The use of microviscometry to study polymer dissolution from solid dispersion drug delivery systems

Solmaz Esnaashari, Yousef Javadzadeh, Hannah K. Batchelor, Barbara R. Conway

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Solid dispersions can be used to improve dissolution of poorly soluble drugs and PVP is a common polymeric carrier in such systems. The mechanisms controlling release of drug from solid dispersions are not fully understood and proposed theories are dependent on an understanding of the dissolution behaviour of both components of the dispersion. This study uses microviscometry to measure small changes in the viscosity of the dissolution medium as the polymer dissolves from ibuprofen-PVP solid dispersions. The microviscometer determines the dynamic and kinematic viscosity of liquids based on the rolling/falling ball principle. Using a standard USP dissolution apparatus, the dissolution of the polymer from the solid dispersion was easily measured alongside drug release. Drug release was found to closely follow polymer dissolution at the molecular weights and ratios used. The combination of sensitivity and ease of use make microviscometry a valuable technique for the elucidation of mechanisms governing drug release from polymeric delivery systems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)227-230
Number of pages4
JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics
Volume292
Issue number1-2
Early online date25 Jan 2005
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Mar 2005
Externally publishedYes

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