Abstract

LIQUISOLID SYSTEMS: SOLUBILITY ENHANCEMENT OF POOR SOLUBLE DRUGS

Nikhil B. Sinkar*, Sheetal B. Gondkar, Ravindranath B. Saudagar

Abstract

Many modern drugs are poorly water soluble substances, which cause difficulties in the development of solid dosage forms with sufficient bioavailability. Preparation of liquisolid systems (LSS) is a novel technique for improving solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability and release enhancement of low dose poorly soluble drugs. The basic principle of LSS preparation is conversion of the drug in liquid state into a free flowing, compressible, dry powder through its absorption into suitable excipients – porous carriers (Avicel PH 102, Avicel PH 200, Starch 1500, Ethocel, Methyl cellulose, Ethyl Cellulose, lactose), subsequently coated with material having high absorption capacity (Aerosil 200, silica, Syloid 244FP and Colloidal Silicon Dioxide). In this case, even though the drug is in a solid dosage form, it is held within the powder substrate in solution or, in a solubilized, almost molecularly dispersed state, which contributes to the enhanced drug dissolution properties. The main benefit is higher bioavailability of the liquid drug, caused by a large surface area available for absorption. The article tries to clarify specific aspects connected with the formulation of LSS: properties of excipients (surface area, absorption capacity), variables related to the processing (solubility, liquid load factor) and dosage form evaluation.

Keywords: Bioavailability Improvement, Solubility Improvement, Enhanced Release, Carrier Material, Liquisolid Technology.