St.

Lideta
College of Health and Business Sciences
Department of Pharmacy
 Dosage Form Sciences Module
 Module Number: 09
 Course Title: Integrated Physical Pharmacy & Pharmaceutics- I
 Course Code: Phar 2091
 Course weight : 9 EtCTS or 243 hrs
 Prerequisite: Pharmaceutical Calculations
Lecture hours : 64
Instructor: Tesfu Negussie
Qualification:
MSc, MPH
BA, Bpharm
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Course synopsis
1. Pharmaceutical excipients, dosage forms and routes
of drug administration …….............................(3 hrs)
2. Phase Equilibria ……………………………..(6 hrs)
3. Interfacial Phenomena ………………………(8 hrs)
4. Solubility and Distribution Phenomena ……..(9 hrs)
5. Packaging and storage of pharmaceuticals ….(5 hrs)
6. Pharmaceutical Solutions ……………………(8 hrs)
7. Rheology …………………………………….(7 hrs)
8. Colloids………………………………………(5 hrs)
9. Pharmaceutical Suspensions ...………………(7 hrs)
10. Pharmaceutical Emulsions …………………..(6 hrs)
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Teaching Methodology
Lecture
Discussion
Assessment methods
Quizzes………...…………...…. .........................20%
Mid exam.......................………..……………… 40%
Final exam……………………………………… 40%
References
• Martin’s physical Pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences
5th edn
• Bentley’s Text books of pharmaceutics
• Aulton,ph armaceutics the science of dosage form design

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Unit 1: Pharmaceutical excipients, dosage forms &
routes of drug administration
• Definition
• The need for dosage forms, classification
• Overview of dosage form design
• Introduction to pharmaceutical ingredients
• Routes of administration

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1.1 Definition
 Pharmaceutics is a branch of pharmacy that is
concerned with the scientific & technological aspects
of design & development of dosage forms
• It is the general area of study concerned with the
formulation, manufacture, stability and effectiveness
of pharmaceutical dosage forms
• It is the most diverse of all the subjects in
pharmaceutical science
 Physical pharmacy is a discipline in pharmacy that
is concerned with the physicochemical properties of
pharmaceutical ingredients

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1.2. Principles of dosage form design
Design of dosage form requires understanding of three
principles
A. Biopharmaceutics aspects of dosage form design
 Routes of drug administration
B. Drug related factors
 Physicochemical properties of drugs
C. Therapeutic consideration of the disease state to be
treated
 Clinical indications of disease & patient factors

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Factors affecting dosage form design
• Physicochemical properties of drug
• Physicochemical properties of dosage forms
• Routes of drug administration

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Physicochemical properties of drug & its dosage
forms
Physicochemical properties of drug that influence
dosage form design includes:
Particle size
Partition coefficient
Polymorphism
Stability
Organoleptic properties

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Particle size
• Finely divided particle have larger specific surface
area[ i.e, surface area per unit weight of powder] than
course particles
• The former can be easily penetrated by solvent ,hence
undergo dissolution at a faster rate as compared to
later particles
• Faster absorption, thus rapid onset of action is
secured from finely divided particles than larger
particles

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 • Partition coefficient[PC] : A measure of lipophilic
character of a drug; that is, its preference for
hydrophilic or lipophilic phase.
P= PC= [drug molecules in oil] or [Drug conc. in Octano]
[drug molecules in H2O] [Drug conc. in water ]

• The logarithm of partition coefficient (P) is known as

log P. Log P is a measure of lipophilicity
 If log P = 0, equal drug distribution in both phases.
 If log P > 0, the drug is lipid soluble.
 If log P < 0, the drug is water soluble.

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• Majority of drugs are weak organic bases or acids
 Exist as ionized & non-ionized forms
depending on pH of surrounding medium
• Unionized forms are more lipid soluble than ionized
form, hence has faster absorption rate
• Ionized form can be bound to or repelled by charged
nature of cell membrane
Result: Reduced drug penetration via cell membrane

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Information on partition coefficient can be effectively
used in the:
1. Extraction of crude drugs
2. Recovery of antibiotics from fermentation broth
3. Recovery of biotechnology-derived drugs from
bacterial cultures
4. Extraction of drugs from biologic fluids for
therapeutic drug monitoring
5. Absorption of drugs from dosage forms (ointments,
suppositories, transdermal patches)
6. Study of the distribution of flavoring oil between oil
and water phases of emulsions
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Polymorphism
 Existence of drug substance in different crystal forms
 One of them is stable while the rests are metastable
 Both stable & metastable forms exhibits same chemical
but different physical properties
 Metastable forms have higher dissolution rate than
stable forms
 Metastable form converts to stable form during shelf-
life, milling, granulating, drying & /or compression
operation of polymorph
 Powdered polymorph Granulation Solvation
 Solvated polymorph Drying Anhydrous polymorph
Note: Formulator should notice such potential conversion
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1.3. Dosage forms
A. What are Dosage forms?
• They are drug delivery system designed to deliver
active ingredient to the body
• They deliver drug at a rate and amount that assures
desired pharmacological effect
• They produce the same therapeutic responses each
time they are administered

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B. Why dosage forms are needed?
1. To provide the mechanism for the safe and convenient
delivery of accurate dosage
2. To protect drug substance from destructive influences of
atmospheric oxygen or humidity (coated tablets, sealed
ampoules)
3. To protect drug substance from destructive influence of
gastric acid after oral administration (enteric-coated tablets)
4. To conceal bitter, salty, or offensive taste or odor of drug
substance (capsules, coated tablets, flavored syrups)
5. To provide optimal drug action from topical administration
sites (ointments, creams, transdermal patches, and
ophthalmic, ear, and nasal preparations)

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6. To provide liquid preparations of substances that are either
insoluble or unstable in the desired vehicle (suspensions)
7. To provide clear liquid dosage forms of drug substances
(syrups, solutions)
8. To provide rate-controlled drug action (various controlled-
release tablets, capsules, and suspensions)
9. To provide for insertion of a drug into one of the body’s
orifices (rectal or vaginal suppositories)
10. To provide for placement of drugs directly in the
bloodstream or body tissues (injections)
11. To provide for optimal drug action through inhalation
therapy (inhalants and inhalation aerosols)
12. To target the drug at desired site of action (e.g.,
nanoparticulate systems, liposomes, etc.)
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C. General considerations in dosage form design
Consider the following before formulating a drug substance into a
dosage form:
1. The proper design and formulation of a dosage form requires a
thorough understanding of the physical, chemical, and biologic
characteristics of the drug substances as well as that of the
pharmaceutical ingredients to be used in fabricating the product.
The drug and pharmaceutical ingredients must be compatible with
one another to produce a drug product that is stable, efficacious,
attractive, easy to administer, and safe.
2. Determine on the desired product type to establish framework for
product development
 Develop various initial formulations of the product and examine
for desired features (e.g., drug release profile, bioavailability,
clinical effectiveness) and for pilot plant studies and production
scale-up
 Select the formulation that best meets the goals of the drug
product as a master formula
 batch of product subsequently prepared must meet the
specifications established in the master formula.
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3.Therapeutic consideration
 Systemic or local treatment
 Routes of drug administration
Accessibility, absorptive surface area &
permeability of biological membrane
Dosage retention time at absorptive
surface
Rate & extent of blood flow to membrane
Impact of other factors such as enzymes,
pH, etc on structure of the drug
 Types of dosage forms & their strengths
A drug product is prepared as solid, liquid
or gaseous dosage forms with optimal
strengths for treatment of disease
4. Patient age and anticipated health conditions

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D. Qualities of dosage forms
A dosage form is the form that we take our drug in.
 Pharmaceutical excipients & manufacturing processes
are used along with the drug to prepare dosage forms
with the following qualities:
 One dose in a manageable size unit
 Palatable or comfortable
 Stable chemically, microbiologically & physically
 Convenient/easy to use
 Release drug timely for optimal duration with
minimal side effects

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One dose in a manageable size unit
• Dosage form should be formulated so that the dose is contained in a
unit that can be counted or measured by patient with reasonable
accuracy
Palatable or comfortable
• Add sweetener & flavor to mask bitter or salty taste of a drug.
Parenteral drugs & drugs for application to mucous membrane must
be comfortable enough to prevent tissue damage or drug loss from site
Stable chemically, microbiologically & physically
• The drug product must retains same properties & characteristics that
it possessed at the time of its production
Convenient/easy to use
• Dosage form should be portable & available in liquid dosage forms
for children or elderly patients to be easily swallowed.
Release of drug for optimal duration with minimal side effects
• Design of drug delivery system to control dissolution or diffusion of a
drug allows optimization of how fast, how much & how long a drug
moves to its target. These designs gives products that relieve chest
pain within minutes or need to be used once a day/week or month
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E. Types of dosage forms
Dosage forms can be categorized based on route of
administration or physical forms
Classification based on physical form :
i. Liquid dosage forms(homogenous & heterogeneous
systems)
 Solution
 Emulsion
 Suspension
ii. Semisolid dosage forms
 Ointment /Paste
 Cream
 Jellies
 Transdermal patches
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iii. Solid dosage forms
 Powder
 Granules
 Pellets
 Tablets
 Capsules
 Suppository
 Pessary

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1.4. Introduction to pharmaceutical excipients
• Any substance other than active drug or pro-drug that
are evaluated for safety & used in a drug delivery
system . Also known as inactive or inert ingredients
• Compounds that are added to pharmaceutical
formulation for production of successful &
acceptable dosage forms
• Major components of the drug product
• Used to convert pharmacologically active compounds
into pharmaceutical dosage forms suitable for
administration to patients

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General criteria for excipients
Physiological inertness
Maintain physical and chemical stability
 Conformance to regulatory agency requirements
No interference with drug bioavailability
Absence of pathogenic microbial organisms
Cheap

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Function of excipients varies substantially depending on
individual dosage forms
General function of excipients
Aid pharmaceuticals manufacture processes
 Protect, support, or enhance stability
 Enhance drug release from its dosage form, hence its
bioavailability
 Assist in product identification
 Enhance any other attribute of overall safety and
effectiveness of drug product during storage and use

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1.4.1. Pharmaceutical solvents
 Aqueous solvents
 Nonaqueous solvents

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i. Aqueous solvents
 Purified water
 Water for injection
 Sterile water for injection
 Bacteriostatic sterile water for injection

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Purified water
 Any water subjected to certain level of purification
Example
Distilled water
Demineralized water
Soft water
Filtered water
 Used for topical & oral dosage form preparation

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Water for injection [WFI]
 Purified water subjected to steam distillation or
reverse osmosis
 Free from pyrogen & particulate matter
 May not be necessarily sterile
 Used to prepare terminally sterilizable injectable

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Sterile water for injection
• Individually filled as a single dose [≤ 1 lt]
• Terminally sterilized WFI
• Used for reconstitution of multiple dose medicine
Bacteriostatic WFI
• Sterile WFI containing antimicrobial agents

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ii. [non-water solvents]
• Used for drugs having limited water solubility or
susceptible to hydrolysis
Example - Non-aqueous solvents :
• Fixed vegetable oil such as corn oil
• Glycerine
• Propylene glycol

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Criteria for nonaqueous solvents
 Non-irritant, nontoxic & non-sensitizing
 Should never affect drug activity
 Have optimal viscosity that permits its use in syringe
 Maintain its fluidity over wider range of temperature
 Their b.p & vapour pressur should let terminal
sterilization of end products
 Must be miscible with body fluids

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1.4.2. Preservatives
Compounds that are used to inhibit microbial triggered
pharmaceuticals instability
Examples Mechanisms of antimicrobial
Action
Benzoic acid Denaturation of protein
Boric acid Denaturation of protein
Phenol Denaturation &lytic of
cytoplasmic membrane
Alcohol Denaturation &lytic of
cytoplasmic membrane

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Criteria for selection of effective antimicrobial
preservatives
Have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity
Have adequate concentration in aqueous phase
Remain undissociated at pH of the preparation
Create no inconvenience during drug administration
Stable through out shelf-life of the product
Compatible with formulation ingredients , containers
& closures
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Mechanism of action of preservatives
Interfere with microbial growth, multiplication &/or
metabolism, as follow:
• Partial lysis of microbial cell membrane
• Lysis & cytoplasmic leakage
• Increase cellular permeability to cell constituents
• Microbial protein precipitation[irreversible
coagulation of cytoplasmic constituents]
• Inhibition of cellular metabolism
• Preclude cell wall synthesis & enzyme activities
• Oxidation & /or hydrolysis of cellular constituents
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 1.4.3. Antioxidants
• Used to prevent oxidation of drugs and excipients in
the finished product.
• There are three main types of antioxidants:
• True Antioxidants: act by a chain termination
mechanism by reacting with free radicals
e.g., Butylated hydroxytoluene[BHT], BH-Anisole
[BHA]
• Reducing Agents: have a lower redox potential
than the drug and get preferentially oxidized, Thus,
they can be consumed during product shelf-life
e.g., Ascorbic acid
• Antioxidant Synergists: Enhance effect of
antioxidants e.g., EDTA.
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Note
 Water soluble antioxidants act preferentially by
undergoing oxidation in place of the drug
Example
• Sodium sulphite
• Sodium metabisulfite
• Ascorbic acid
 Oil soluble antioxidants serve as free radical acceptor
& inhibit free radical chain process
Example : BHT , BHA

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Inhibition of propagation process of Autoxidation
• Propagation of chain process requires formation of
free radicals[R. , RO . Or ROO .]
• Antioxidant molecule[AH] reacts with free radical to
form free radical A .
AH + R. RH + A. Or AH + ROO . ROOH + A .
• The formed free radical A. is not sufficiently reactive
to sustain chain process
Result: Antioxidant radical is annihilated by combining
with another antioxidant radical or free radical
A. +A. AA or A. + R. AR

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Note
• Chemical bond of antioxidant compound should be
weaker than that of autoxidizable substances to
ensure effective stabilization
• Antioxidant reacts with atmospheric oxygen faster
than oxidizable drug molecules there by retards onset
of Autoxidation of drug molecule
AH + O2 A. + H2o
• More free radicals are formed in a partially oxidized
formulation, thus unless adequate quantities of
antioxidants are added to such formulation, they will
be rapidly consumed up
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Properties of ideal antioxidants
Effective at low concentration
Adequately soluble in oxidizable products
Non-toxic & non-irritant at effective concentration
Never impart colour to the product
Its decomposition product should be non-toxic &
non-irritant
Stable & effective over a wide range of pH
Neutral & compatible with other formulation
ingredients
Have low level of volatility

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1.4.4. Buffer solutions & pH adjusting agents
Buffer solutions: Solutions containing weak acid or
base & their corresponding conjugates
or
• A buffer can be defined as a solution that maintains ≈
equal pH value even if small amounts of acidic or
basic substances are added.
• To function in this manner, a buffer solution will
necessarily contain either an acid and its conjugate
base, or a base and its conjugate acid.

