Supercritical-CO2 Foam Extrusion of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Acetate Succinate/Itraconazole Amorphous Solid Dispersions: Processing-Structure-Property Relations

Thermal degradation of Affinisol HPMC: Optimum Processing Temperatures for Hot Melt Extrusion and 3D Printing

PURPOSE

Affinisol HPMC HME is a new popular form of hypromellose specifically designed for the hot melt extrusion and 3D printing of pharmaceutical products. However, reports of its thermal stability include only data obtained under inert N2 atmosphere, which is not consistent with the common pharmaceutical practice. Therefore, detailed investigation of its real-life thermal stability in air is paramount for identification of potential risks and limitations during its high-temperature processing.

METHODS

In this work, the Affinisol HPMC HME 15LV powder as well as extruded filaments will be investigated by means of thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy with respect to its thermal stability.

RESULTS

The decomposition in N2 was proceeded in accordance with the literature data and manufacturer's specifications: onset at ~260°C at 0.5°C·min-1, single-step mass loss of 90-95%. However, in laboratory or industrial practice, high-temperature processing is performed in the air, where oxidation-induced degradation drastically changes. The thermogravimetric mass loss in air proceeded in three stages: ~ 5% mass loss with onset at 150°C, ~ 70% mass loss at 200°C, and ~ 15% mass loss at 380°C. Diffusion of O2 into the Affinisol material was identified as the rate-determining step.

CONCLUSION

For extrusion temperatures ≥170°C, Affinisol exhibits a significant degree of degradation within the 5 min extruder retention time. Hot melt extrusion of pure Affinisol can be comfortably performed below this temperature. Utilization of plasticizers may be necessary for safe 3D printing.

Biological Activities and Solubilization Methodologies of Naringin

Naringin (NG), a natural flavanone glycoside, possesses a multitude of pharmacological properties, encompassing anti-inflammatory, sedative, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-osteoporosis, and lipid-lowering functions, and serves as a facilitator for the absorption of other drugs. Despite these powerful qualities, NG's limited solubility and bioavailability primarily undermine its therapeutic potential. Consequently, innovative solubilization methodologies have received considerable attention, propelling a surge of scholarly investigation in this arena. Among the most promising solutions is the enhancement of NG's solubility and physiological activity without compromising its inherent active structure, therefore enabling the formulation of non-toxic and benign human body preparations. This article delivers a comprehensive overview of NG and its physiological activities, particularly emphasizing the impacts of structural modification, solid dispersions (SDs), inclusion compound, polymeric micelle, liposomes, and nanoparticles on NG solubilization. By synthesizing current research, this research elucidates the bioavailability of NG, broadens its clinical applicability, and paves the way for further exploration and expansion of its application spectrum.

Optimizing Solvent Selection and Processing Conditions to Generate High Bulk-Density, Co-Precipitated Amorphous Dispersions of Posaconazole

Co-precipitation is an emerging method to generate amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), notable for its ability to enable the production of ASDs containing pharmaceuticals with thermal instability and limited solubility. As is true for spray drying and other unit operations to generate amorphous materials, changes in processing conditions during co-precipitation, such as solvent selection, can have a significant impact on the molecular and bulk powder properties of co-precipitated amorphous dispersions (cPAD). Using posaconazole as a model API, this work investigates how solvent selection can be leveraged to mitigate crystallization and maximize bulk density for precipitated amorphous dispersions. A precipitation process is developed to generate high-bulk-density amorphous dispersions. Insights from this system provide a mechanistic rationale to control the solid-state and bulk powder properties of amorphous dispersions.