Physicochemical properties of tadalafil solid dispersions - Impact of polymer on the apparent solubility and dissolution rate of tadalafil

To improve solubility of tadalafil (Td), a poorly soluble drug substance (3μg/ml) belonging to the II class of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System, its six different solid dispersions (1:1, w/w) in the following polymers: HPMC, MC, PVP, PVP-VA, Kollicoat IR and Soluplus were successfully produced by freeze-drying. Scanning electron microscopy showed a morphological structure of solid dispersions typical of lyophilisates. Apparent solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate studies revealed the greatest, a 16-fold, increase in drug solubility (50μg/ml) and a significant, 20-fold, dissolution rate enhancement for the Td/PVP-VA solid dispersion in comparison with crystalline Td. However, the longest duration of the supersaturation state in water (27μg/ml) over 24h was observed for the Td solid dispersion in HPMC. The improved dissolution of Td from Td/PVP-VA was confirmed in the standard dissolution test of capsules filled with solid dispersions. Powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis showed the amorphous nature of these binary systems and indicated the existence of dispersion at the molecular level and its supersaturated character, respectively. Nevertheless, as evidenced by film casting, the greatest ability to dissolve Td in polymer was determined for PVP-VA. The crystallization tendency of Td dispersed in Kollicoat IR could be explained by the low Tg (113°C) of the solid dispersion and the highest difference in Hansen solubility parameters (6.8MPa(0.5)) between Td and the polymer, although this relationship was not satisfied for the partially crystalline dispersion in PVP. Similarly, no correlation was found between the strength of hydrogen bonds investigated using infrared spectroscopy and the physical stability of solid dispersions or the level of supersaturation in aqueous solution.

Enhancement of the physical stability of amorphous indomethacin by mixing it with octaacetylmaltose. inter and intra molecular studies

PURPOSE

To demonstrate a very effective and easy way of stabilization of amorphous indomethacin (IMC) by preparing binary mixtures with octaacetylmaltose (acMAL). In order to understand the origin of increased stability of amorphous system inter- and intramolecular interactions between IMC and acMAL were studied.

METHODS

The amorphous IMC, acMAL and binary mixtures (IMC-acMAL) with different weight ratios were analyzed by using Dielectric Spectroscopy (DS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR).

RESULTS

Our studies have revealed that indomethacin mixed with acetylated saccharide forms homogeneous mixture. Interestingly, even a small amount of modified maltose prevents from recrystallization of amorphous indomethacin. FTIR measurements and QSAR calculations have shown that octaacetylmaltose significantly affects the concentration of indomethacin dimers. Moreover, with increasing the amount of acMAL in the amorphous solid dispersion molecular interactions between matrix and API become more dominant than IMC-IMC ones. Structural investigations with the use of X-ray diffraction technique have demonstrated that binary mixture of indomethacin with acMAL does not recrystallize upon storage at room temperature for more than 1.5 year. Finally, it was shown that acMAL can be used to improve solubility of IMC.

CONCLUSIONS

Acetylated derivative of maltose might be very effective agent to improve physical stability of amorphous indomethacin as well as to enhance its solubility. Intermolecular interactions between modified carbohydrate and IMC are likely to be responsible for increased stability effect in the glassy state.

The atomic scale structure of CXV carbon: wide-angle x-ray scattering and modeling studies

The disordered structure of commercially available CXV activated carbon produced from finely powdered wood-based carbon has been studied using the wide-angle x-ray scattering technique, molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations. The x-ray scattering data has been converted to the real space representation in the form of the pair correlation function via the Fourier transform. Geometry optimizations using classical molecular dynamics based on the reactive empirical bond order potential and density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31g* level have been performed to generate nanoscale models of CXV carbon consistent with the experimental data. The final model of the structure comprises four chain-like and buckled graphitic layers containing a small percentage of four-fold coordinated atoms (sp(3) defects) in each layer. The presence of non-hexagonal rings in the atomic arrangement has been also considered.