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• Majorities of drugs are weak organic acids or bases,
hence their solubility is pH dependent
• However addition of buffer solution resists slight
change in pH upon introduction of small quantities of
acid or base due to their inherent buffer action
• In a solution where buffer action is absent or
inadequate, pH can change considerably via
absorption of CO2 from air or extraction of alkali
from immediate containers such as glass

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Mechanism of action of buffer solution
• Consider buffer solution formed from Acetic acid &
Sodium acetate

CH3COOH + NaOH CH3COONa + H2O

CH3COONa + HCL NaCl + CH3COOH

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Example: What is the pH of 20 ml buffer solution prepared by
mixing 5 ml of N/100 acetic acid [pKa = 4.76] with 15 ml N/10
sodium acetate ?
Solution: [CV]1 = [CV]2

[salt] = [15 ml x 0.1N]/20 ml = 0.075 N = C2= Concentration of

conjugate base in the buffer solution

[acid] = [5 ml x 0.01]/20 ml = 0.0025 N = Cacid = Concentration

of acid in the buffer solution
pH = pKa + log[salt]/[acid] = 4.76 + log[0.075/0.0025]
= 6.24
Note: Buffers have maximum buffer capacity near their pKa
or when pKa = pH
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Criteria for selection of a buffer
Buffer must :
 have adequate buffering capacity in the desired pH
range
 permit acceptable flavouring & colouring of the
product
 not have deleterious effect on stability of final
product

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1.4.5. Viscosity inducing [Thickening] agents
Substances that increase viscosity of liquid
Example
 HPMC
 Polyvinyl alcohol
 MC
Viscosity [η] refers to resistance to flow
Viscosity is inversely related to temperature
Its reciprocal is called fluidity [ 1/η = fluidity]

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1.4.6. Surfactants & emulsifying agents
• Surfactants are substances which, at low concentrations,
adsorb onto surfaces or interfaces of a system and alter the
surface or interfacial free energy and tension
• Surface-active agents have both polar (hydrophilic) and
non-polar (hydrophobic) regions in the same molecule.
Thus, they are amphipathic [zwitterionic] in nature
• The lipophilic region tends to expelled from bulk of polar
liquid while the hydrophilic region inhibit SAA from being
completely expelled from polar region
• Therefore, balance should be kept b/n polar & non-polar
regions of SAAs for reliable adsorption of hydrophilic
region in aqueous phase & lipophilic region in non-
aqueous phase
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Types of SAAs based on charges of hydrophilic
region
Anionic Surface Active Agents
Cationic Surface Active Agents
Non-ionic Surface Active Agents

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Anionic Surface Active Agents
Has negatively charged hydrophilic group
Example; Sodium lauryl sulfate , Sodium dodecyl sulfate,
Sodium stearate
Cationic Surface Active Agents
• Hydrophilic group bears positive charge
Example : Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide
Benzalkonium chloride
Nonionic Surface Active Agents: Bear ester or ether group, no
charge on their hydrophilic region
Example:
Tweens [high HLB values], used to emulsify O/W emulsion
Spans [low HLB values] ,used to emulsify W/O emulsion
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Emulsifying agents [ Emullgent or emulsifier]
 Compounds that form film on globules at the
interfaces to reduce interfacial tension
Example : Acacia , Tragacanth, Gelatin, etc
Properties of ideal emulsifier
 Compatible with other formulation ingredients
 Stable during shelf-life of the finished products
 Promote effective emulsification
 Keep emulsion stable during its shelf-life
 Non toxic

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1.4.7. Organoleptic agents
Enhance product appearance & elegance , taste and smell
Example: Colorant, Sweetener, Flavor
1.4.8. Other excipients
Excipients Function Example
Binder Enhance powder aggregation Starch past, povidone
in to granules soln, gelatin solution
Disintegrant Facilitate water up-take by Dried starch, Na-
tablet or capsule starch glycolate
Lubricant Reduce interfaces friction Mg-stearate, Talc
Anti-adherent Prevent adhesion of granules Talc
Glidants Promote flow of granules Talc

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Quiz: Write true or false & give reasons for each answers.
1. The metastable form of drug-x is dissolution rate limited
compared to its stable form since the former is more
crystalline than the later
2. All oxidizable substances have equal oxidation potential;
that is why sodium bisulphite is preferentially oxidized
prior to the drug
3. Water for injection is used for reconstitution of procaine
penicillin prior to intramuscular administration
4. In a given buffer solution, its two species react with either
the acid or the base but not both
5. Preservative that has larger water-in-oil partition
coefficient is more effective than preservative that has
larger oil-in-water partition coefficient
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Unit 2: Phase Equilibria (6 hrs)
2.1.Introduction to intermolecular force of
interaction
2.2. The phase rule
2.3. Phase equilibria of single, two and three
component systems (principles and
applications)

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 2.1. Introduction to intermolecular force of interaction
• They are forces that make molecules of gases, liquids
and solids to exist in aggregate as a pure substances
• Cohesion and adhesion forces are manifestations of
intermolecular forces
• Understanding of intermolecular forces help to
comprehend:
properties of pure substance[gas, liquids, solids]
interfacial phenomena
flocculation in suspensions
stabilization of emulsion
compaction of powder in capsules
 compression of granules to form tablets

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 Types of intermolecular forces
1. Repulsive forces
2. Attractive forces
A. Van der Waals forces
B. Ion-dipole forces
C. Ion-induced dipole forces

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Repulsive and attractive forces
 Both forces operate when molecules interact
 Attractive forces are important for molecules to
cohere while repulsive forces are necessary for
prevention of molecular interpenetration and
annihilation of one another
 Repulsion is due to interpenetration of electronic
clouds of molecules & increase exponentially with a
decrease in distance between molecules
 Both forces are equal at about 3-4x10-8 cm where
potential energy b/n two molecules is a minimum and
the system is most stable

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• Intermolecular attractions are not nearly as strong as
intra-molecular attractions that hold compounds
together & determine their chemical properties
• They are, however, strong enough to control physical
properties such as boiling points, melting points,
vapor pressures, viscosities, etc.
• These intermolecular forces as a group are referred to
as Van der Waals forces

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Van der Waals forces: Weak attraction forces responsible
for alignment of dipolar molecules so that negative pole
of one molecule points toward the positive pole of the
next. The magnitude of these forces will increase as the
distance b/n adjacent surfaces decreases. Responsible for
condensation of gaseous molecules to liquids.
Types:
1. Induced dipole- induced dipole interaction [London
forces] : Dispersion effect
2. Dipole-dipole interaction forces [Kessom forces]:
orientation effect
3. Dipole-induced dipole interactions [Debye force] :
Induction effect
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1. Induced dipole- induced dipole interaction
[Dispersion forces or London forces]
• They are attractions b/n an instantaneously induced-
dipole and induced-dipole.
• Present in all molecules, whether they are polar or
nonpolar
• Their strength tends to increase with increased
molecular weight
• Larger atoms have larger electron clouds & hence
easier to polarize
Substance Boiling point Melting point

n-pentane, C5H12 36 -130

n-nonane, C9H20 151 -54
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• The magnitude of dispersion force depends on how easily
atomic or molecular electrons can move or polarize in
response to an instantaneous dipole that in turn depends
on the size of the electron cloud.
• Larger electron cloud results in greater dispersion
force as electrons are held less tightly by nucleus and
hence can polarize [form dipole moment ] easily
• If all other factors are constant, dispersion force increases
with increasing molar mass
• London forces are the attractive forces that cause non
polar substances to condense to liquids and to freeze into
solids when the temperature is lowered sufficiently
Example:
Which halogen has higher bp: Cl2 or I2? [Mol. Wt 71
& 254, respectively]
Which molecule has higher bp? CH4 or C2H6?
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2.Dipole-Dipole Interaction[Kessom forces]:Orientation effect
• Exist in all polar molecules that have permanent dipoles
• The positive end of one is attracted to the negative end of
the other and vice versa.
• Thus, polar molecules exhibit both dipole-dipole
interactions and London forces
• This additional force raises their mp and bp relative to
nonpolar molecules of same molar mass
• For instance formaldehyde is polar & hence has higher m.p.
& b.p. than nonpolar ethane, even though the two
compounds have the same molar mass [ 30 g/mole]
Examples: Methanol , Ethanol
Which molecules have dipole-dipole forces? CH4 , CH2Cl2 or
CO
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Which has a greater effect:
Dipole-dipole interactions or dispersion Forces?
• If two molecules are of comparable size and shape,
dipole-dipole interactions will likely be dominating
force to determine their physical properties
• If one molecule is much larger than another,
dispersion forces will likely determine its physical
properties

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3. Dipole-induced dipole interactions [Debye force] :
Induction effect
• Produced by permanent dipoles that induce electric
dipole in easily polarisable nopolar molecules via
Induction effect or
• A dipole-induced dipole attraction is a weak attraction
that results when a polar molecule induces a dipole in
an atom or in a non polar molecule by disturbing the
arrangement of electrons in the non polar species.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 63
Hydrogen bonds
Hydrogen bonding is a special type of molecular
attraction between the hydrogen atom in a polar bond
and nonbonding electron pair on a nearby small
electronegative ion or atom (usually F, O or N)
There is hydrogen bond b/n some alcohol, carboxylic
acids, aldehydes, esters & polypeptides
Acetic acid and formic acid [HCOOH] form their
own dimers via hydrogen bond
Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces while
chemical bonds are inter-atomic bonds within the
molecules

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 64
 4. Ion -dipole forces
Accounts for solubility of ionic crystalline substances
in water such that cation attracts negatively charged
oxygen and anion attracts positively charged hydrogen
of water molecules.
NaCl + H2O NaOH + HCl
Example:
5. Ion-induced dipole forces
Weak attraction that results when ion induces a dipole
in atom or in non polar molecule by disturbing
arrangement of electrons in the non polar species.
Formation of iodide complex to facilitate solubility of
iodine in solution of KI is via ion-induced dipole
forces
I 2 + K+ I - K+I3-
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 65
Note
1. Intermolecular forces determine physical properties
of molecules .
Example:Nitrosyl fluoride (F-N=O) is gas while H2O
is liquid at 250C since only H2O forms hydrogen
bond
2. Hydrogen bond is responsible for unusual properties
of H2O such as high dielectric constant, abnormally
low vapor pressure and high boiling point.
3. Dispersion force < Dipole-induced dipole force
[Debey force] < dipole-dipole force [Kessom forces]
< Hydrogen bond < Chemical bond (i.e., < Ion-
induced dipole forces < Ion -dipole forces )

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 66
4. Boiling point of a compound ,like heat of
vaporization and vapor pressure depends on
magnitude of attractive forces
5. Non polar substances have low boiling points and low
heats of vaporization since molecules are held
together generally by weak London forces
6. Polar molecules exhibit high boiling points and high
heats of vaporization as they are associated through
forces stronger than London forces
7. Boiling points of normal hydrocarbons ,simple
alcohols and carboxylic acids increase with molecular
weight because Vander Waals forces become greater
with increasing numbers of atoms.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 67
8. Branching of 69 0C
hydrocarbon chain
produces a less
compact molecule
60 0C
with reduced
intermolecular
attraction and a 58 0C
decrease in the
boiling point
50 0C

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 68
9. Alcohols boil at higher temperature
than saturated hydrocarbons of same
molecular weight since they under
go association via hydrogen bonding

10. Boiling points of carboxylic acids

are higher than that of alcohols since
acids form dimers through hydrogen
bonding

11. Ionic & atomic crystals in general

are hard & brittle & have high m.p
while molecular crystals are soft and
have relatively low m.p

