Determining Abuse Deterrence Performance of Poly (ethylene oxide) Using a Factorial Design

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Technology

Background:

• High molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is utilized in various applications.
• Abuse deterrence is a critical factor in drug formulation to prevent misuse.
• Understanding the impact of processing on PEO's properties is essential for developing effective abuse-deterrent formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of thermal processing and antioxidant variables on the abuse deterrence of PEO.
• To evaluate how curing temperature, time, and antioxidant type influence PEO's physical and chemical stability.

Main Methods:

• A 2^4 factorial design was employed, varying antioxidant type, curing time, temperature, and percentage.
• Abuse deterrence was assessed via solution viscosity, surface melting temperature, and mechanical strength.
• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FTIR spectroscopy, and viscosity analysis were used to study thermal degradation.

Main Results:

• Curing temperature and antioxidant type significantly influenced PEO's abuse deterrence performance, particularly viscosity.
• Butylated hydroxytoluene resulted in higher surface melting temperatures compared to ascorbic acid.
• Higher antioxidant percentages increased melting temperature; however, comminution method, not formulation, primarily affected mechanical strength.

Conclusions:

• While heat enhances mechanical strength, excessive thermal exposure diminishes PEO's physical stability and solution viscosity.
• Prolonged high-temperature processing, even with antioxidants, can compromise PEO's abuse deterrence in both solid and solution states.
• Careful optimization of thermal processing and antioxidant selection is crucial for maintaining PEO's abuse-deterrent properties.