Molecular dynamics of itraconazole at ambient and high pressure

Comprehensive molecular dynamics studies of vitrified and cryogrounded itraconazole (Itr) were performed at ambient and elevated pressure. DSC measurements yielded besides melting and glass transition observed during heating and cooling of both samples two further endothermic events at around T = 363 K and T = 346 K. The nature of these transitions was investigated using X-ray diffraction, broadband dielectric spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory calculations. The X-ray measurements indicated that extra ordering in itraconazole is likely to occur. Based on calculations and theory derived by Letz et al. the transition observed at T = 363 K was discussed in the context of formation of the nematic mesophase. In fact, additional FTIR measurements revealed that order parameter variation in Itr shows a typical sequence of liquid crystal phases with axially symmetric orientational order; i.e. a nematic phase in the temperature range 361.7 K to 346.5 K and a smectic A phase below 346.5. Moreover, dielectric measurements demonstrated that except for the structural relaxation process, there is also slower mode above the glass transition temperature in both vitrified and cryogrounded samples. We considered the origin of this mode taking into account DFT calculations, rod like shape of itraconazole and distribution of its dipole moment vectors. For the dielectric data collected at elevated pressure, evolution of the steepness index versus pressure was determined. Finally, the pressure coefficient of the glass transition temperature was evaluated to be equal to 190 K GPa(-1).

A new way of stabilization of furosemide upon cryogenic grinding by using acylated saccharides matrices. The role of hydrogen bonds in decomposition mechanism

Recently it was reported that upon mechanical milling of pure furosemide significant chemical degradation occurs (Adrjanowicz et al. Pharm. Res.2011, 28, 3220-3236). In this paper, we present a novel way of chemical stabilization amorphous furosemide against decomposing that occur during mechanical treatment by preparing binary mixtures with acylated saccharides. To get some insight into the mechanism of chemical degradation of furosemide induced by cryomilling, experimental investigations supported by density functional theory (DFT) computations were carried out. This included detailed studies on molecular dynamics and physical properties of cryoground samples. The main thrust of our paper is that we have shown that furosemide cryomilled with acylated saccharides forms chemically and physically stable homogeneous mixtures with only one glass transition temperature, Tg. Finally, solubility measurements have demonstrated that furosemide cryomilled with acylated saccharides (glucose, maltose and sucrose) is much more soluble with respect to the crystalline form of this active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

Graphene-like structure of activated anthracites

The structure of a series of activated carbons prepared from anthracite by chemical activation has been studied using wide-angle x-ray scattering, molecular dynamics and Raman spectroscopy. The BET surface areas of the investigated samples are in the range 1500-3430 m(2) g(-1) and the average pore sizes vary from 0.75 to 1.35 nm. The diffraction measurements were carried out to a maximum value of the scattering vector K(max) = 22 Å(-1). The obtained diffraction data have been converted to a real space representation in the form of the pair correlation function. The structure of the studied samples consists of one or two graphite-like layers, stacked without spatial correlations. The size of the ordered layer region is approximately 24 Å. The atomic arrangement within an individual layer has been described in terms of paracrystalline ordering, in which lattice distortions are propagated proportionally to the square root of inter-atomic distances. The paracrystalline structure has been simulated by introducing the Stone-Thrower-Wales, mono-vacancy and di-vacancy defects, randomly distributed in the network. These defects lead to the formation of a defected network with the presence of non-hexagonal rings in which distortion of the structure extends outside of a defect region. Computer generated structural models have been relaxed at room temperature using the reactive empirical bond order potential for intra-layer interactions and the Lennard-Jones potential for inter-layer interactions. For such generated models the structure factors and the pair correlation functions were computed. A good agreement between the simulation results and the experimental data in both reciprocal and real space provides evidence for the correctness of the proposed models. The Raman data support the validity of these models. Porosity of the activated anthracites is discussed in relation to their defective structure.