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 69
 YES

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 70
2.2. Phase rule
Phase rule states that “ if the equilibrium between any number
of phases is not influenced by gravity, or electrical, or
magnetic forces, or by surface action but are influenced only
by temperature, pressure and concentration , then the number
of degrees of freedom (F) of the system is related to the
number of components (C ) and number of phases (P) by the
Williard Gibbs’s phase rule equation[discovered early1784]:
F = C- P + 2
 Used to relate effect of independent variables [pressure,
concentration, Temperature,] upon various phases [gas, liquid
& solid] that can exist in equilibrium system containing a
given № of components.
 Used to study reversible reactions involving heterogeneous
phases
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 71
Degrees of freedom [F]: № of independent variables that must
be fixed to completely determine the system
Degree of freedom is defined as the minimum number of
independent variable factors such as temperature, pressure and
concentration of the phases, which must be fixed in order to
define the condition of a system completely.
A system having 1,2,3 or 0 degrees of freedom is called
univariant, bivariant, trivariant or nonvariant, respectively.
Examples
i) Consider H2O system, Ice(s) ↔Water(l) ↔ Water vapour (g)
The three phases can be at equilibrium only at particular
temperature and pressure. Thus, when all the three phases are
present in equilibrium, then no condition need to be specified.
The system is therefore zero variant or invariant or has no
degree of freedom. The combination is fixed and unique.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 72
• In this system, if pressure or temperature is altered , three
phases will not remain in equilibrium and one of the
phases disappears.
ii) Consider a system consisting of water in contact with its
vapour, Water (l) ↔Water vapour (g)
To define this system completely, we must state either the
temperature or pressure. Thus, degree of freedom is one
and the system is univariant.
iii) For a system consisting of water vapour phase only, we
must state the values of both temperature and pressure in
order to define the system completely. Hence, the
system is bivariant or has two degrees of freedom.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 73
iv) For a gaseous mixture of N2 and H2, both pressure
and temperature must be stated, since if pressure and
temperature are fixed, the volume automatically
becomes definite. Hence, for a gaseous system, two
factors must be stated in order to define it completely
thus, it has 2 degrees of freedom or bivariant system
v) Consider a system consisting of
NaCl (s) ↔ NaCl-water (aq) ↔ Water vapour (g)
Either temperature or pressure, must stated since
saturation solubility is fixed at a particular
temperature or pressure. Hence, the system is
univariant.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 74
№ of phases [P]
 Phase is a homogeneous, physically distinct portion of a system
separated from other portion of a system by bounding surfaces
• By definition, a phase must have throughout the same physical and
chemical properties
 A system consisting of more than one phase is said to be
heterogeneous. When various phases are in equilibrium with one
another in a heterogeneous system, there can be no transfer of
energy or mass from one phase to another. That is, at equilibrium,
the various phases must have the same temperature and pressure and
their respective compositions must remain constant all along.
Example: a) System containing water & its vapor is a 2 phase system while
equilibrium mixture of ice, liquid water & its vapor is a three phase system.
Thus, at freezing point, water consists of three phases. b) Aqueous solution of
NaCl forms one phase while saturated solution of NaCl in contact with excess
solid NaCl is a 2-phase system. C) Two allotropes of sulphur form a two phase
system having same chemical species but d/t physical properties.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 75
№ of components, C is the smallest/least № of independent
chemical constituents by which composition of each phase in a
system at equilibrium can be expressed by means of chemical
formula or equation
Examples:
1. In the system containing mixture of the three states of water,
C= 1 since all are represented by H2O
2. In the 3 phase system, CaCO3 = CaO + CO2, composition of
each phase can be expressed by a combination of any two of
the chemical species present. Thus, if we want to use , CaCO3
& CO2, we can write CaO as CaCO3 - CO2 . Thus, C= 2
3. Sulphur exists in four phases namely rhombic, monoclinic,
liquid and vapour sulphur, but the chemical composition of all
phases is S. Thus, it is one component system.
4. A system of saturated solution of NaCl consists of solid salt,
salt solution and water vapour. The chemical composition of
all the three phases can be expressed in terms of NaCl and
H2O. Therefore, it is a two component system.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 76
Example: Determine ‘F’ for the followings
1. Liquid water + vapor
2. Liquid ethyl alcohol + Vapor
3. Liquid water + Liquid ethyl alcohol + Vapor mixture
4. Liquid water + Liquid benzyl alcohol + Vapor mixture
Note: Ethyl alcohol &water are completely miscible both as
liquids & vapours while benzyl alcohol and water form
two separate liquid phases since they are partially
miscible. Thus two variables are defined in the Ethyl
alcohol &water system while only one variable in the
benzyl alcohol & water system
 Gases are miscible in all proportions
Answer: Q1, 2 & 4 . F=1; Q3. F= 2
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 77
2.3. Phase equilibria
 It describes the way phases co-exist at some temperatures and
pressure, but interchange at others
 A phase is a component within a system, existing in a precisely
defined physical state, bounded by a surface and is mechanically
separable from other parts of the system e.g. gaseous, liquid, or a
solid having a single crystallographic form. It is perfectly
homogeneous & distinct from every other phases present in the
system due to presence of definite boundary or interface between
any two phases
 A phase boundary is a line on a phase diagram representing values
of applied pressure & temperature at which equilibrium exists
 A phase diagram is a graph showing values of applied pressure and
temperature at which equilibrium exists
 Triple point on a phase diagram represents value of pressure and
temperature at which three phases
29/10/2023 coexist at equilibrium
ipp&phar/TN. 78
 Phase diagram

At equilibrium, chemical potential of a

substance is the same throughout a sample,
regardless of how many phases are present.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 79
 Merits of the Phase rule
 Applicable to both physical and chemical equilibria.
 Applicable to macroscopic systems, hence needs no
information on molecular/microstructure
 Convenient method to classify equilibrium states in terms of
phases, components and degrees of freedom.
 Helps to predict behavior of a system, under different sets of
variables. i.e., used to study & understand how temperature,
pressure, concentration, etc. affect phase of a substance.
 Indicates that different systems with same degree of freedom
behave similarly.
 Helps in deciding whether under a given set of conditions
various substances would exist together in equilibrium or inter-
converted or eliminated.
29/10/2023 80
ipp&phar/TN.
Limitations of Phase rule
• Applied only for system in equilibrium but not to very
slow equilibrium state attaining system.
• Applies only to a single equilibrium system; & provides
no information regarding any other possible equilibria in
the system.
• Considers only number of phases rather than their
amounts. Thus, even if a trace of phase is present, it
accounts towards the total number of phases.
• It conditions that all phases of the system must be present
simultaneously under identical conditions of temperature
& pressure
• It conditions that solid and liquid phases must not be in
finely-divided state; otherwise deviations occurs

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 81
• Phase equilibria of :
 One component system
 Two component system
 Three component system

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 82
• Phase equilibria of one component system
*
218 B
A

Liquid
Pressure [atm]

1
Solid
0.006
O

Vapor

-273 0.0098 100 374

Temperature oC
Phase diagram for pure water
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 83
• Most substances become less dense when melted and the
solid-liquid boundary line has a positive slope, indicating
that for such substances melting point increases with
increasing pressure as increase in pressure favors
formation of relatively compact solid phase
• The solid-liquid boundary in water phase diagram has
negative slope i.e., the negative slope of solid-liquid
boundary shows that freezing point of water decreases
with increasing external pressure
Reasons
Melting point of ice decreases as pressure increases
since ice is less dense than liquid water; increasing
pressure favors liquid water phase formation

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 84
• Phase equilibria of two component system
A. Containing liquid phases
B. Solid & liquid phases

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 85
Phase equilibria of two component system containing
liquid phases
• In a two component system, solid, liquid & vapor phases
exist with a maximum of three degrees of freedom:
Temperature, pressure & concentration.
• Phase diagram of such system needs using three
dimensional model rather than planar figure. To use planar
figure for such system, set condensed system
• Condensed or reduced system: Systems in which vapor
phase is ignored & only solid &/or liquid phase are
considered so that № of degrees of freedom is reduced to 2.
Example:
• Phenol -in- water, for which a condensed phase diagram is
plotted on the next slide
• For phenol-water phase diagram, the curve kbdce shows the
limit of temperature & concentration within which two
liquid phases exist in equilibrium. The region outside this
curve, contains systems having one liquid phase
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 86
 Temperature –composition diagram for the system consisting of water and phenol

One liquid phase

UCST=68oC Tie line
d
Temperature [oC]

a b d c
50

11% phenol
63% phenol e
k

20 40 60 80 100
Phenol in water [% by weight]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 87
The tie line ( Length bc)
 Drawn across the region that contain 2 phases
 Always parallel to abscissa in a two component systems
 All systems prepared in a tie line at equilibrium, will
separate into phases of constant composition called
conjugate phases
 Used to determine both composition of each phase and
weight of the phases:

 It is also convenient to use units of percent weight of

phenol as presented on abscissa:

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 88
Note
 The phase diagram is used in practice to formulate
systems containing more than one component where it
may be advantageous to achieve a single liquid-phase
product
 In phenol-water system, as suggested by Mulley, a
solution containing 76.1% (w/w) phenol or 80% (w/v)
solution in water, as determined from phenol-in-water
phase diagram, should be used in dispensing phenol as a
liquid since this mixture has a freezing point of 3.5 0C
compared with liquefied phenol, USP which contains
90% (w/w) phenol & freezes at 17 0C. Thus, it is not
possible to use official phenol preparation at or below
room temp. instead, Mulley’s suggestion is preferred

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 89
Example-1 : Assume that a liquid system weighing 10 g is
prepared at 50 0C such that at point d, after equilibrium is
established, each phase contains 24% by weight of phenol &
76% by weight of water.
Required:
1. Compute the phase ratio at point ‘d’ on the tie line
2. Weight of each phase
3. Composition of each phase
Solution:
1. Phase ratio at point ‘d’ on the tie line

= [63% - 24%]/ [24% - 11%]

= 3:1
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 90
2. Weight of each phase
i. Weight of phase ‘A’ = 3/4 [Weight of phase ‘B’ ]
= 3 parts / 4 parts x10 g
= 7.5 g
ii. Weight of phase ‘B’ = 10 g – 7.5 g = 2.5 g
3. Composition of each phase
i. Composition of phase ‘A’
Phenol composition of phase ‘A’ = 24% x weight of phase ‘A’
= 0.24 x 7.5 g = 1.8 g phenol
Water composition of phase ‘A’ = 76% x weight of phase ‘A’
= 0.76 x 7.5 g = 5.7 g
ii. Composition of phase ‘B’
Phenol composition of phase ‘B’ = 24% x weight of phase ‘B’
= 0.24 x 2.5 g = 0.6 g phenol
Water composition of phase ‘B’ = 76% x weight of phase ‘B’
= 0.76 x 2.5 g = 1.9 g water
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 91
Example-2
Suppose that 24 g of phenol is mixed with 76 g of water at 50 0C to
form a phenol-water system which is kept at equilibrium at same
temperature. Later on phase ‘A’ & ‘B’ are separated at same
temperature so that 75 g & 25 g of phase ‘A’ & ‘B’ contain 11%
and 63% by weight phenol, respectively.
Required: Determine amount of phenol & water in each phase.
Solution:
Amount of phenol in phase ‘A’ = 11% x weight of phase ‘A’
= 0.11 x 75 g = 8.25 g
Amount of phenol in phase ‘B’ = 63% x weight of phase ‘B’
= 0.63 x 25 g = 15.75 g
Amount of water in phase ‘A’ = 89% x weight of phase ‘A’
= 0.89 x 75 g = 66.75 g
Amount of water in phase ‘B’ = 37% x weight of phase ‘B’
= 0.37 x 25 g = 9.25 g
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 92
Exercise
•A mixture of phenol & water at 20 oC has a total composition of
50% phenol. The tie line at this temperature cuts the binodal at
points equivalent to 8.4% & 72.2% w/w phenol. What is the
weight of aqueous & phenol layers in 500 g of the mixture & how
many grams of phenol are present in each of the two layers?
Solution
Let w & 500-w be weight of aqueous & phenol layer, respectively
The sum of the percentage of phenol in the two layers must be
equal the overall composition of 50% or 50%x500 g= 250 g
 0.084w + 0.722[500-w] =250 g , then w = 174 g
 weight of the phenol layer = 500-w = 500- 174 = 326 g
 Wt of phenol in aqueous layer = 174 x0.084 =15 g
 Wt of phenol in Phenolic layer = 326x 0.722 = 235 g
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 93
 Temperature-composition diagram for the triethylaminewater
system (at 101 325 kPa, standard atmospheric pressure).

The system TEA-

in water &
paraldehyde in
water involve
2 liquid phase
Temperature[oC]

cpd formation as
temp. increases.
Thus, miscibility
increases as
temp. falls
18.5 Lower CST
One liquid phase

0 100
Composition [percent triethyl amine]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 94
 Temperature-composition diagram for the nicotine- water
system (at 101 325 kPa; standard atmospheric pressure).

Note: The pair ethyl ether & water has neither UCT nor
LCT showing partial miscibility over entire temperature
range at which the mixture exists
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 95
Phase equilibria of two component system in Solid & liquid
phases: Eutectic mixtures
Eutectic mixture is defined as a mixture of two or more
components which usually do not interact to form a new
chemical compound but, which at certain ratios, inhibit
crystallization process of one another resulting in a system
having a m.p lower than any either of the pure components at
room temperature.
Example Salol, thymol, camphor, phenol, menthol& chloral
hydrate
 Combination of any two from the above lists form a
mixture in which two components are completely miscible
in their liquid state but completely immiscible in their pure
solid states, i.e, each of their solid phases consists of pure
components.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 96
Features of components that form Eutectic mixture
(a) The components must be miscible in liquid state but
immiscible in solid state
(b) Intimate contact between eutectic forming materials is
necessary for contact induced melting point depression. Thus,
the components should have chemical groups that can
interact to form physical [noncovalent] bonds such as
hydrogen bonds, alkyl–alkyl interactions, halogen bonds, and
Van der Walls forces which are the basis for depression of
melting point and inhibition of crystallization
(c) Eutectic systems are examples of solid dispersions
(d) when combined with freely H2O soluble carriers such as
polyethylene glycol, solid dispersions improve dissolution,
hence bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs
(e) They can be formed between Active Pharmaceutical
Ingredients (APIs), between APIs and excipient or between
excipients

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 97
The phase diagram for salol-thymol system
It is shown on the next slide showing four regions, i.e.,
region containing:
 Single liquid phase
 Solid salol in equilibrium with a conjugate liquid
phase
 Solid thymol in equilibrium with a conjugate liquid
phase
 Both components as pure solid phases

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 98
 m.p of pure
50 x 50
y thymol

40 ii
One liquid phase 40
Temperature (oC)

Temperature (oC)
30 30
i
29
iii a1 x1 b1 25
22 Eutectic
Solid x2 b2 20
point a2
20 Salol +
liquid phase a3 x3 b3 15
13 x4 b4 13
10 10
Solid phase iv
Solid Salol + solid thymol
0 0
0 10 20 30 34 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Thymol in salol ( % by weight)
Phase diagram for the thymol- salol system showing eutectic point
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 99
Note:
Except the first region, other regions,[ i.e., ii, iii & iv]
are comparable to 2 phase region of the phenol- water
system
It is possible to compute both composition & relative
amount of each phase from the knowledge of the tie
lines & phase boundaries

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 100

• As shown above, if in a system containing 60% by
weight of thymol in salol, temperature is raised to 50
oC[ pt x] & then gradually cooled, the following

sequence of phase changes can be observed.

