Phase-separated polymer blends for controlled drug delivery by tuning morphology
Journal article, 2024
Controlling drug release rate and providing physical and chemical stability to the active pharmaceutical ingredient are key properties of oral solid dosage forms. Here, we demonstrate a formulation strategy using phase-separated polymer blends where the morphology provides a route for tuning the drug release profile. By utilising phase separation of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic polymer, the hydrophilic component will act as a channelling agent, creating a porous network upon dissolution that will dictate the release characteristics. With ptychographic X-ray tomography and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy we reveal how the morphology depends on both polymer fraction and presence of drug, and how the drug is distributed over the polymer domains. Combining X-ray imaging results with dissolution studies reveal how the morphologies are correlated with the drug release and showcase how tuning the morphology of a polymer matrix in oral formulations can be utilised as a method for controlled drug release.
Author
Martina Olsson
Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics
Robin Storm
Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry
Linnea Björn
Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics
Viktor Lilja
Chalmers, Physics, Condensed Matter and Materials Theory
Leonard Krupnik
University of Fribourg
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)
Yang Chen
Paul Scherrer Institut
Polina Naidjonoka
Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics
Ana Diaz
Paul Scherrer Institut
M. Holler
Paul Scherrer Institut
Benjamin Watts
Paul Scherrer Institut
Anette Larsson
Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry
Marianne Liebi
Paul Scherrer Institut
Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL)
Aleksandar Matic
Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics
Communications Materials
26624443 (eISSN)
Vol. 5 1 231Subject Categories
Polymer Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Materials Chemistry
DOI
10.1038/s43246-024-00678-y