“…In general, supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO 2 ) is an excellent solvent for many nonpolar (and some polar) low molecular weight compounds and selected polymers, such as amorphous fluoropolymers and silicones. , However, the solubility of numerous pharmaceutically significant excipients such as fatty acids in liquid carbon dioxide (LCO 2 ) or SCCO 2 is very low and usually requires the addition of a cosolvent. Conversely, the solubility of SCCO 2 in many polymers, fats, and fat derivatives is substantial and it acts as a plasticizer which causes a depression in melting ( T m ) or glass transition ( T g ) temperatures. − The melting point of a pharmaceutical excipient is a crucial physical property which determines its appropriateness in various pharmaceutical processes and applications . LCO 2 and SCCO 2 are known to alter the melting points of various polymers and ionic salts. , Dissolution of CO 2 increases the free volume of an excipient by dissolving into the intermolecular spaces and causing a substantial reduction in T m or T g .…”