Impact of water on molecular dynamics of amorphous α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins studied by dielectric spectroscopy

Dielectric, calorimetric, and x-ray diffraction measurements were carried out on α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins, which are cyclic saccharides built by, respectively, six, seven, and eight glucose units connected via glycosidic linkage. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements indicated that each carbohydrate has a melting temperature located much above the temperature at which thermal decomposition begins. Moreover, calorimetric data revealed that it is possible to completely dehydrate each cyclodextrin by annealing them above 413 K. Unfortunately, it is impossible to obtain amorphous forms of cyclodextrin by simple cooling of the melt. Thus, a solid state amorphization method has been applied. X-ray diffraction studies demonstrated that by ball milling at room temperature we are able to obtain completely amorphous cyclodextrins. Finally, dielectric measurements were carried out to probe molecular dynamics in the amorphous state of cyclodextrins. It was found that there is only one relaxation process in amorphous hydrated cyclodextrins, while in dried samples two secondary relaxations are present. Moreover, we have shown that water has an enormous effect on the dynamics of both relaxation modes, i.e., with increasing content of water, the activation energy of the slow mode decreases, while that evaluated for the fast mode increases. We were not able to follow the dynamics of the structural relaxation process, because glass transition temperatures of amorphous cyclodextrins were found to lie above thermal degradation points.

Molecular dynamics studies on the water mixtures of pharmaceutically important ionic liquid lidocaine HCl

In this paper the molecular dynamics of a common local-anesthetic drug, lidocaine hydrochloride (LD-HCl), and its water mixtures were investigated. By means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy and calorimetric measurements it was shown that even a small addition of water causes a significant effect on the relaxation dynamics of analyzed protic ionic liquid. Apart from the two well-resolved relaxations (σ- and γ-processes) and the β-mode, identified as the JG-process, observed for anhydrous LD-HCl, a new relaxation peak (υ) is visible in the dielectric spectra of aqueous mixtures of this drug. Additionally, the significant effect of the water on the glass transition temperature of LD-HCl was found. The sample characterized with mole fraction of water X(w) = 0.44 reveals the glass transition temperature T(g), 42 K lower than that of anhydrous material (307 K). Finally, it was shown that by amorphization of the hydrochloride salt of lidocaine it is possible to obtain its room temperature ionic liquid form.

Molecular dynamics and crystallization phenomenon of supercooled and glassy DNA and RNA nucleosides: β-adenosine, β-thymidine, and β-uridine

Nucleosides are chemical compounds that have an extremely important biological role; they can be found in all types of living organisms. They are crucial components from which DNA and RNA acids are built. In addition, nucleosides are key regulators of many physiological processes. In this paper, the molecular dynamics in the liquid and glassy state of three selected nucleosides, β-adenosine, β-thymidine, and β-uridine, was investigated by means of dielectric spectroscopy. Our results revealed multiple relaxation processes associated with different types of molecular motions. Besides the primary α relaxation, two secondary modes in the glassy states of examined compounds were identified. Crystallization progress monitored by dielectric spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction technique at isostructural relaxation conditions revealed that the examined nucleosides possess completely different tendencies to recrystallize from the liquid as well as the glassy state. We have also made an attempt to predict the time scale of molecular motion below the glass transition temperatures of the respective nucleosides to discuss their potential stability at room temperature over prolonged storage time. Finally, combination of molecular mobility studies with evaluation of thermodynamic parameters from calorimetric measurements allowed us to discuss the fundamental roles of both kinetic and thermodynamic factors in governing the physical stability of the glassy state.

Theoretical and experimental studies on the internal mobility of two sulfonylurea agents: glibenclamide and glimepiride

Molecular dynamics of glibenclamide and glimepiride in their glassy state were studied by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy. In both compounds we found a γ-relaxation process, with nearly the same value of activation energy. Further, we were able to identify the origin of γ relaxation by performing calculations within the framework of density functional theory. It was found that rotation of the chain end included cyclohexyl and neighboring carbonyl group is related to the observed mode in dielectric spectra. The calculated activation energy was only a few kJ per mole lower than the energies obtained from experiment. It is demonstrated that this fast γ process is insensitive to pressure. Finally, another secondary mode in glibenclamide, predicted by computations, was confirmed from dielectric measurements at elevated pressure. Our calculations indicate that this mode should be pressure-sensitive.

