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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
11:53
Crystallization of Membrane Proteins in Lipidic Mesophases
Published on: March 28, 2011
Reaction crystallization of pharmaceutical molecular complexes
Naír Rodríguez-Hornedo1, Sarah J Nehm, Kurt F Seefeldt
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1065, USA. nrh@umich.edu
Molecular Pharmaceutics
|June 6, 2006
Summary
This study introduces reaction cocrystallization, a method using component solubility to direct cocrystal formation. Carbamazepine:nicotinamide cocrystals were monitored in situ, demonstrating a rational approach for cocrystal screening and process control.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Cocrystal synthesis is crucial for drug formulation.
- Controlling nucleation and growth remains a challenge.
- Solubility modulation offers a novel synthesis pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel mechanism for cocrystal synthesis.
- To investigate reaction cocrystallization pathways and kinetics.
- To demonstrate a rational approach for cocrystal screening and process development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized carbamazepine:nicotinamide (CBZ:NCT) as a model system.
- Employed in situ fiber optic Raman spectroscopy and Raman microscopy.
- Monitored cocrystallization across various scales and phases (solutions, suspensions, slurries, wet solids).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that cocrystal components can direct nucleation and growth by reducing solubility.
- Characterized reaction cocrystallization kinetics in aqueous and organic solvents.
- Successfully monitored cocrystallization processes in situ at macroscopic and microscopic levels.
Conclusions:
- Reaction cocrystallization provides a controllable and rational method for cocrystal synthesis.
- This approach facilitates high-throughput screening of cocrystals.
- The findings are transferable to control both batch and continuous cocrystallization processes.
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