• The system remains as a single liquid until the temp.
falls to 29 oC by cooling, at w/h minute amount of
solid thymol separates to form a two-phase solid-
liquid system
• At 25 oC, system x ( from x1 to x4) is composed of
liquid phase, a1 with composition 53% thymol in
salol) & pure solid thymol b1. The weight ratio of a1
to b1 = 100-60/60-53 = 40/7, hence a1:b1 = 5.7: 1
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 101
• When temp. is reduced to 20 oC, [pt. x2] composition of liquid
phase is at a2 (45% by weight of thymol in salol), while the
solid phase is still pure thymol, b2. The phase ratio, a2 : b2 =
(100-60)/ (60-45) = 40/15 =2.67:1
• At 15 oC (pt x3), composition of liquid phase at a3 is 37% thymol
in salol. The weight ratio of liquid phase to pure solid
thymol(a3:b3)=(100-60)/ (60-37) =40/23 = 1.74:1
• At 13 oC (pt x4), composition of liquid phase is 34% thymol in
salol (a4). The weight ratio of liquid phase to pure solid
thymol(a4:b4)=(100-60)/ (60-34) =40/26 = 1.17:1
• Below 13 oC, the liquid phase disappears all together & the
system contains two solid phase of pure thymol & pure salol
• At 10 oC (pt x4), the system contains an equilibrium mixture of
pure solid salol(a4) & pure solid thymol(b4) in a weight ratio of
(100-60)/(60-0) = 40/60 = 0.67: 1

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 102

Note: As system x is progressively cooled, the result indicate that
more & more of thymol separates as solid
1. At 13 oC, a liquid phase exist in the salol-thymol system .
This point on the phase diagram is called eutectic point,
containing 34% thymol in salol. The three phases that coexist
at eutectic point are solid thymol, liquid salol and solid salol
phases.
2. The eutectic point is the point at which the liquid and solid phases
have the same composition (the eutectic composition). The solid
phase is an intimate mixture of fine crystals of the two compounds.
3. Based on the concept of condensed system, vapor phase is
avoided, thus, the eutectic point which denotes invariant
system is given by
F = C-P+1 = 2-3+1 = 0
4. A similar sequence of phase changes is observed if system y is
cooled where by tiny amount of solid salol phase is appeared
at 22 oC to form a two-phase solid-liquid system.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 103

5. Mixture of salol & Camphor show similar behavior.
The eutectic point occurs in a system containing
56% by weight of salol in camphor at temp. of 6 0C.
6. Primary criterion for eutectic formation is mutual
solubility of components in the liquid or melt phase
7. Eutectic points are fixed by studying freezing point
depression, if heat is librated from the system upon
cooling or melting pt if heat is added to the system
8. In one component system, the freezing point is
influenced just by temperature however, in systems
of two or more components, interaction b/n
components can occur depending on their relative
concentration. This interaction can change absolute
freezing point
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 104
9. Eutectic Temperature or Eutectic Point is the lowest
possible melting temperature for all of the mixing ratios
of the component substances in a eutectoid. At this
temperature, the super-lattice will release all of its
components and the eutectic system will melt into a
liquid as a whole
10. Eutectic point provides information about how solutes
interact in solution
11. Lidocaine & Prilocaine, local anaesthetic agents, form a
1:1 mixture having a eutectic temperature of 18 0C. The
mixture is thus liquid at room temperature forming
mixed topical local anaesthetic or the liquid mix can be
emulsified in water facilitating bioabsorption of the two
local anaesthetics for systemic effects

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 105

Application of eutectic mixture
A. To improve solubility of poorly soluble drugs
Examples: Solubility of poorly soluble chlorpropamide &
tolbutamide is improved via therapeutic liquid eutectic
system(TDES)
12 fold increase in solubility of ibuprofen in eutectic
mixture of ibuprofen and menthol
About 27-fold increase in solubility of ethambutol in
eutectic mixture of citric acid:ethambutol:water (2:1:10)
B. To improve drugs permeability via biological membrane
Example: Mixture of paeonol with menthol for transdermal
delivery enhanced skin permeation of API
C.To anticipate probable physical incompatibility b/n drug
and excipient molecules during preformulation studies
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 106
D.To design polymeric drug delivery systems for dermal and
transdermal drug delivery
Example The formation of eutectic systems between ibuprofen
(ibu) and terpene skin penetration enhancers significantly
increased ibuprofen transdermal permeation
E. To form deep eutectic solvents (DESs)
They are mixtures of two or more components containing a
hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and a hydrogen bond acceptor
(HBA) that bond with each other to form eutectic mixture,
having a final melting point lower than the melting point of
HBD and HBA raw materials, thus becoming liquid at room
temperature. API can act as HBD or HBA. DESs are recognized
as less volatile, thermally stable, biodegradable (bio-solvents),
less toxic, low in cost and green solvents(100% atom economy)
as compared to ionic liquids or organic solvents

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 107

Phase equilibria of three-component [Ternary] systems
In a ternary system having only one phase, F= 3-1+2 =4,
for a noncondensed system
The four degrees of freedom are temperature, pressure &
concentrations of two of the three components
Only 2 concentration terms are required since the sum of
these subtracted from the total will give concentration of
the third component
If the system is considered as condensed system & temp. is
hold constant, then F= 2. Thus, planar diagram can be used
to disclose phase diagram
However, using triangular coordinate graph paper is more
convenient to illustrate ternary systems
Concentration in a ternary systems is expressed on a
weight basis

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 108

Rules related to Triangular Diagrams
• Each of the three corners or apex represent 100% by weight
of one component( A,B or C). Thus, same apex of a triangle
represent 0% of the other two components
• The three lines joining the corner points represent two-
component mixtures of the three possible combination of A,
B or C. Thus, the lines AB, BC &CA are used for two-
component mixtures of A & B, B & C and C & A,
respectively.
• Divide each line into 100 equal units so that any location on
the line is related to % conc. by weight of each components
on the respective line
• The area within the triangle represents % by weight of all
the three components namely component A, B & C.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 109

 100% B
Triangular diagram for
three-component systems

Alternative names for

ternary systems:
Gibbs phase triangle
 Triangle plot
Ternary graph
 Simplex plot y

X.

100% C
100% A
Increasing A
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 110
Example: What is the percent composition of the ternary
systems at point X?
Solution
 The line parallel to AC that cuts point x is equivalent to
15%, hence at point x the composition of the system
contains 15% of B & 85% of A & C together
 Along the line AB, C= 0, as one move from line B towards
C across the diagram, conc. of C increases until at the
apex, C = 100%
 Point x lies on the line parallel to AB that is equivalent to
30% of C. Therefore, % weight of component A is given
by: [100 – (30 + 15)]% = 55%
 Thus, the percent compositions of the ternary systems at
point X are 55% of A, 15% of B & 30% of C.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 111

 THREE COMPONENT Benzene
SYSTEM HAVING A PAIR OF
MISCIBLE LIQUID
Benzene and water are slightly
miscible and they produce a
binary system.
Water is highly polar whereas
benzene is non polar & alcohol
which is an intermediate polar
solvent has solvation effect on
mixture of benzene & water
Alcohol is completely miscible
Alcohol
with both the solvents. Thus,
additions of sufficient alcohol to a
two phase system would give a
single phase system composed of
all the three components.
Addition of alcohol leads to
complete miscibility of two
solvents which is achieved by
solvent effect.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 112

Pharmaceutical applications of ternary systems
Used for development of optimal formulation of
Microemulsion, Microcapsules, Solid dispersion, self
emulsifying emulsion, polymer coating process, etc
Several areas of pharmaceutical processing such as
crystallization, salt form selection, and
chromatographic analyses rely on the use of ternary
systems for optimization

Consider next slide

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 113

 Various applications of ternary phase diagrams
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 114
Unit 3: Interfacial Phenomena (8 hrs)
3.1. Liquid interface (surface/interfacial tension,
measurement of surface/interfacial tension,
surface free energy, spreading
3.2. Adsorption at liquid interfaces (surfactants: basic
concepts, the HLB system and applications)
3.3. Adsorption at solid interfaces (Solid/gas interface,
solid/liquid interface, Adsorption isotherms)

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 115

Introduction
• When phases exist together boundary between two of them is called
interface
• The properties of the molecules forming interface is different from
those molecules in the bulk of each phase, thus they are forming
‘interfacial phase’.
Is it correct in terms of phase rule???? Discuss!
• Phase is a mass of substance (solid, liquid, or gas) that
possesses a well-defined boundary
• There are several types of interfaces at the boundaries
between any two states of matter (gas, liquid, or solid),
which can be gas–liquid, gas–solid and liquid–solid, or at
boundaries between two immiscible phases of the same
state: liquid–liquid or solid–solid interfaces.
• However, there cannot be gas–gas interface, as two
gaseous materials would completely mix together rather
than forming an interface

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 116

 Classification of Interfaces
Types of Phases Examples of
Interfaces
Gas–gas No interface possible
Gas–liquid interface (Liquid surface ) Body of water exposed
to atmosphere
Gas–solid interface (or Solid surface) table top
Liquid–liquid interface Emulsion
Liquid–solid interface Suspension
Solid–solid interface powder particles in
contact with each other
The term interface indicates a boundary between any two immiscible phases
The term surface denotes an interface where one phase is a gas, usually air
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 117
Note
• Because every physical entity, be it a cell, a
bacterium, a colloid, a granule, or a human, possesses
an interface at its boundary with its surroundings, the
importance of the present topic is self-evident.
• Interfacial phenomena in pharmacy & medicine are
significant factors that affect:
 Adsorption of drugs onto solid adjuncts in
dosage forms
 Penetration of molecules through biological
membranes
 Emulsion formation & stability
 Dispersion of insoluble particles in liquid to form
suspension

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 118

Liquid interfaces
A. Surface tension is a net inward force that molecules at the surface exert on
molecules in the bulk
• It describes the interface b/n liquids and vapor or gas(γLV)
• In the bulk of the phase, the binding forces b/n molecules are equivalent in every
direction, while molecules on surface are subjected to intermolecular forces in
the direction of interface & toward the bulk
• In the liquid state, the cohesive forces between adjacent molecules are well
developed. Molecules in the bulk liquid are surrounded in all directions by other
molecules for which they have equal attraction, hence have zero net force.
• The cohesive force acting on liquid molecules at the surface is greater than the
adhesive force at the interface between air & liquid molecules. Therefore, the
net cohesive force pulls the liquid molecules at the surface together (contracting
the surface) results in a surface tension.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 119

Attraction forces acting on molecules at the surface and in the bulk of the liquid

Gas phase
Molecule on the Surface
Surface

Net force on the molecule

Molecule on the Surface

Liquid
phase
Molecule inside the
liquid phase

Net force on this molecule is zero

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 120

 Surface tension is the
m1
force per unit length
that must be acting
parallel to the surface at
Slider right angles to a line of
m2 1m length anywhere in
the surface
Wire frame apparatus used to
demonstrate the principle

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 121

Surface free energy
• Surface tension tend to decrease the surface
• If one is to increases the surface (i.e., brings molecules from
the bulk of the phase to the surface), work (W) should be done
against the forces in the surface[ i.e, force of surface tension].
• The surface free energy per unit area, or surface tension, is a
measure of this work; it is the minimum amount of work
required to bring the molecules to the surface from the interior
to expand the surface by unit area [ΔA = 2l x ds]:
W = γ · ΔA
• where W is the work done (ergs), γ is the surface tension
(dyne/cm), and ΔA is the increase in area (cm2).
W = F.ds/ unit area = F.ds/2l.ds = F/2l= γ
Note: Surface tension & surface free energy are dimensionally
equivalent & numerically equal

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 122

B. Interfacial tension
It is the force per unit length (dyne/cm) existing at the
interface between two phases other than gas-liquid &
gas-solid. The later interfaces have surface tension
Interfacial tensions are less than surface tension since
adhesion forces b/n two immiscible phases is greater
than adhesion forces b/n gas-liquid or gas-solid
phase.
Note:
Interfacial tension never exists between miscible
liquids but between immiscible liquids.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 123

Schematic representation of intermolecular cohesive
forces at an interface

Molecules
B

Interface
γab A &B

Molecules
A

Cohesive force Adhesive force b/n A & B

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 124
• When the surfaces of liquids A and B are separated from
each other, they have their own surface tensions, γa and γb.
• When the two surfaces come into contact with each other to
form an interface, an attractive force between molecules of
A and B appears
• This attractive force partially compensates for the excess
energy of the molecules present at the surface of A and B
and consequently reduces the surface tension of two liquids
• In term of work done with the newly created interface
between liquids A and B,
Wa = γa + γb − γab , where Wa is the adhesion
work done (ergs), γa and γb are the surface tension of liquid
A and B, respectively (dynes/centimeters), and γab is the
interfacial tension between A and B (dynes/centimeters).
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 125
• Interfacial free energy is the work done to increase
the surface area [A] at the interface
W = γ∆A , where
W = work done expressed in ergs
γ = Surface tension in dyne/cm
∆A= Increase or change in surface area

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 126

 Spreading coefficient
• When liquid ‘L’ such as oleic acid is
placed on the surface of sublayer
liquid such as water, it will spread as a
film if the force of adhesion b/n liquid
‘L’ molecules & liquid ‘S’ molecules
is greater than the cohesive force b/n
liquid ‘L’ molecules themselves
• Work of adhesion is the energy
required to break attraction b/n unlike
molecules, as shown by figure ‘a’.
Representation of work • Figure ‘a’ shows a hypothetical
of adhesion involved in cylinder [ 1cm2) of the sublayer liquid,
separating a substrate & S, overlaid with a similar section of
an overlying liquid
spreading liquid, L.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 127
The work required to separate the two sections of liquids is
given by: W = ɣ∆A
Figure ‘b’ shows that the work done is equal to the newly
created surface tensions, ɣL & ɣS, minus the interfacial
tension, ɣLS , that has been destroyed in the process. The
work of adhesion (Wa) is given by : Wa = ɣL + ɣS - ɣLS
 Obviously, no interfacial tension exists between the like
molecules of the liquid. When the hypothetical 1 cm2
cylinder is divided into two new surfaces, each with a
surface tension of ɣL is created. Thus, work of cohesion is
given by: Wc = 2ɣL
 Work of cohesion is required to separate molecules of
spreading liquid so that it can flow over the sublayer, as
shown below.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 128
Spreading Coefficient [S]: is a concept used to assess
ability of one liquid to spread over another liquid
Assume that oil is to spread over water surface
The oil will spread over water surface if the work of
adhesion b/n the oil molecules & water molecules is greater
than work of cohesion b/n the oil molecules themselves
S = Wa - Wc
= [ ɣL + ɣS - ɣLS] - 2ɣL
= ɣS – [ɣLS + ɣL]
Note: Spreading occurs when value of S is zero or positive,
at equilibrium otherwise the liquid expected to spread
forms a lens and S has a negative value

