A Novel Approach for Dry Powder Coating of Pellets with Ethylcellulose. Part II: Evaluation of Caffeine Release.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and the capability of a novel ethylcellulose-based dry-coating system to obtain prolonged and stable release profiles of caffeine-loaded pellets. Lauric and oleic acids at a suitable proportion were used to plasticize ethylcellulose. The effect of coating level, percentage of drug loading, inert core particle size, and composition of the coating formulation including the anti-sticking agent on the drug release profile were fully investigated. A coating level of 15% w/w was the maximum layered amount which could modify the drug release. The best controlled drug release was obtained by atomizing talc (2.5% w/w) together with the solid plasticizer during the dry powder-coating process. SEM pictures revealed a substantial drug re-crystallization on the pellet surface, and the release studies evidenced that caffeine diffused through the plasticized polymer acting as pore former. Therefore, the phenomenon of caffeine migration across the coating layer had a strong influence on the permeability of the coating membrane. Comparing dry powder-coated pellets to aqueous film-coated ones, drug migration happened during storage, though more sustained release profiles were obtained. The developed dry powder-coating process enabled the production of stable caffeine sustained release pellets. Surprisingly, the release properties of the dry-coated pellets were mainly influenced by the way of addition of talc into the dry powder-coating blend and by the drug nature and affinity to the coating components. It would be interesting to study the efficacy of novel coating system using a different API.

Milling and comilling Praziquantel at cryogenic and room temperatures: Assessment of the process-induced effects on drug properties.

This study is a comprehensive evaluation of praziquantel (PZQ) behavior upon grinding considering the influence of milling temperature (cryogenic vs room temperature), frequency and time and presence of polymers (milled raw PZQ vs comilled PZQ/povidone and PZQ/crospovidone at 50:50 w/w) on two experimental responses (residual crystallinity and PZQ recovery). To this aim a full factorial design was set up and the responses of the experimental design were statistically assessed. The powder temperature, measured in different milling conditions, was found to increase with increasing milling frequency and time, up to a maximum recorded value of 46.9 °C (after 90 min at R.T.), for all the three powder systems. When PZQ was ground in RT environment, the recovery was 100%, independently from frequency and time of milling. Its residual crystallinity remained pronounced (>70%) upon milling, even if treated at the most severe conditions. Conversely, when the drug was milled in presence of the polymers, it showed a higher tendency to degradation and amorphysation, independently from the choice of the polymer. The use of cryogenic conditions, operating at temperatures lower than PZQ glass transition, permitted to dramatically reduce PZQ residual crystallinity when the drug was ground by itself. In the case of binary mixtures, the switch to a cryogenic environment did not affect significantly the experimental responses, but permitted to obtain a more predictable trend of both drug recovery and residual crystallinity when varying time and frequency of milling.

A novel approach for dry powder coating of pellets with Ethylcellulose. Part I: Evaluation of film formulation and process set up.

An innovative dry powder coating technology was developed in a high-shear granulator using ethylcellulose (E10) as polymer. Several solid plasticizers were investigated with the aim of decreasing the polymer Tg at least to the highest possible working temperature (80°C). DSC analysis of physical mixtures of E10 and plasticizers evidenced that lauric acid (LA) was the most effective plasticizer. In order to reach the target temperature a liquid plasticizer, oleic acid (OA), was introduced in the coating formulation. Free films were then prepared and the target minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) was established in the range 70-80°C. Depending on the LA:OA weight ratio, Kollidon VA64 was included to decrease the LA recrystallization, while talc served as anti-sticking agent. Curing at the MFFT ensured the formation of homogeneous and stable films with good stability on storage. The dry powder coating process of placebo pellets was then developed, consisting of a combination of liquid assisted and thermal adhesion methods. The best coating formulations in terms of yields, coating efficiency (expressed as Relative Standard Deviation of the weight applied) and low pellets aggregation were based on E10:LA:OA in a weight ratio of 65:20:15 and 60:20:20. Moreover pellets remained stable after 1year of storage (25°C/60% R.H.).

