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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Preparation of Binary and Ternary Deep Eutectic Systems
Published on: October 31, 2019
Dissolution enhancement of active pharmaceutical ingredients by therapeutic deep eutectic systems
Ivo M Aroso1, João C Silva1, Francisca Mano2
13B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradable and Biomimetic, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Avepark, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
Therapeutic deep eutectic systems (THEDES) enhance drug dissolution and delivery. These systems, combining active pharmaceutical ingredients with solvents, show improved antibacterial activity and great potential for novel drug delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
Background:
- Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are gaining attention as novel drug delivery vehicles.
- Therapeutic deep eutectic systems (THEDES) integrate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into DES formulations.
- Developing effective drug delivery systems requires enhancing API solubility and bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize THEDES formulations for improved drug delivery.
- To evaluate the impact of THEDES on API dissolution rates.
- To assess the antibacterial activity of THEDES formulations.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of THEDES using choline chloride or menthol with acetylsalicylic acid, benzoic acid, or phenylacetic acid.
- Characterization using differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy.
- Dissolution studies in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and antibacterial activity assays.
Main Results:
- Several synthesized THEDES formulations were liquid at room temperature.
- THEDES significantly increased the dissolution rates of APIs compared to the free API, especially menthol-based systems.
- All tested THEDES formulations retained the inherent antibacterial activity of the API.
Conclusions:
- THEDES demonstrate significant potential as effective dissolution enhancers.
- These systems offer a promising platform for developing advanced drug delivery vehicles.
- THEDES can improve the efficacy of bioactive molecules in pharmaceutical applications.
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