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 129

 Spreading coefficient with negative value
Before final equilibrium is attained, S
value can be positive, as the liquid
spread over the substrate liquid
However, mutual saturation occurs
when final equilibrium is maintained so
that the final Spreading coefficient will
have negative value due to coalescence
of excess liquid into a lens
Note: Reversal in value of S occurs due
to reduction in value of ɣS but not in
value of ɣLS since interfacial tension
occurred under conditions of mutual
Forces existing at a surface of saturation
a lens floating in a substrate
liquid
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 130
Example
If surface tension of water, ɣs is 72.8 dynes/cm at 20 0C, the
surface tension of benzene, ɣl , is 28.9 dynes/cm and interfacial
tension b/n benzene & water, ɣls, is 35 dynes/cm. Following
equilibrium, ɣs, is found to be 62.2 dynes/cm and ɣl is 28.8
dynes/cm.
Required
1. Initial spreading coefficient 2. Final spreading coefficient
Solution
1. Initial spreading coefficient = ɣS – [ɣLS + ɣL]
=72.8 –(28.9 + 35) = 8.9 dynes/cm or 8.9 erg/cm2
2. Final spreading coefficient = ɣS’ – [ɣLS + ɣL’]
= 62.2 – [35 + 28.8] = -1.6 dynes/cm or -1.6dynes/cm2
Note:
Although benzene spreads initially on water, at final
equilibrium there is formed a saturated monolayer with the
excess benzene ( saturated with water) forming a lens
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 131
Note:
 As the carbon chain of organic acid increases, the ratio of polar-
nonpolar character decreases & the spreading coefficient on
water decreases.
 Many nonpolar substances, such as liquid petrolatum
( S= -13.4) fail to spread on water.
 Benzene spreads initially on water not because it is polar but
because the cohesive forces b/n its molecules are much weaker
than the adhesion for water
 Application of spreading coefficients relates surface of skin with
applied pharmaceutical preparation. Surface of skin is bathed in
aqueous-oily layer having polar-nonpolar character similar to
that of a mixture of fatty acids. For a lotion with a mineral oil
base to spread freely & evenly on skin, its polarity & hence its
spreading coefficient should be increased by adding surfactants
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 132
 Examples of substances with their Surface & Interfacial
Tension
Substance Surface Substance Interfacial Tension
Tension (Against Water) at
(dynes/cm) 20°C
Water 72.8 Ethyl ether 10.7
Benzene 28.9 Benzene 35.0
Chloroform 27.1 Chloroform 32.8
Oleic acid 32.5 Oleic acid 15.6
Olive oil 35.8 Olive oil 22.9

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 133

 Measurement of surface tension & interfacial
tension
• Several methods are in use to measure surface
tension & interfacial tension but the most
commonly employed are:
 Capillary rise method
 Tensiometer method

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 134

A. Capillary rise method: Used to measure surface tension
but not interfacial tension

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 135

 Total upward force around inside circumference of the tube is
given by: 2πrγcosƟ
Note: For water & other commonly used liquids, Ɵ is
insignificant, as the liquid wets the capillary, thus for practical
purpose it is taken as zero.
Accordingly, 2πrγcosƟ is reduced to 2πrγ
where
• Ɵ is contact angle b/n liquid surface & capillary wall,
• 2πr is inside circumference of the capillary
 The counteracting force of gravity[mg] is given by the product of
cross-sectional area, πr2, the height, h, of the liquid column to the
lowest point of the meniscus, the difference in the density of the
liquid,ρ & its vapor density ,ρo, & acceleration of gravity: 2πr2hρg
 When, liquid has risen to its maximum height, which can be read
from the calibrations on the capillary tube, the opposing forces are
in equilibrium, hence surface tension can be computed from the
following r/ship: 2πrγ = 2πr2h ρg
γ = rhρg/2

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 136

Example: Calculate surface tension of Chloroform using
Capillary rise method if sample of chloroform rose to a height
of 3.67 cm at 20 oC in a capillary tube having inside radius of
0.01 cm & density of chloroform is 1.476 g/cm3.
Solution
Givens: h = 3.67cm, ρ = 1.476 g/cm3, r = 0.01 cm, and
g = 981cm/sec2
γ = rhρg/2
= [0.01cm x 3.67 cm x 1.476 g/cm3 x 981cm/sec2]/2
= 26.6 g/sec2
= 26.6 dynes/cm

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 137

 B. Du Nuoy Tensiometer [ or Ring method]
 Used for measuring surface tension &
interfacial tension
 Principle of the instrument: The force
necessary to detach a platinum-iridium ring
immersed at the surface or interfaces is
proportional to the surface tension or
interfacial tension.
 The force required to detach the ring in this
manner is provided by a torsion wire & is
recorded in dynes on a calibrated dial
 In effect, the instrument measures the weight
of liquid pulled out of the plane of the
interface immediately before the ring
Du Nuoy Tensiometer becomes detached

Or

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 138

Example
If the mass of the liquid lifted by the ring with radius
0.8078 cm is 0.7866 g and correction factor is 0.9617,
then find the tension responsible to counteract the up
lifting force at equilibrium
Solution
Givens: r = 0.8078 cm, m= 0.7866 gm, β = 0.9617

= [0.7866 gm x981 cm/s2 x 0.9617]/ 4 x 0.8078 cm π

= 73.14 dynes/cm or 73.14 ergs/cm2

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 139

 Adsorption at liquid interfaces
 When certain molecules or ions are dispersed in the
liquid, they move of their own accord to the interface.
So that their concentration in the interface exceeds
their concentration in the bulk. Such phenomenon,
where the added molecules are partitioned in favor of
the interface is termed positive adsorption.
 Occurrence of positive adsorption automatically
reduces both surface tension and surface free energy
of the system
 Other materials such as organic ions are adsorbed in
favor of the bulk, leading to a negative adsorption &
a corresponding increase in surface tension & surface
free energy
Adsorption vs absorption??

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 140

Surfactants: Basic concepts, HLB system & applications
Surfactants: Basic concepts
 Molecules & ions that are adsorbed at interfaces are termed
SAA/surfactants or Amphiphile
 Amphiphile is molecule or ion that has a certain affinity for
both polar & nonpolar solvents
 Depending on the number & nature of the polar & nonpolar
groups present, amphiphile may be predominantly hydrophilic,
lipophilic or reasonably well balanced b/n these two extremes
Example: Straight-chain alcohols, amines & acids are
amphiphiles that change from being predominantly
hydrophilic to lipophilic as the № of carbon atoms in the alkyl
chain increased. Thus ethyl alcohol is miscible with water in
all proportions. In comparison, aqueous solubility of amyl
alcohol, C5H11OH is much reduced whereas acetyl alcohol,
C15H33OH is strongly lipophilic & insoluble in water.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 141

• It is the amphiphilic nature of SAAs
that causes them to adsorb at the
interfaces [L/G or L/L interfaces]
• Thus, in aqueous dispersion of amyl
alcohol, the polar alcoholic group is
able to associate with water molecules.
The nonpolar portion is rejected,
however, b/c the adhesive forces it can
develop with water are small in
comparison to the cohesive forces b/n
Adsorption of fatty
adjacent water molecules, the acid molecules at
amphiphile is adsorbed at the interface water-air interface
& water-oil interface

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 142

• For amphiphile to be concentrated at the interface, it
must be balanced with the proper amount of water-&
-oil soluble groups
Reason:
If the molecule is too hydrophilic, it remains
within the body of the aqueous phase & exerts no
effect at the interface. Likewise, if it is too
lipophilic, it dissolves completely in the oil phase
& little at the interface

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 143

Systems of Hydrophile-Lipophile balance[HLB]
 Griffin devised an arbitrary scale of values [ number
system] as a measure of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
of SAAs
 The higher the HLB value of an agent, the more
hydrophilic it is.
 Tweens, polyoxyethylene derivatives of the span are
hydrophilic with HLB value 9.6 to 16.7
 Spans, sorbitan esters derivatives are lipophilic with
HLB value 1.8 to 8.6
 HLB of nonionic SAA whose only hydrophilic portion is
polyoxyethylene is calculated using the formula:
HLB= E/5, where E is % by weight of ethylene oxide
 HLB of SAA with a № of polyhydric alcohol fatty acid
esters, such as glyceryl monoestrate can be estimated by:
HLB = 20( 1- S/A), where S is saponification № of the
ester & A is the acid № of the fatty acid
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 144
Classification of surface active agents based on HLB scale

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 145

Example:
1. Find HLB of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostrate
[Tween 20] for which S=45.5 & A is 276.
Solution:
HLB = 20[1-S/A] = 20[1- 45.5/276]= 16.7
• The desired HLB numbers can also be achieved by
mixing lipophilic and hydrophilic surfactants.
• Overall HLB value of the mixture is calculated as the
sum of the fraction multiplied by the individual HLB
• For a mixture of two surfactants containing fraction f
of K and (l – f) of A it is assumed that the HLB is an
algebraic mean of the two HLB numbers:
HLBmixture = f x HLB of K + (1 – f) x HLB of A

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 146

Example
In a mixture of 30% Span 80 (HLB = 4.3) and 70% Tween 80
(HLB = 15) what is the overall HLB value?
Solution
HLB = (0.3 × 4.3) + (0.7 × 15) = 11.8

Exercise:
How many grams of Span 80 (HLB 4.3)&Tween 80 (HLB 15)
must be mixed to make 30 g of SAA mixture with an HLB of 12.0?
[Answers: 8.4 g of Span 80 and 21.6 g of Tween 80]
Solution
Let x% is percent of span 80 [HLB 4.3] and
[100-x]% is percent of Tween 80 [ HLB 15]
4.3x% + 15[100-x]% = HLB of the mix
4.3x% + 15[100-x]% =12, then x= 28%
Now, 30 g x 28%+ 30 g[100-x]% = Total amount of the mix
Hence:
Amount of Span 80[HLB 4.3] = 28% of 30 g = 8.4 g
Amount of Tween 80[HLB 15] = 30 g[100-28]%
= 72% of 30g = 21.6 g
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 147
 Adsorption at solid interfaces
 Adsorption at Solid/gas interface
 Adsorption at solid/liquid interface
 Adsorption isotherms
 Adsorption of material at solid interfaces can take
place from either an adjacent liquid or gas phase
 The study of adsorption of gas arises in removal of
objectionable odors from rooms & food, operation of
gas masks & measurement of dimensions of particles
in powder
 The principles of solid /liquid gas adsorption is used in
decolorizing solutions, adsorption chromatography,
detergency & wetting

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 148

 Solid/gas interface
• The degree of adsorption of a gas by a solid
depends on:
 Chemical nature of adsorbent[materials used
to adsorb gas] & adsorbate[substances being
adsorbed]
 Surface area of the adsorbent
 Partial pressure of adsorbed gas
 Temperature of adsorbed gas

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 149

 Types of adsorption:
1. Physical adsorption
 Associated with van der Waals forces
 It is reversible
 Adsorbed gas can be desorbed from adsorbent
[solid] by increasing temperature & reducing
pressure
2. Chemical adsorption [ chemisorption]
The adsorbate is attached to the adsorbent by
primarily chemical bonds
It is irreversible unless the bonds are broken
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 150
 Difference between physical and chemical adsorptions

Physical adsorption Chemical adsorption

Reversible Irreversible

Weak van der Waals forces Strong chemical bonds

Nonspecific Specific

Common at low temperature Occurs at high temperature

Heat of adsorption is low Heat of adsorption is high

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 151

Adsorption isotherm is the
relationship b/n amount of gas
physically adsorbed onto a solid at
equilibrium pressure or
concentration at constant
temperature
The № of moles, grams or
millilitres, x, of gas adsorbed on ‘m’
grams of adsorbent at standard
temp. & pressure is plotted on
vertical axis against the equilibrium
pressure of gas in mm Hg on the
horizontal axis
Note : Isotherm refers to plot at
constant temperature

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 152

Freundlich isotherm equation
Exponential form of the equation

Where y is the mass of the gas, x,

adsorbed per unit mass, m, of
adsorbent & k and n are constants
that can be evaluated from the
results of the experiment
Logarithmic form of the equation :
Apparatus used to measure
adsorption of gas on solid

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 153

Solid/liquid interface
Drugs such as dyes, alkaloids, fatty acids, & even
inorganic acids & bases can be adsorbed from solution
onto solids such as charcoal & alumina
Adsorption of solute molecules from solution can be
treated in a manner analogous to the adsorption of
molecules at the solid gas interface
Langmuir equation

Where , C is equilibrium concentration of solute

per 100 ml of solution , y is amount of solute, x
in mg adsorbed per gram, m, of adsorbent [i.e.,
y= x/m] and b & ym are constants
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 154
• Adsorption of diphtheria
toxin & several bacteria was
investigated using different
types of clays
• It was concluded that
activated attapulgite[hydrous
magnesium aluminum
silicate] was superior to
halloysite & kaolin as
intestinal adsorbent
• The adsorptive properties of
the clays were not reduced
after they were washed with
acid and gastric juice.
Activated attapulgite and
halloysite had superior
adsorptive properties at pH
6.8 and 7.2 than at higher Adsorption of Strychnine on activated halloysite
hydrogen-ion concentrations. kaolin & attapalgite, all washed with gastric juice
Note: The smaller the slope, the better is the adsorption

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 155

Applications of SAAs
 To prepare stable pharmaceutical preparations by acting as
emulsifying, wetting, foaming, antifoaming & solubilizing agent, in
addition to acting as a detergent
 Monolayers of adsorbed amphiphiles can be used as in vitro models
for biologic membranes to study in vitro drug absorption across
biologic membrane
Reason: The Monolayers of adsorbed amphiphiles at the interface has
similar lipid by layer structure with that of biologic membrane
 Ionic but non-oionic SAA have antibacterial action by affecting
microbial membrane integrity
Eg. Quaternary ammonium compounds
 Some SAA agents facilitate drug absorption via membrane
 Lung surfactant such as phosphatidylcholine covers the surface of
alveoli contacted with air, there by reducing surface tension at air-
alveoli interface almost to zero, accomplishes two functions:
prevents collapse of alveoli and decrease pressure inside alveoli
there by allowing us to breathe & prevents pulmonary edema