Comparative dielectric studies on two hydrogen-bonded and van der Waals liquids

Broadband dielectric measurements were performed in a wide range of temperatures on glucose, maltose, and their acetyl derivatives. We have indicated that molecular dynamics above and below the glass transition temperature differ considerably for the hydrogen-bonded and van der Waals systems. We have shown that structural relaxation dispersions of D-glucose and maltose are broader than those obtained for peracetyl carbohydrates. Moreover, glass transition temperatures of the former systems are much higher than for the latter ones. In the glassy state of both glucose and its acetyl derivatives only one well-separated secondary relaxation process was identified. In the case of maltose and peracetyl maltose a completely different situation was observed. In the former carbohydrate two secondary modes were detected, whereas in the latter one only a faster relaxation process was visible in the glassy state. This finding is discussed in greater detail on the basis of density functional theory calculations.

Nanoscale domains with nematic order in supercooled vitamin-A acetate: molecular dynamics studies

Vitamin-A acetate is one of the most versatile vitamins. It is applied in medicine because of its antioxidative properties, in tumor therapy because of its cytostatic activity, and in cosmetics because of its nutritional additives. Herein, using broadband dielectric spectroscopy, the molecular dynamics of supercooled and glassy vitamin-A acetate was investigated. It was shown that dielectric measurements carried out at ambient and elevated pressures reveal a number of relaxation processes associated with different types of molecular motions: α, δ, and ν processes-observed above the glass transition temperature and the next two modes: β and γ identified in the glassy state. The occurrence of the δ mode in the dielectric spectrum may imply the existence of nanoscale domains with nematic order. This hypothesis is further checked by atomic force microscopy measurements. Finally, we have determined the value of the glass transition temperature (T(g)) as well as the steepness index (m(P)) at various T-P conditions.

Molecular dynamics of the cryomilled base and hydrochloride ziprasidones by means of dielectric spectroscopy

Cryomilling was applied to obtain amorphous forms of the base ziprasidone and its hydrochloride salt. Complete amorphization of both samples was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray measurements. As it turned out, cryogrinding is very effective way to obtain these drugs in the amorphous state, especially because melting of both ziprazidones accompanies significant chemical decomposition as revealed by ultra performance liquid chromatography examination. Consequently, the glassy state cannot be reached in conventional way, that is, by supercooling of melt. Broadband dielectric relaxation measurements were performed on both drugs to describe their molecular dynamics above as well as below their glass transition temperatures (T(g)). We found out that ziprasidone base and its hydrochloride salt differ in T(g) in the same way as it was previously reported for tramadol monohydrate and its hydrochloride. Moreover, our dielectric studies revealed that molecular mobility is not the main factor controlling kinetics of crystallization of both ziprasidones above their T(g) . Below the T(g) relaxation related to water as well as secondary relaxation process originating from the intermolecular interaction (Johari-Goldstein) were identified in the loss spectra of both materials. We have demonstrated that except of local mobility, water is the dominant factor moving both ziprasidones toward recrystallization process. Finally, we have also carried out solubility measurements to show that dissolution rate of the amorphous ziprasidones is much higher with respect to the crystalline samples.

Study of the amorphous glibenclamide drug: analysis of the molecular dynamics of quenched and cryomilled material

Glibenclamide (GCM) is an oral hypoglycemic agent of the sulfonylurea group used in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Crystalline GCM is characterized by low bioavailability, which is attributed to its poor dissolution properties. It prompted us to prepare this drug in its amorphous form as a means to enhance its dissolution characteristics. Two different methods were used to convert crystalline GCM into the glassy form: quench-cooling of the melt and cryogenic milling. To monitor solid-state properties of the amorphous samples, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and spectroscopy, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) were applied. The results of UPLC separations along with associated infrared and NMR measurements unambiguously showed that the thermal degradation of the quenched GCM, as suggested in literature reports, does not occur. A similar analysis performed on the cryomilled material also did not indicate any chemical decomposition. On the other hand, both methods confirmed that the conversion to the amorphous form is connected with the amide-imidic acid tautomerism of the examined drug. Moreover it was shown that this transformation occurs regardless of the manner of amorphization. Finally, dielectric spectroscopy was employed to study the molecular dynamics of vitrified GCM. The analysis of the ε''(f) in terms of the KWW function from the dielectric measurements revealed the existence of an "excess wing" attributed to the true Johari-Goldstein process based on Ngai's coupling model. The dielectric properties of GCM obtained in the amorphous form both by rapid cooling of the melt and the cryogenic grinding of crystalline sample were also compared.