Diffusion-Controlled Drug Release From the Mesoporous Magnesium Carbonate Upsalite(®)

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Mesoporous materials are investigated for drug delivery applications.
• Upsalite®, a mesoporous magnesium carbonate, shows potential as a drug carrier.
• Ibuprofen, a Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II drug, exhibits poor solubility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate in vitro drug release of ibuprofen from Upsalite®.
• To evaluate the effect of particle size on drug release kinetics.
• To determine the diffusion parameters of ibuprofen within the Upsalite® matrix.

Main Methods:

• In vitro drug release studies using well-defined particle-size fractions of Upsalite®.
• Drug loading quantification and characterization of ibuprofen state (amorphous/crystalline).
• Analysis of diffusion parameters including diffusion coefficient, constrictivity, and tortuosity.

Main Results:

• Ibuprofen was loaded at 30% w/w, with 80% pore filling, in an amorphous state.
• Initial release rate was particle-size dependent, with dissolution over four times faster than crystalline ibuprofen.
• An extended release of approximately 24 hours was observed, influenced by drug concentration.

Conclusions:

• Upsalite® enhances the dissolution rate of ibuprofen.
• The material's high tortuosity (15) supports its use in sustained-release formulations.
• Particle size engineering of Upsalite® can optimize drug release profiles for enhanced and sustained delivery.