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 156

Unit 4: Solubility & Distribution Phenomena (9 hrs)
4.1. Terminologies (solute, solvent, solution, solubility)
4.2. Solute-solvent interactions (polar, nonpolar and
semipolar solvents)
4.3. Solubility expressions
4.4. Solubility of gases in liquids
4.5. Solubility of liquids in liquids
4.6. Solubility of solids in liquids
4.7. Distribution phenomena

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 157

What is solubility?
 Amount of substance that dissolves to form a
saturated solution at equilibrium at constant
temperature and pressure
 It is an intrinsic material property that can be altered
only by chemical modification of the molecule
 Dissolution is an extrinsic material property that can
be influenced by various chemical, physical or
crystallographic means such as complexation,
particle size, surface properties, solid –state
modification or solubilization enhancing formulation
strategies

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 158

Solubility expression
The USP describes solubility of drug at fixed temp. &
pressure as :
part of solvent required for one part of solute
volume of solvent in which 1 g of solute is dissolved
For instance, 1 g of boric acid dissolves in 18 ml of
water, or in 4 ml of glycerine at fixed temp. &
pressure
 Solubility is also quantitatively expressed in terms
of molality, molarity and percentage

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 159

Determination of solubility of a solid in a liquid
The following points should be observed in all solubility
determinations:
1. The solvent and the solute must be pure
2. A saturated solution must be obtained before any solution
is removed for analysis
3. The method of separating a sample of saturated solution
from undissolved solute must be satisfactory[filtration at
equilibrium temp. of saturated solution]
4. The method of analysing the solution must be reliable [
UV spectrophotometer, Chromatography, Volumetric
analysis methods]
5. Temperature must be adequately controlled [at equilibrium
temp. of saturated solution]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 160

 Terms of Solubility (USP)
Terms Parts of Solvent Required to
Dissolve One Part of Solute
Very soluble Less than 1
Freely soluble 1–10
Soluble 10–30
Sparingly soluble 30–100
Slightly soluble 100–1,000
Very slightly soluble 1000–10,000
Practically insoluble ≥10,000

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 161

4.2. Solvent- solute interaction
Polar solvents: Dissolve ionic solutes & other polar
substances
 Dipole moment [ ability of the solute to form
hydrogen bonds] and dipole interaction forces affect
solubility of solute
 Water is miscible with all proportions of alcohol &
dissolves sugars, and polyhydroxy compounds
Nonpolar solvents: Cannot dissolve polar and ionic
solutes since they cannot reduce attraction forces
between such solutes. They cannot form hydrogen
bridges with nonelectrolytes. However, they dissolve
nonpolar compounds with similar internal pressures
via induced dipole interaction.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 162

Semipolar solvents: Act as intermediate solvents causing
miscibility of polar and nonpolar liquids
Example:
 Acetone increases solubility of ether in water
 Propylene glycol increases mutual solubility of water &
peppermint oil and water and benzyl benzoate

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 163

Note
1. The generalized concept 'like dissolves like', i.e. a polar
substance will dissolve in a polar solvent and a non-
polar substance will dissolve in a non-polar solvent
should be treated with caution
Reason:
Possibility of intermolecular hydrogen-bond
formation between solute and solvent may be
more significant than polarity
2. The solubility of substances can be qualitatively
predicted by considering polarity, dielectric constant,
association, solvation, internal pressures, acid-base
reaction and other factors
3. Solubility depends on chemical, electrical & structural
effects that lead to mutual interactions b/n solute and
solvent

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 164

 4.3. Solubility of gases in liquids
Conc. of dissolved gas when it is in equilibrium with
some of the pure gas above the solution
It depends primarily on the pressure, temperature,
presence of salts and chemical reactions that the gas
undergoes with the solvent
Effect of pressure on gas solubility
• Solubility of gas increases as pressure on the gas
increases and vice versa.
• Henry’s law: σP = C2 where
σ = Solubility coefficient, C2 is concentration of
dissolved gas[g/ml] and P is partial pressure of
undissolved gas above the solution

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 165

Note
Henry's law works if molecules are at equilibrium,
only
Henry's law does not work for gases at high pressures
(e.g., N2(g) at high pressure becomes very soluble
and harmful when in the blood supply)
Henry's law does not work if there is a chemical
reaction b/n solute & solvent
Example:
HCl (g) reacts with water by a dissociation reaction to
generate
H+3O + and Cl-

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 166

Effect of temperature on gas solubility
• Solubility of gas decreases as temperature increases since
it causes gas expansion
Salting out: Decreases solubility of gas
• Introduction of electrolyte [NaCl] or non-electrolyte
[sucrose] causes liberation of gas from solvent. This
phenomenon is called salting out.
Effect of chemical reaction on solubility of gas
• Chemical reaction of gaseous solutes with solvent
increases their solubility. Thus, HCl, NH3 & CO2 are
more soluble in water than O2 due to their interaction with
solvent
Note: Existence of chemical reaction b/n gas and solvent
show deviation from Henry’s law
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 167
4.4. Solubility of liquids in liquids
Frequently two or more liquids are mixed together in the
preparation of pharmaceutical solutions.
Examples
• Alcohol + water = Hydroalcoholic solution
• Volatile oil + Water = Aromatic waters
• Volatile oil + Alcohol = Spirits and elixirs
• Ether + alcohol = Cosolvent in collodion
• Fixed oils are blended into lotions, sprays, emulsions

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 168

Solubility of liquids-liquid systems can be divided into
2 categories according to level of their solubility into
one another: Complete & Partial miscibility
Note: Miscibility refers to mutual solubility of the
components in the liquids-liquid systems
Complete miscibility:
Components mix at all proportions
They create no solubility problems to pharmacists
Eg: Alcohol & acetone, Alcohol & glycerin, H2O
&ROH , benzene & carbon tetrachloride

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 169

Partial miscibility: Results in the formation of two
liquid layers each containing some of the other liquid in
the dissolved state

Eg: Phenol in H2O, water & ether

Note:
Mutual solubility increases as temperature increases
until critical solution temp.[CST] is reached, where the
composition become identical forming homogenous or
single liquid phase.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 170
Influence of foreign substances on liquid solubility
• Addition of a substance to a binary liquid system
produces a ternary system[ 3 component system]
• If the added component is soluble only in one of the
liquid component, mutual solubility of the binary
system decreases.
• If the binary mixture has UCS temperature, the
temperature is raised; if it has a lower consolute
temperature, temperature is lowered.
Example: Addition of KCl to phenol-water mixture
raises UCT by 8 oC while addition of 0.1 m
naphthalene to same mixture raises UCS tem. By 20
oC.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 171

• When the added substance is soluble in both liquids
forming the binary mixture, the mutual solubility of
the binary liquid pair is increased; UCS temp. is
lowered and LCS temp. is raised.
Example: Addition of succinic acid or sodium oleate to
water- phenol system

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 172

Three component systems

Triangular phase diagram for the three component

systems: Methyl salicylate-isopropranol- water

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 173

 B

Immiscible

A triangular diagram showing solubility of peppermint oil in various

proportions of water & Polyethylene glycol

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 174

Types of liquid –in-liquid solution
A. Ideal solutions
Ideal solution is a solution that obeys Raoult’s law:
Pi = Pio X where Pio is vapour pressure of pure state;
Pi = partial pressure of the component in the mixture at
definite temperature
X = Mole fraction of the component in the solution

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 175

B. Real solution: Components in a solution may show
negative or positive deviation from Raoult’s law
Negative deviation discloses increased solubility due to
hydrogen bond formation b/n polar compounds
Positive deviation shows decreased solubility due to
association of the molecules of one of the constituents to
form double molecules or dimers or polymers of higher
order [ Formic acid: HCOOH]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 176

Factors affecting solubility of liquids
• Temperature of the system [UCST, LCST]
• Nature of liquid solute & solvent[polar, semiploar, nonpolar]
• Pressure
• Chemical reaction
• Presence of mutually soluble 3rd component
Example: Addition of succinic acid to water- phenol system

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 177

4.5. Solubility of solids in liquids : Constituted the most
important type of pharmaceutical solutions
• Ideal solution: A solution in which heat of solution is
equal to heat of fusion & no net heat is released or
absorbed during formation of the solution and it is
constant & independent of temperature
 Solubility of solid in ideal solution depends on
temperature, m.p and molar heat of fusion [ΔH f] of
solid
 Nature of solvent never affect ideal solubility
-logX2i = [ΔH f (To -T)]/ 2.303RTTo
X2i = ideal solubility of solute[ in mole fraction], To m.p
of solid in Kelvin and T= Absolute temperature of
solution and R= gas constant= 1.987

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 178

Example: What is the solubility of naphthalene at 20oC
in an ideal solution? The m.p of naphthalene is 80oC
and ΔH f is 4500cal/mole.
Solution
-logX2i = [ΔH f (T0-T)]/ 2.303RTTo
= 4500( 353- 293)]/2.303 x1.987x 353x293
logX2i = 0.27
X2i = 0.537

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 179

Real solutions [ Non-ideal solution] : the activity of a
solute in a solution is expressed as the conc.
multiplied by the activity coefficient[ɤ2]
a2 = X 2 ɤ2
• Converting to logarithms, we have
log a2 = logX2 + log ɤ2
In an ideal solution, a2 = X2 and ɤ2 = 1 ,re=expressing
equation of ideal solution in terms of activity we have
-log a2 = -logX2i = [ΔH f (T0-T)]/ 2.303RTTo - log ɤ2
-log a2 = -logX2i = [ΔH f (T0-T)]/ 2.303RTTo - log ɤ2

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 180

Solvation & association in solution of polar
compounds
 Combination of solvent with the solute due to
formation of hydrogen bond is called solvation
causing negative deviation
Interaction of like molecules constituting components
of solution is called association resulting in positive
deviation from Raoult’s law.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 181

Solubility of strong electrolytes
• Solubility of solid forming endothermic solution
increases as temperature is raised while for exothermic
ones the reverse is true. Na S O .5H O
2 2 3 2

KNO3
Solubility(g/100g H2O)

NaCl

Temperature(oC)

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 182

Solubility of slightly soluble electrolyte
• Solubility of such solute is expressed by solubility
product [ Ksp] of the compound.
Example: AgCl Cl- + Ag+

[Ag +][Cl-]/ AgClsolid =K

Ag +][Cl-] = AgClsolid K
[Ag +][Cl-] = Ksp
The concentration of each ion is raised to a power equal
to the number of ions appearing in the formula
Example: Al(OH)3 solid Al+3 + 3(OH)
[Al+3] [OH-]3 = Ksp
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 183
Example:
The measured solubility of AgCl in water at 20oC is 1.2x10-5
mole/liter. Compute Ksp
Ksp = [Ag +][Cl-] = (1.2x10 -5) (1.2x10 -5) = 1.44x10 -10
Note: Addition of common ion reduces solubility of slightly
soluble electrolyte, until equilibrium is established.
Example: What is the solubility x of AgCl in mole/liter in an
aqueous solution containing 0.04 M NaCl? The solubility of
AgCl product of AgCl is 1.2x10 -10
K sp = 1.44x10 -10 = [Ag +][Cl-] = x[0.04+x]
1.44x10 -10 = x2 + 0.04x
0 = x2 + 0.04x - 1.44x10 -10 , since x2 is so small,
we have x = 3.6x10-9mol/L, disclosing reduced solubility of AgCl in
water since 3.6x10-9 < 1.2x10 -5mol/L

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 184

Solubility of weak electrolytes
 Most of the drugs currently in use are either weak
acids or bases
 They react with strong bases or acids
 They exist as ions over definite pH ranges
 Fatty acids containing more than 10 carbon atoms are
soluble in solvents having low dielectric constants
 Example: Oleic acid is insoluble in water but
soluble in alcohol and in ether
 Hydroxy acids such as tartaric & citric acids are quite
soluble in water since they are solvated via their
hydroxyl groups
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 185
• Aromatic acids react with dilute alkalies to form water
soluble salts. However, they precipitate out as the free acids
if stronger acidic substances are added to their solution or
as heavy metal salts upon addition of ions of heavy metals
Example: Phenol [slightly acidic] is soluble in NaOH solution
C6H5OH + NaOH → C6H5O- + Na+ + H2O
Salicylic acid is soluble in alkalies & alcohol. Its OH is
engaged in intermolecular hydrogen bond formation, hence
never contribute to salicylic acid solubility.
Phenol is weakly acidic & only slightly soluble in water but
is quite soluble in dilute NaOH. Phenol is weaker than
H2CO3 & is thus displaced from its dilute alkali solution by
CO2. For this reason carbonates and bicarbonates cannot
increase solubility of phenol in water.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 186

 Many organic compounds containing a basic nitrogen
atom in their molecule are vital in pharmacy. Most of
these drugs are not soluble in water but soluble in
dilute solution of acids. Addition of alkali to a
solution of the salt of these compounds precipitates
the free base from solution
Examples: Alkaloids, antihistamines, local anaesthetics
On the contrary the nitrogen atoms in sulphonamides
and barbiturates act as weak acids due to withdrawal
of electrons by strong electronegative oxygen atoms.
-
R1N -SO2- R2 Sulfonyl

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 187

The influence of pH on the solubility of drugs
The solubility of weak electrolytes is strongly affected
by the pH of the solution
Example:
 Phenobarbital sodium is soluble in alkaline pH range
but precipitate as molecular Phenobarbital at acidic
pH range
 The alkaloidal salts such as atropine sulphates
precipitate from solution in alkaline pH range
Note: For maximum therapeutic effectiveness of drugs
forming weak electrolytes, optimal pH in which they
are soluble should be established
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 188
The influence of solvents on the solubility of drugs
Solubility of weakly acidic or basic drugs is higher in
Cosolvent than in pure water. This phenomena is
called cosolvency
The mixture of solvents such as alcohol, glycerin and
water, or alcohol &water, etc are called cosolvents

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 189

Combined effects of pH & solvents on drugs solubility
Solvent affects solubility of weak electrolytes in a
buffered solution in two ways:
1. Addition of alcohol to a buffered aqueous solution of a
weak electrolytes increases solubility of unionized
species by adjusting the polarity of solvent to a more
favorable value
2. Being less polar than water alcohol decreases the
dissociation of a weak electrolyte, & the solubility of
the drug goes down as the dissociation constant is
decreased[Pka is ↑ed].