Ethylcellulose film coating of guaifenesin-loaded pellets: A comprehensive evaluation of the manufacturing process to prevent drug migration.

The aim of the research was to investigate the complete process of pellet production in a Wurster fluidized bed coater in order to determine the main factors affecting the migration phenomenon of a soluble API through the ethycellulose film coating (Surelease®) and hence the long-term stability of the controlled release pellets. Guaifenesin (GFN), as BCS class I model drug, was layered on sugar spheres using a binder-polymer solution containing the dissolved GFN. The drug loaded pellets were then coated with Surelease®. The influence of drug loading (4.5-20.0% w/w), curing conditions (40-60°C and dynamic-static equipment), coating level (12-20% theoretical weight gain) and composition of the binder-layering solution (hypromellose versus Na alginate) on process efficiency (RSDW%), GFN content uniformity (RSDC%), GFN solid state (DSC and XRD) and pellet release profiles was evaluated. The effectiveness of the Surelease film was strongly affected by the ability of GFN to cross the coating layer and to recrystallize on the pellet surface. Results indicated that this behaviour was dependent on the polymer used in the binder-layering solution. Using hypromellose as polymer, GFN recrystallized on the coated pellet surface at both drug loadings. The curing step was necessary to stabilize the film effectiveness at the higher drug loading. Increasing the coating level delayed but did not prevent the GFN diffusion. Replacing hypromellose with Na alginate, reduced the migration of GFN through the film to a negligible amount even after six months of storage and the curing step was not necessary to achieve stable controlled release profiles over storage.

Formulation of spray congealed microparticles with self-emulsifying ability for enhanced glibenclamide dissolution performance.

PURPOSE: To develop a novel preparation approach of solid Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (s-SEDDS) based on spray congealing as potential drug delivery technology for poorly water-soluble drug Glibenclamide (GBD). METHODS: Several systems were formulated using suitable excipients, solid at room temperature, with different hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, such as Myverol, Myvatex, Gelucire®50/13 and Gelucire®44/14. Cremophor®EL and Poloxamer 188 were selected as surfactants and PEG 4000 as co-solvent. RESULTS: The screening of the best carrier for s-SEDDS manufacturing revealed that Gelucire®50/13 had greater performance. Then, surfactant-co-solvent systems were developed. Dissolution studies showed that all the formulations promoted the solubilisation performance of the GBD with respect to pure drug; in particular the formulation containing Gelucire®50/13 and PEG 4000 increased the drug solubilisation of five times. These microparticles showed self-dispersibility within 60 min and micelles dimensions around 360 nm. CONCLUSIONS: Spray congealing is a promising novel manufacturing technique of solid self-emulsifying systems.

Formulating SLMs as oral pulsatile system for potential delivery of melatonin to pediatric population.

The formulation development of melatonin (MLT) for infants and children with neurodevelopmental difficulties was fully investigated. This population have a higher prevalence of sleep disorders and present special challenges for drug administration and swallowing. To solve these issues, solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) were designed to obtain an oral flexible dosage form constituted by GRAS excipients and a free flow pulsatile delivery system for MLT, able to maintain its release through 8h. Three groups of SLMs were produced by spray congealing and characterized as regards particle size, morphology, flowability, solid state, drug content and release behavior. The SLMs manipulation with milk and yogurt and the MLT stability in these foods were also investigated. Microparticles with different excipient composition were selected to obtain a pulsatile release pattern over 8h. The final delivery platform displayed a prompt release from group I SLMs together with a lag phase of groups II and III SLMs, followed by a repeated MLT release from group II and a prolonged MLT release related to the last group. Finally, MLT was compatible and stable in milk and yogurt suggesting that microparticles sprinkled into food is acceptable for MLT administration to children unable to swallow capsules or tablets.