04. August 2018
In this paper, we explain the crystallization process of mannitol during convective droplet drying based on the crystallization kinetics calculated from two mathematical models coupled with experimental investigations. A novel differential-reaction engineering approach was developed, correlating the mannitol crystallization behavior to the deviation of droplet drying kinetics at different drying temperatures. The model was compared with a conventional glass transition-based model and the...
23. May 2018
Delivery of drugs to the lungs via dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a promising approach for the treatment of both local pulmonary conditions and systemic diseases. Though DPIs are widely used for the pulmonary deposition of potent bronchodilators, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids, there is growing interest in the utilization of this delivery system for the administration of high drug doses to the lungs, as made evident by recent regulatory approvals for anti-microbial, anti-viral and osmotic...
06. October 2017
In the field of nasal drug delivery, among the preparations defined by the European Pharmacopoeia, nasal powders facilitate the formulation of poorly water-soluble active compounds. They often display a simple composition in excipients (if any), allow for the administration of larger drug doses and enhance drug diffusion and absorption across the mucosa, improving bioavailability compared to nasal liquids. Despite the positive features, however, nasal products in this form still struggle to...
24. March 2017
Abstract Introduction: Early dry powder inhalers (DPIs) were designed for low drug doses in asthma and COPD therapy. Nearly all concepts contained carrier-based formulations and lacked efficient dispersion principles. Therefore, particle engineering and powder processing are increasingly applied to achieve acceptable lung deposition with these poorly designed inhalers. Areas covered: The consequences of the choices made for early DPI development with respect of efficacy, production costs and...
27. February 2017
Abstract Micronized cocrystal powders and amorphous spray-dried formulations were prepared and evaluated in vivo and in vitro as pulmonary absorption enhancement formulations of poorly soluble itraconazole (ITZ). ITZ cocrystals with succinic acid (SA) or l-tartaric acid (TA) with a particle size diameter of <2 μm were successfully micronized using the jet-milling system. The cocrystal crystalline morphologies observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggested particle shapes that...
08. August 2016
Abstract Control and optimization of the physical properties of a drug substance (DS) are critical to the development of robust drug product manufacturing processes and performance. A lack of isolatable, for example, crystalline, DS solid forms can present challenges to achieving this control. In this study, an isolation scheme for an amorphous DS was developed and integrated into the synthetic route producing DS with optimized properties. An inert absorbent excipient (Neusilin® US2) was used...
19. May 2016
Investigational drugs are increasingly becoming less soluble in aqueous media thus presenting real challenges during development. Previous work has successfully demonstrated the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals using fluidized-bed (FB) impregnation of APIs onto porous carriers. This study demonstrates the usefulness of FB impregnation in formulating poorly-soluble drugs. We show that dissolution of Fenofibrate is greatly improved by FB impregnation onto Neusilin®, a synthetic amorphous form of...
02. May 2016
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are bio-based nanomaterials typically derived from the acid hydrolysis of the most abundant natural polymer, cellulose. These nanomaterials have garnered significant interest due to their unique properties, such as uniform rod-like shape, high surface area, high strength, liquid crystalline behavior, tailored surface chemistry, biocompatibility, biodegradability, sustainability and non-toxic carbohydrate-based nature. More
05. February 2016
The purpose of this study was to prepare engineered particles of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate (RHT) and to characterize the physicochemical and aerodynamic properties, in comparison to a lactose carrier formulation (LCF). Microparticles were prepared from ethanol/water solutions containing RHT with and without the incorporation of L-leucine (Leu), using a spray dryer. Dry powder inhaler formulations prepared were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, laser...
27. January 2016
Algal biomass is an excellent renewable resource for the production of polymers and other products due to their higher growth rate, high photosynthetic efficiency, great potential for carbon dioxide fixation, low percentage of lignin and high amount of carbohydrates. Algae contain unique metabolites which are transformed into monomers suitable for development of novel polyesters. More