two-week-old Hi-sex Brown laying hens were randomly divided into eight treatment groups in a factorial design (4 × 2) experiment, which included four levels of DDGS (0, 50, 100 and 150 g/kg diet) plus two levels of Bacillus subtilis probiotic (0 or 1000 mg/kg diet, with a concentration of 1.5 × 108 CFU/g of dried product). The experimental period extended from 22 to 34 weeks of age. The results showed that linear increase in DDGS level up to 150 g/kg improved (p ≤ 0.01) the values of feed consumption, egg shape index and yolk colour compared to the control and other treatment groups. Inclusion of dietary DDGS up to 150 g/kg in layer diets led to a significant decrease in egg mass and a significant increase in Haugh unit score compared to other groups. In the bacillus group, the values of feed conversion, egg weight and egg mass enhanced by 6.45, 3.27 and 7.60% respectively compared with the control diet. Total protein, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, calcium and ammonia in serum were significantly (p ≤ 0.01) influenced by DDGS inclusion. The excreted nitrogen decreased by 8.62 and 4.31% in hens fed 50 or 100 g/kg of DDGS respectively, while excreted phosphorous decreased by 3.33, 7.22 and 10.56% in hens fed 50, 100 or 150 g/kg of DDGS respectively as compared to the control group. It could be concluded that increasing DDGS inclusion level in the diet up to 10% and the supplementation of probiotic bacteria improved the productive performance of laying hens and mitigated the harmful emissions from chicken manure; this means better production within environmentally friendly conditions.

Optimization of hot melt extrusion parameters for sphericity and hardness of polymeric face-cut pellets

The aim of this study was to formulate face-cut, melt-extruded pellets, and to optimize hot melt process parameters to obtain maximized sphericity and hardness by utilizing Soluplus(®) as a polymeric carrier and carbamazepine (CBZ) as a model drug. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to detect thermal stability of CBZ. The Box-Behnken design for response surface methodology was developed using three factors, processing temperature ( °C), feeding rate (%), and screw speed (rpm), which resulted in 17 experimental runs. The influence of these factors on pellet sphericity and mechanical characteristics was assessed and evaluated for each experimental run. Pellets with optimal sphericity and mechanical properties were chosen for further characterization. This included differential scanning calorimetry, drug release, hardness friability index (HFI), flowability, bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, and fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR) spectroscopy. TGA data showed no drug degradation upon heating to 190 °C. Hot melt extrusion processing conditions were found to have a significant effect on the pellet shape and hardness profile. Pellets with maximum sphericity and hardness exhibited no crystalline peak after extrusion. The rate of drug release was affected mainly by pellet size, where smaller pellets released the drug faster. All optimized formulations were found to be of superior hardness and not friable. The flow properties of optimized pellets were excellent with high bulk and tapped density.

Development of a floating drug delivery system with superior buoyancy in gastric fluid using hot-melt extrusion coupled with pressurized CO₂

The present study aimed to develop a continuous single-step manufacturing platform to prepare a porous, low-density, and floating multi-particulate system (mini-tablet, 4 mm size). This process involves injecting inert, non-toxic pressurized CO₂gas (P-CO₂) in zone 4 of a 16-mm hot-melt extruder (HME) to continuously generate pores throughout the carrier matrix. Unlike conventional methods for preparing floating drug delivery systems, additional chemical excipients and additives are not needed in this approach to create minute openings on the surface of the matrices. The buoyancy efficiency of the prepared floating system (injection of P-CO₂) in terms of lag time (0 s) significantly improved (P < 0.05), compared to the formulation prepared by adding the excipient sodium bicarbonate (lag time 120 s). The main advantages of this novel manufacturing technique include: (i) no additional chemical excipients need to be incorporated in the formulation, (ii) few manufacturing steps are required, (iii) high buoyancy efficiency is attained, and (iv) the extrudate is free of toxic solvent residues. Floating mini-tablets containing acetaminophen (APAP) as a model drug within the matrix-forming carrier (Eudragit® RL PO) have been successfully processed via this combined technique (P-CO₂/HME). Desired controlled release profile of APAP from the polymer Eudragit® RL PO is attained in the optimized formulation, which remains buoyant on the surface of gastric fluids prior to gastric emptying time (average each 4 h).

Investigation of the combined effect of MgO and PEG on the release profile of mefenamic acid prepared via hot-melt extrusion techniques

This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of magnesium oxide (MgO) as an alkalizer and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer and wetting agent in the presence of Kollidon® 12 PF and 17 PF polymer carriers on the release profile of mefenamic acid (MA), which was prepared via hot-melt extrusion technique. Various drug loads of MA and various ratios of the polymers, PEG 3350 and MgO were blended using a V-shell blender and extruded using a twin-screw extruder (16-mm Prism EuroLab, ThermoFisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA) at different screw speeds and temperatures to prepare a solid dispersion system. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction data of the extruded material confirmed that the drug existed in the amorphous form, as evidenced by the absence of corresponding peaks. MgO and PEG altered the micro-environmental pH to be more alkaline (pH 9) and increased the hydrophilicity and dispersibility of the extrudates to enhance MA solubility and release, respectively. The in vitro release study demonstrated an immediate release for 2 h with more than 80% drug release within 45 min in matrices containing MgO and PEG in combination with polyvinylpyrrolidone when compared to the binary mixture, physical mixture and pure drug.

Influence of pressurized carbon dioxide on ketoprofen-incorporated hot-melt extruded low molecular weight hydroxypropylcellulose

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current research project was to investigate the effect of pressurized carbon dioxide (P-CO₂) on the physico-mechanical properties of ketoprofen (KTP)-incorporated hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) (Klucel™ ELF, EF, and LF) produced using hot-melt extrusion (HME) techniques and to assess the plasticization effect of P-CO₂ on the various polymers tested.

METHODS

The physico-mechanical properties of extrudates with and without injection of P-CO₂ were examined and compared with extrudates with the addition of 5% liquid plasticizer of propylene glycol (PG). The extrudates were milled and compressed into tablets. Tablet characteristics of the extrudates with and without injection of P-CO₂ were evaluated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

P-CO₂ acted as a plasticizer for tested polymers, which allowed for the reduction in extrusion processing temperature. The microscopic morphology of the extrudates was changed to a foam-like structure due to the expansion of the CO₂ at the extrusion die. The foamy extrudates demonstrated enhanced KTP release compared with the extrudates processed without P-CO₂ due to the increase of porosity and surface area of those extrudates. Furthermore, the hardness of the tablets prepared by foamy extrudates was increased and the percent friability was decreased. Thus, the good binding properties and compressibility of the extrudates were positively influenced by utilizing P-CO₂ processing.