In
this study, a molecular dynamics simulation technique was employed
to predict miscibility and interaction of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
(API) with polymer carriers in solid dispersion system based on Hansen
solubility parameter and hydrogen bond formation, respectively. Several
APIs with and without hydrogen bonding tendency were studied. The
Hansen solubility parameters of APIs and polymers calculated by molecular
dynamic simulation were similar to reported values in the literature.
Our simulation results were able to determine the interactions between
APIs and various polymers (ionic and nonionic) and also predict the
hydrogen bond interaction energy and hydrogen bond lifetime. The simulation
results were verified by preparing solid dispersions using hot melt
extrusion. As predicted by our simulation, clear and colorless extrudates
were obtained for ibuprofen/PVP-VA 64, ibuprofen/Eudragit EPO, and
fenofibrate/PVP-VA 64, which confirmed the miscibility between APIs
(ibuprofen, fenofibrate) and polymers. Stability studies confirmed
the amorphous stabilization of ibuprofen/PVP-VA64 and ibuprofen/Eudragit
EPO solid dispersions. However, recrystallization of fenofibrate was
observed from fenofibrate/PVP-VA 64 due to the lack of molecular interactions
between fenofibrate and PVP-VA 64 as predicted in our simulation.
This suggests that miscibility alone cannot be used to predict the
stability of amorphous dispersion but molecular interactions have
to be considered. The simulation method used in this study could be
a useful tool for the selection of polymer excipients to form stable
amorphous solid dispersions with enhanced performance.
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