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 190

Effects of surfactants [ Surface-active agents]
The solubility of weakly acidic or basic drugs is
increased by solubilizing effects of surfactants
Solubilization
Formation of micells around each insoluble or slightly
soluble drug particles by surfactants to increase their
solubility in the solvent system.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 191

Complexation as solubility enhancing mechanism
• Complexation is a process of enhancing solubility of
drug molecules using molecular complexing agents
• Complexation relies on relatively weak forces
(London forces, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic
interactions) between drug and complexing agent.
• As the concentration of the complexing agent is
increased, so is solubility, up to a maximum point.
• In some cases when the complexing agent is too
concentrated, the complex can precipitate out of
solution as more complexing agent is added.
Examples of Molecular complexing agents
• Polymers (PEG, methyl and carboxy methyl cellulose,
polyvinyl-pyrrolidone

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 192

Influence of solid state (polymorphs, amorphous, solvates)
Polymorphism
 Existence of drug substance in different crystal forms
 One of them is stable while the rests are metastable
 Both stable & metastable forms exhibits same chemical but
different physical properties
 Metastable forms have higher dissolution rate than stable forms
 Metastable form converts to stable form during shelf-life,
milling, granulating, drying & /or compression operation of
polymorph
 Powdered polymorph Granulation solvation
 Solvated polymorph Drying anhydrous polymorph
 Amorphous form of drugs are without regular molecular lattice
arrangements
Note: Formulator should notice such potential conversion

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 193

 – Distribution phenomena
• Distribution law
• Effect of molecular association and ionic
dissociation
• Applications

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 194

Distribution of solutes between immiscible solvents
 If an excess liquid or solid is added to a mixture of two
immiscible liquids, the solute will distribute itself
between the two phases until saturation occurs.
 However, if solute is added in a quantity inadequate to
saturate immiscible solvents, it will distribute between the
two solvents in a definite ratio called distribution ratio ,
distribution coefficient or partition coefficient .If C1 & C2
are the equilibrium concentrations of the substance in
solvent1 and solvent2, then: K= C1/ C2 , which is called
distribution law
Example: When boric acid is distributed b/n water and amyl
alcohol at 25oC, the concentrations in water & amyl alcohol
were found to be 0.0510 & 0.0155 mole/liter, respectively.
Find distribution coefficient. [Solution: K= 3.29 or 0.304].
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 195
• Effect of molecular association and ionic dissociation
Martin: p 201

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 196

5. Packaging & storage of pharmaceuticals
5.1. Introduction (definitions and terminologies)
5.2. Packaging materials
5.3. Closures
5.4. Labeling pharmaceutical dosage forms
5.5. Storage, stability of pharmaceuticals & beyond
use date

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 197

5.1. Introduction
Definition
Packaging is an economical means of providing
presentation, protection, identification/information,
containment, convenience and compliance for a product
during storage, carriage, display and use until such time
as the product is used or administered
Packaging refers to all operations, including filling and
labelling, that a bulk product has to undergo in order to
become a finished product

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 198

Packaging Material
• Any material, including printed material, employed in the
packaging of a pharmaceutical, but excluding any other
packaging used for transportation or shipment
• Can be primary or secondary according to whether or
not they are intended to be in direct contact with the
product
• Primary packaging: has direct contact with product
Examples: Vials, Ampoules, Bottles, Blister
• Secondary packaging: Has indirect contact with product
Examples: Box, Carton

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 199

 Role/function of the pack
Two primary roles of a Pack: containment & protection
Containment :
• Packaging contain product in one zone preventing it
from being escaped & affected by contaminants in
another zone
• Package prevents product from entering the env’t and
the environment from entering the product
• Package must remain functionally inert to its content
• Package never become part of product or vice versa

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 200

Protection
• Implies that the product inside does not sustain
physical damage &/or chemical breakdown due to
light, heat, oxygen, and water vapour
• Additional protective functions includes:
Sterility
Reclosure
 Communication (via the label)
Compliance
Tamper evidence
Temperature control
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 201
• Protection is almost invariably the most critical factor
as it controls the total shelf-life of the product
What to be protected?
• Protection against such factors as:
Mechanical
Climatic
Biological
Chemical

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 202

Mechanical hazards: Occurs due to
• Compression
• Vibration
• Puncture or piercing
• Shock or impact damage
 Minimized by cushioning, restriction of
movement, more careful handling, etc

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 203

Climatic or environmental hazards
• Moisture [may cause physical changes (e.g. dulling,
softening, hardening etc.) or chemical change
(hydrolysis, effervescence, etc.)]
• Temperature [Accelerate or decelerate chemical
reaction rate]
• Light [causes photochemical change]
• Atmospheric gases [oxygen, carbon dioxide]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 204

Biological hazards
Microbiological
• In sterile products, the pack and its closure must
maintain a 100% effective seal against
microbiological ingress, i.e. bacteria, moulds and
yeasts.
• Ingress of yeasts is critical with sugar based products
as fermentation may occur [e.g. syrups]
Other forms of infestation
• insects, termites, vermin, rodents

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 205

Chemical hazards
• Chemical interaction between a product and its pack
[not due to chemical interaction inherent to the
formulation as the later cannot normally be reduced
or avoided by pack selection]
• Examples of chemical interaction between a product
and its pack :
Adsorption of components such as preservative,
EDTA
Permeation [ such as loss of volatile
preservatives]
Leaching :Releasing composition of plastic/glass
container to is contents
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 206
Closures
Functions of a closure can be providing:
totally hermetic seal. Permits no exchange between
the contents and the env’t : e.g. Fused glass ampoule
effective microbiological seal
Example: Rubber bung and metal over-seal. As rubber
is permeable to moisture and gases to some degree, a
bacteriological seal may not be strictly hermetic.
effective seal which is acceptable to the product, i.e.
a closure which is not hermetic or a total guarantee
against bacterial ingress, but adequate for the product

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 207

Methods used for determination of closure efficiency
What is closure efficiency?
Ability to prevent undesirable exchanges b/n product
and outside atmosphere
 Placing a desiccant in a pack stored under high RH
and detecting any moisture gain
 Putting liquid inside the pack, storing at high
temperature and low RH, and then detecting any
moisture loss as a reduction in weight
 Holding the empty pack under water, applying a
vacuum and observing for leakage or liquid ingress
 Conducting leak test

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 208

 6. solutions

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 209

6.1 Introduction
Pharmaceutical solutions :
 Homogenous liquid preparations in which the
drug and the various excipients are dissolved in the
chosen solvent system or
Homogenous molecular dispersion of two or more
substances
Components of solution : solute(s) and solvent
• Solute :gas, liquid or solid that are dissolved or
dispersed in solvent as molecules or ions throughout
the solvent
• Solvent: Major constituents of a solution
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 210
6.2. Dissolution & solubility
Dissolution
 Mass transfer process where by solid solutes are
dissolved into solution or
 Transfer of molecules or ions from solid state to solution
Dissolution rate refers to amount of solute that goes into
solution per unit time
Solubility
• Extent to which dissolution proceeds under a given set
of experimental conditions
• Amount of solute that passes into solution when
equilibrium is established b/n solution & excess
(undissolved) substance such that saturated solution is
formed.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 211
Factors affecting solubility
 Temperature [ eg: KNO3 vs Na2SO4]
 Molecular structure of solute
 Nature of solvent
 Polymorphism
 Particle size

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 212

6.3 Ingredients of solution [solution formulation] trunk
Formulation of solution
Drug + Inactive pharmaceutical agent
 Drug is active pharmaceutical agent
Inactive pharmaceutical agent
 Solvent [ aqueous or nonaqueous]
or Cosolvent
 Additives
 Antioxidant
 Preservative
 Chelating agent
 Buffer solution
 Organoleptic agents
 Tonicity adjusting agent
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 213
6.4 Methods of preparation of solution
Percolation method
Heat method
Agitation method

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 214

 6.5 Solutions taken orally
• Non-sterile oral liquid dosage forms
Advantages of oral solution
 Have ease of administration to individuals who have
difficulty in swallowing , e.g. elderly patients, infants
 Faster bioavailability of therapeutic agent than from
solid oral dosage forms of same drug provide that no
drug precipitation occurs in the git fluid
 Uniform dosage is possible
 Safe to administer those drugs that induce local
irritation if taken in solid state. Eg: KI, KBr

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 215

Disadvantage of oral solutions
• Less stable than solid dosage forms of same drug
• Taste-masking may be difficult for bitter drugs
• Bulky [Expensive to ship& inconvenient to carry]
• Dose measuring device is required
• Inter-patient variability in dose measuring
• Total loss due to accidental breakage
• Difficult to make solutions of poorly soluble drugs
• Support microbial growth, if not preserved

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 216

Types of oral solutions
Swallowable solutions
Syrups
Elixirs
Linctuses
Draughts
Solutions used in the mouth
Mouthwashes
Gargles
Throat paints & sprays

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 217

Syrups
Sweet, viscous & concentrated aqueous solutions
Can be medicated or non-medicated preparations
Non-medicated syrup
Contains no therapeutic agents
Classified into simple syrup or flavoured syrup
 Simple syrup: contains sucrose dissolved in
purified H2O
 Flavoured syrup: simple syrup + flavouring agent
Used as a vehicle to prepare medicated solution

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 218

Medicated syrup = Drug + Vehicle + Sucrose +
Adjuncts[additives]
= Simple syrup + Drug
= Flavoured syrup + Drug
 Concentration of sucrose must be 65% w/w or 85% w/v
Reasons:
i. Minimize microbial contamination
ii. Bacteriostatic by virtue of their osmotic effect
 Polyols [ Alcohol, glycerol or sorbitol] are added to syrup
Act as co-solvent
Retard crystallization of sucrose
Improves dissolution rate of other ingredients
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 219
Elixirs
Clear brilliant,sweetened,flavoured,preserved hydro-
alcoholic solutions
Classified as medicated & non-medicated elixir
Contain more alcohol & less sugar as compared to
syrup, subsequently:
Less sweet& viscous
Has less bitter taste masking effect
Example:
 Ephedrine elixir
 Phenobarbital elixir

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 220

Linctuses
• Viscous preparation usually prescribed for relief of
cough
• Usually consist of a simple solution of active agent in a
high conc. of sucrose, often with other sweetening
agents
• Agents with sedative or expectorant action can be used
Example: Codeine phosphate linctuses
Draughts: Single liquid oral dose
Example:
 Piperazine [Warmin] adult dose
 Ipecacuanha Emetic draught B.P.C

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 221

6.6 Solutions used in the mouth and throats
A.Mouthwashes
Used for cleansing &/or deoderizing purposes
Composition
1. Antibacterial agents
Alkaline phenol mouth wash
Hydrogen peroxide
2. Astringents
Zinc sulfate or Zinc chloride mouth wash
Compound NaCl mouth wash [NaCl + NaHCO3 +
Chloroform water + peppermint ]

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B. Gargles
 Used to relief soreness in mild throat infection
 Have deodorant effect , : Example
Phenol gargle
 Potassium chlorate & phenol gargle
Has weak astringent action  Has anaesthetic action
Stimulate flow of saliva

Note:
• MW & gargles contain antiseptic, analgesic &
astringent
• Used directly or diluted with warm water
• Astringent makes the skin tissues contract & harden
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 C. Throat paints
 Used for mouth & throat infections
 Applied by throat brush
Example
 Compound Iodine paint {Mandl’s paint} for
pharyngitis & tonsillitis
 Crystal violet paint used for thrush

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D. Throat sprays
Uses
 For treatment of laryngitis, tonsillitis or pharyngitis
 To relief asthma & hay fever by acting as bronchial
relaxant
 Applied using atomizer or nebulizer
Example:
Adrenaline & Atropine spray, Compound B.P.C

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6.7 Solutions instilled into body cavities
 Douches
 Enemas
 Ear drops
 Nasal drops
 Eye drops

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Douches
 Medicated solutions for rinsing body cavity such as
vagina[ Vaginal solution or irrigation] , bladder
[Bladder irrigation]
 Usually supplied in their concentrate form for later
dilution with warm water at the time of use
Purpose
1. Antiseptic : Chlorhexidine 0.02%
2. Astringent : 1% Alum
3. Cleansing agent: Isotonic NaCl solution
N.B. Bladder irrigations or vaginal irrigations[to be
used post-delivery ] must be sterile & isotonic with
tissue fluid
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Enemas
• Aqueous or oily solutions/emulsions / suspensions for
rectal administration of medicaments
Uses
 Cleansing purposes
 Diagnostic
 Therapeutic

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Cleansing enema
Used to evacuate faeces in constipation or prior to
operation
Cleansing mechanisms
1. Stimulate peristalsis of impacted faeces
 due to their large volume [0.5 to 1 lt]
Eg.: Plain water, soap[1 in 20] & Turpentine enema
 Cause osmotic retention of water in the bowel
despite their small volume.
Eg.: Na3PO4 enema( 100 ml) , Mg SO4 enema
2. Lubricate impacted faeces
Eg: Olive & Arachis oil enemas[100 to 500 ml]
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Diagnostic enema such as BaSO4 enema
Used for X-ray examination of lower bowel
Therapeutic enema
Uses
 Sedatives : Chloral hydrate, paraldehyde
 Anthelmintics
 Anti-inflammatory agents: Corticosteroids for
ulcerative colitis
 Nutrients: when absorption by mouth is impaired

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Ear drops [otic or]
• Simple solutions of drugs in water, propylene glycol ,
glycerol, or alcohol/water mixtures for local use
• Applied to the external auditory canal as drops,
sprays or washes
Uses
 Aural products: Treating mild ear infection, eg.
CAF ear drop
 Softening wax eg.: H2O2
 Cleansing after infections : 0.9% NaCl
 Drying weeping surfaces
 Antisepsis & anaesthesia : Phenol

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Nasal drops
 Formulated as small-volume solutions in an aqueous
vehicle, but not oils
 Formulated at pH 6.8 since buffering capacity of nasal
mucus is low
 Should be isotonic with nasal secretions using 0.9%NaCl
and have same viscosity with nasal mucus
 Include such active agents as:
 Anti-inflammatory
 Antibiotics
 Decongestants
Note: Nasal drops should not interfere with cleansing capacity
of epithelial cilia of nasal mucosa

