Isothermal microcalorimetry of pressurized systems II: effect of excipient and water ingress on formulation stability of amorphous glycopyrrolate.

PURPOSE: Use isothermal microcalorimetry to directly evaluate the effects of excipients and water content to produce a stable amorphous glycopyrrolate pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) formulation. METHODS: Amorphous glycopyrrolate particles with and without excipients (Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) or ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD)) were spray dried and cold filled along with HFA 134a into customized thermal activity monitor (TAM) measurement ampoules. When applicable, a known amount of water was also pipetted into the ampoule. Sample ampoules were hermetically sealed, equilibrated to 25°C and measured isothermally for at least 24 h using the TAM III (TA Instruments, Sollentuna, Sweden). RESULTS: Amorphous glycopyrrolate particles were highly unstable and crystallized rapidly when suspended in HFA 134a. Co-spray drying the glycopyrrolate with DSPC failed to mitigate this instability, but co-spray drying with ßCD protected the amorphous glycopyrrolate from crystallization, resulting in a stable formulation at low water contents (≤ 100 ppm). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that isothermal microcalorimetry can easily differentiate between physically stable and unstable pMDI formulations of glycopyrrolate within a few hours. Furthermore, it allows rapid screening of various formulation factors (drug form, excipients, water ingress), which can greatly reduce the time required to develop marketable products with acceptable shelf life.

Attachment of micro- and nano-particles on tipless cantilevers for colloidal probe microscopy.

HYPOTHESIS: Current colloidal probe preparation techniques face several challenges in the production of functional probes using particles ⩽5 µm. Challenges include: glue encapsulated particles, glue altered particle properties, improper particle or agglomerate attachment, and lengthy procedures. We present a method to rapidly and reproducibly produce functional micro and nano-colloidal probes. EXPERIMENTAL: Using a six-step procedure, cantilevers mounted on a custom designed 45° holder were used to approach and obtain a minimal amount of epoxy resin (viscosity of ∼14,000 cP) followed by a single micron/nano particle on the apex of a tipless cantilever. The epoxy and particles were prepared on individual glass slides and subsequently affixed to a 10× or 40× optical microscope lens using another custom designed holder. Scanning electron microscopy and comparative glue-colloidal probe measurements were used to confirm colloidal probe functionality. FINDINGS: The method presented allowed rapid and reproducible production of functional colloidal probes (80% success). Single nano-particles were prominently affixed to the apex of the cantilever, unaffected by the epoxy. Nano-colloidal probes were used to conduct topographical, instantaneous force, and adhesive force mapping measurements in dry and liquid media conveying their versatility and functionality in studying nano-colloidal systems.

Isothermal microcalorimetry of pressurized systems I: a rapid method to evaluate pressurized metered dose inhaler formulations.

PURPOSE: The techniques available to study formulation stability in pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) are limited, due to the challenging conditions of working with high pressure propellants. Isothermal microcalorimetry is a valuable tool used to screen and aid in formulation development of solid and solution drug formulations; however there are currently no available methods to evaluate pMDIs. In this paper, we have developed a method that allows measurement of such pressurized systems. METHODS: Samples were prepared by cold filling ampoules with propellant (HFA 134a) and drugs of interest. Ampoule caps were fitted with a specific O-ring, coated with paraffin and pre-conditioned prior to measurement. Samples were equilibrated at 25°C, placed in a Thermal Activity Monitor III (TAM III) system and measured isothermally at 25°C for a period of at least 24 h. RESULTS: Using well-defined procedures and ampoule preparation techniques we were able to safely contain the volatile propellant and acquire a stable measurement baseline. We were able to rapidly determine, within 6 h, the physical stability of amorphous and crystalline drug forms of beclomethasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate when formulated with HFA 134a. CONCLUSIONS: Isothermal microcalorimetry in pressurized HFA propellant systems was shown to be a rapid screening tool to evaluate pMDI formulation physical stability. This method can potentially be applied to study pMDI formulation factors to expedite product development.