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Encapsulation and Permeability Characteristics of Plasma Polymerized Hollow Particles
Published on: August 16, 2012
Plasma deposited stability enhancement coating for amorphous ketoprofen
Stephanie Bosselmann1, Donald E Owens, Rachel L Kennedy
1Division of Pharmaceutics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA. sbosselmann@mail.utexas.edu
Summary
A novel fluorocarbon coating on amorphous ketoprofen prevents recrystallization for over six months. This enhanced stability, achieved through pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PPECVD), ensures drug integrity under harsh conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Amorphous ketoprofen is prone to recrystallization, compromising its stability and efficacy.
- Developing effective stabilization strategies for amorphous solid dispersions is crucial for drug formulation.
- Fluorocarbon coatings offer potential for surface modification and protection of pharmaceutical compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a hydrophobic fluorocarbon coating in preventing ketoprofen recrystallization.
- To evaluate the impact of coating thickness on the stability and dissolution of amorphous ketoprofen.
- To explore the use of pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PPECVD) for drug coating.
Main Methods:
- Amorphous ketoprofen was prepared using rapid freezing (RF).
- A hydrophobic fluorocarbon coating (perfluorohexane) was deposited via PPECVD.
- Recrystallization was monitored using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) under accelerated storage conditions (40°C, 75% RH).
- Surface coverage was analyzed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
- Dissolution profiles were assessed in buffer (pH 6.8).
Main Results:
- Coated amorphous ketoprofen exhibited significantly prolonged stability against recrystallization (up to 6 months) compared to uncoated samples (3 days).
- Increased coating thickness enhanced surface coverage and improved protection against recrystallization.
- All coated samples demonstrated at least 80% ketoprofen release in buffer pH 6.8.
- Thicker coatings led to more complete drug release due to reduced substrate adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Hydrophobic fluorocarbon coatings applied via PPECVD effectively stabilize amorphous ketoprofen against recrystallization.
- Coating thickness is a critical parameter influencing both stability and dissolution characteristics.
- This PPECVD coating approach offers a promising method for enhancing the shelf-life and performance of amorphous drugs.
