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Dispersion of Nanomaterials in Aqueous Media: Towards Protocol Optimization
Published on: December 25, 2017
Development of a new method to assess nanocrystal dissolution based on light scattering
Katharina Anhalt1, Simon Geissler, Meike Harms
1Research Pharmaceutics and Drug Product Development, Merck Serono, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany.
Pharmaceutical Research
|June 13, 2012
Summary
A new light scattering method noninvasively measures nanocrystal dissolution, overcoming limitations of current techniques. This sensitive and reproducible approach accurately characterizes crystalline nanosuspensions for improved drug bioavailability.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanocrystals enhance dissolution rates and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.
- Lack of in vitro methods for characterizing nanocrystal dissolution hinders development.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop an in situ, noninvasive analytical method for measuring crystalline nanosuspension dissolution.
- Utilize light scattering for real-time dissolution monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Prepared fenofibrate nanosuspensions using wet media milling.
- Measured solubility and dissolution in simulated gastric fluid with Tween 80.
- Employed dynamic light scattering with scattered light intensity as the readout parameter.
Main Results:
- Achieved good correlation between light scattering and conventional dissolution methods.
- Distinguished nanosuspensions of 120-270 nm size using light scattering.
- Dissolution times ranged from 1.9-12.3 min, consistent with the Noyes-Whitney model.
Conclusions:
- Presented a noninvasive, sensitive, and reproducible method for nanocrystal dissolution assessment.
- In situ light scattering offers a straightforward setup with high temporal resolution.
- Enables effective characterization of nanosuspension dissolution for drug development.