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Eye Drops
• They are accessible in the forms of sterile and
isotonic solutions, emulsions, or suspensions of one
or more active ingredients, which may contain
preservatives if stored in multiuse packaging
• The optimum pH for eye drops equals that of tear
fluid and is about 7.4.
• In deciding whether to buffer the drug in this form,
one should take into account the stability of active
ingredient and the tissue tolerance to the preparation
• If the pH value gets outside the range of 4–8 which is
tolerated by eye, the patient may feel discomfort,
there may be irritation and the drug bioavailability
can decrease because of increased tearing
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6.8 Topical solutions [External solutions]
1. Collodions
2. Liniments
3. Lotions
4. paints

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Collodion
• After solvent evaporation leaves tough flexible film
that seal small cuts or hold a drug in intimate contact
with skin
• Film former is usually pyroxylin (nitrocellulose) in an
alcohol/ether or alcohol/acetone solvent blend
• Often castor oil as a plasticizer & colophony resin as
an adherent are incorporated into formulation

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Types of collodion
1. Flexible collodion B.P
Solution of pyroxylin, colophony & caster oil in a
mixture of ether & alcohol
2. Salicylic acid collodion B.P.C
 Flexible collodion plus 12 % salicylic acid
 Used to dissolve corn & wart
Note
 Store in light-resistant, well-closed container
 Labelled for external use only
 Store in a cool place
 Keep away from naked flame since it is inflammable
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Liniments
 Oily, alcoholic, soapy or emulsified external
preparation
 Intended for massage into the skin
• Contain such ingredients as analgesic,
rubefacient[Substance that cause the skin to become
red], smoothing or stimulating properties
 Should not be applied to wound or broken skin
Example
 Methyl salicylate liniment
 Camphor Liniment as counterirritants

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Lotions
Designed to be applied to the skin without friction
May contain humectants, so that moisture is retained
on the skin after application of the product, or
alcohol, which evaporates quickly, imparting a
cooling effect and leaving the skin dry
Have soothing effect
Applied by dabbing or after spreading on a dressing
without friction
Example
Salicylic acid lotion
Benzoic acid compound lotion

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Paints
 Liquids for application to the skin or mucous
membranes
 Applied with a small brush in small amounts
 Solvent [alcohol, acetone or ether] evaporates quickly
leaving therapeutic film on the skin
 Glycerol is often added to modify viscosity & ensure
prolonged contact with the skin
Example
Crystal Violet Paint
Coal Tar Paint

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6.9. Parentral solutions or injectable solutions
• Parenteral is derived from the two words ‘‘para’’ and
‘‘enteron’’ meaning to avoid the intestine.
• Defined ‘‘as those preparations intended for injection
through the skin or other external boundary tissue
Sterile solutions for injection or infusion into body
• Prepared scrupulously so that they are sterile, free
from pyrogen & particulate matter
• Injections are overfilled with small excess over
labelled volume to ensure that the required volume
can be obtained from the product
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Advantages
Useful for:
• patients who cannot take drugs orally
• drugs that require a rapid onset of action (primarily
intravenous administration) for emergency situations
• providing sustained drug delivery(implants,
intramuscular depot injections)
• self-delivery of drugs (subcutaneous)

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• injection of drugs directly into a tissue (targeted drug
delivery)
• drugs that are inactivated in the git or susceptible to
first-pass metabolism by the liver
• delivering fluids, electrolytes, or nutrients (total
parenteral nutrition,TPN to patients)
• providing precise drug delivery by intravenous
injection or infusion utilizing pharmacokinetic
techniques

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Disadvantage
Require specialized equipment, techniques & devices to
prepare and administer drugs
More expensive and costly to produce & use
Difficult to reverse drugs’ effects after administration
Potential for:
 infection, pain & tissue damage at site of injection
sepsis
thrombo-phlebitis
fluid overload
air embolism
extra-vasation

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 A=intra-peritoneal
B= Intravenous
C= Intramuscular
D= Subcutaneous
E= Intradermal

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Types of parenteral products
Classified in to two based on their volume
Small volume parentral {SVP}
• 100 ml or less than 100 ml solution
• provided as a single-dose or multidose product
Large Volume Parentral{LVP}
• Intended to be used intravenously
• Contain more than 100 ml of solution
• Provided as a single-dose injection or IV infusion

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• Therapeutic goal of LVPs is to provide electrolytes,
body fluids, and nutrition
• May or may not be isotonic with blood depending
upon concentration of components, which include
sodium chloride, dextrose, mannitol, Ringers
(sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride) and
Lactated Ringers (calcium, potassium, sodium, and
lactate), sodium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride,
sodium lactate, fructose, alcohol, dextran,& amino
acids.
Note: SVPs and LVPs are often combined during the
extemporaneous preparation of Intravenous
admixtures
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Composition of parenteral products
 Drugs
 Excipients
Buffers
Solvents /cosolvents
Antimicrobial preservatives
Antioxidants
inert gases
Surfactants
Complexation /Chelating agents
Note: Coloring, flavouring & sweetening agents
are prohibited from parenteral products
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 247
Liquids used for preparation of injections
Water for Injection, USP
• Not required to be sterile but must be pyrogen-free
Sterile Water for Injection, USP
 Sterilized WFI
 Contains no preservative or antimicrobial agent
 Pyrogen-free
 Provided in single containers no larger than 1000 ml.
 Used for reconstitution of other parenteral products

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Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP
• sterile water containing one or more preservative or
antimicrobial agent
• Packaged in prefilled syringes or vials not > 30 ml.
• Used in the reconstitution of SVPs.
Limitation presence of the antimicrobial agent is
contraindicated in newborns.
Other solvents for parenteral formulations
Sodium Chloride Injection,USP
Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
Ringers Injection, USP, and Lactated Ringer’s, USP.

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Preparation of parenteral solutions packaging
• All parenteral products must be produced under strict,
current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) to
ensure final product is sterile & pyrogen-free
Sterilization
• Complete destruction of all living organisms or their
spores or the complete removal from the product

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6.10. Types of sterilization methods
Steam sterilization
Dry-heat sterilization
Filtration sterilization
Gas sterilization
Ionizing-radiation sterilization

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Packaging of parenteral solutions
Single dose container
Example: Ampoule, PVC bag
Multiple dose container
Example: Vial, Blister, Strip, Bottle

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Unit 7: Rheology
 Introduction
 Newtonian systems
 Non-Newtonian systems
 Thixotropy
 Determination of viscosity
 Viscoelasticity
 Significance of Rheology
 Rheology of biological systems: blood, mucus,
synovial fluid
 Rheology of pharmaceutical systems

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Introduction
• Rheology is the science of flow or deformation
under stress
• Viscosity is resistance fluidity
• Rheology is involved in mixing and flow of
materials, their packaging into containers, and their
removal prior to use.
• Rheology of a particular product affects acceptability
of the product to the patient, its physical stability, and
bioavailability by affecting rate of drug absorption
from git and dosage forms

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• Depending upon their flow properties fluids can be
classified into Newtonian & Non-Newtonian fluids
• Newtonian fluid: involves a direct proportionality of
shear stress[F/A] and shear rate [dv/dx] for all values
of shear
Shearing stress = η x Shear rate
F/A = ηdv/dx , where
F/A = shearing stress (dyne.cm −2)
dv/dx = shear rate (sec −1)
η = coefficient of viscosity or simply viscosity
[( g. cm −1. sec −1 = poise or dynes.sec.cm−2)]
Example: Solution, hydrophilic colloids
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 255
 IV
Shear rate

Viscosity
Shearing rate

Shearing stress

FIGURE 7.1 Flow curve [Rheogram] for a liquid displaying a

Newtonian flow

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Non-Newtonian fluid: Fluid flow having no direct
proportionality between shear stress and shear rate or
The shear stress necessary to achieve a given shear rate
may increase more rapidly or less rapidly than is
required by the Newtonian fluid
Examples: Ointments, emulsions, liquid suspensions
Nonhydrophilic colloidal solutions, and solid
heterogeneous dispersions
Types of Non-newtonian systems
1. Plastic flow
2. Pseudo-plastic flow
3. Dilatant flow

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 Plastic flow
• Substance that exhibit plastic flow are called Bingham bodies
• A plastic material does not flow until a certain minimum
shearing stress called yield value is exceeded.
• Plastic flow curve does not pass via the origin but intersects
the shear stress axis at a point.
• At stress below yield value, a material acts like elastic material

Viscosity
Shear rate

Flow curve for a iii

simple plastic flow

f
Shear rate
Shearing stress

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 258

Pseudo plastic flow: displays decreasing viscosity with
increasing shear rate , thus sometimes it is called shear-thinning.
Pseudoplastic substances begin to flow when a shearing stress is
applied, disclosing no yield value
Reason: Molecules of such preparation are arranged randomly at
rest with high friction & orderly when at motion with low
friction. Examples: paints, emulsion, and dispersions of many
types

Viscosity
ii
Shear rate

Flow curve for a

simple plastic flow
Shear rate
Shearing stress
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 259
Dilatant flow: Exhibits an increase in viscosity as the shearing
stress is increased. Sometimes it is called shear-thickening
system.
Example: Concentrated suspensions and zinc oxide
Reason: At rest, dispersion medium surrounding each particles
reduce resistance to flow while during shearing the particles
are rearranged displacing the dispersion medium from around
the particles and triggering increased friction b/n particles &
increased resistance to flow.
Examples: Paints, emulsion, and dispersions of many types
Shear rate

Viscosity
Dilatant flow curve
i

Shearing stress Shear rate

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 260
Thixotropy
 Reversible gel-sol transformation
Thixotropic fluid undergoes a decrease in viscosity
with time during constant shearing. Flow occurs
when the yield value is exceeded, and the viscosity
decreases as the rate of shear increases
Examples : Aluminum hydroxide gel and bentonite
magma

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 261

Determination of viscosity of fluid
A. Capillary Viscometer
• Viscosity of a Newtonian liquid can be
determined by measuring time required for
liquid to pass b/n two marks as gravity causes it
to flow through a viscometer such as Ostwald
viscometer
• The time of flow of the liquid under test is
compared with the time required for a liquid of
a known η to pass b/n the two marks. If η1 , ρ1 &
t1 are viscosity, density and flow time of
unknown liquid and η2 , ρ2 & t2 are viscosity,
density and flow time of the reference standard
liquids, then the absolute viscosity of the
unknown liquid, η1, can be determined using
the following equation : Ostwald viscometer
η1/ η2 = ρ1t1 / ρ2t2
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 262
Example
At 25°C water has a density (ρ1) of 0.997 g/cm3 and
viscosity (η) of 0.00895 poise. The time of flow of
water in a capillary viscometer is 10 sec. A 65%
sucrose solution requires 890 sec, and its density (ρ2) is
1.313 g/cm3. The viscosity of the 65% sucrose solution
can be determined

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 263

Falling Sphere Viscometer [Eg:Hoeppeler viscometer]
• A glass or a steel ball rolls down an almost vertical
glass tube containing test liquid at a known constant
temp.
• Falling rate of the ball is inversely related to η the
liquid.
• The test liquid & the ball are placed in the inner glass
tube & allowed to reach temperature equilibrium with
water in the surrounding constant temperature jacket
• The tube and the jacket are then inverted, which puts
the ball at the top of the inner glass tube. The time it
takes the ball to fall b/n two marks is accurately
measured.

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• Viscosity of Newtonian liquid is then calculated from
the following equation:
η = t[S b-Sf]B , where

• t = time the ball takes to fall b/n two points,

• Sb and Sf = specific gravities of the ball and the
liquid being tested.
• B = constant for a particular ball, and its value is
supplied by the manufacturer

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 265

Example: A ball of density 3.12 takes 109 sec. to fall fixed
distance of inclined tube viscometer when a calibrating
liquid of density 0,94 & viscosity 8.12 poises is used.
1. Determine instrumental constant and
2. Compute a viscosity of a sample oil of density 0.88 if
the fall time under similar conditions was 125 sec.
Solution
η = B[Sb-Sf]t
B= η /[Sb-Sf]t
= 8.12 poise/ [(3.12 -0.94)109] g/ml .sec
= 00342 poises g-1 ml sec-1
η oil= B([Sb-Sf]t = 0.314( 3.12-0.88) 125= 9.57 poises
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 266
Viscoelasticity: The continuum of the limits of the
elastic deformation and pure viscous flow

Elastic deformation Pure viscous flow

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Pharmaceutical uses of rheology
A. Characterizing the ease of :
pouring & or squeezing product from container
Maintaining product shape in a jar or after extrusion
Rubbing product into & onto skin
Pumping product from mixing & storage to filling
equipment
B. Determining product attributes during its shelf-life

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 8: Emulsions
8.1. Introduction
8.2. Pharmaceutical application of emulsion
8.3. Determination of emulsion types
8.4. Theories of emulsification
8.5. Formulation & preparation of emulsions
8.6. Preservation of emulsions
8.7. Rheological properties of emulsions
8.8. Physical stability & evaluation of stability of
emulsions
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 269
8.1. Introduction
• An emulsion is a disperse system consisting of two
immiscible liquid phases, as :
Dispersion medium /continuous phase/external phase
Dispersed phase/discontinuous phase/internal phase
• The immiscible phases usually consist of water & oil
• Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and revert
back to separate oil and water phases by fusion or
coalescence of droplets
• Phase separation should be kinetically stabilized by a
third component called emulsifying agent[emullgent ].

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8.2. Types & pharmaceutical application
of emulsion
Types of emulsion
Coarse emulsion
 Oil /water emulsion
 Water/oil emulsion
 Oil/water/ oil emulsion
Multiple emulsion
 Water/oil/water emulsion
Microemulsions
 Homogeneous systems
 Thermodynamically stable

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 Oil droplet
Water

Water droplet

oil-in-water emulsion
Oil
water-in-oil emulsion

Water droplet in oil droplet

Oil droplet

Water

water-in-oil-in-water emulsion
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 272
Pharmaceutical applications of emulsion
• Delivering drugs that exhibit a low aqueous solubility
• Masking unpalatable taste of drugs
• Administering oils that may have a therapeutic effect
such as paraffin for its cathartic/purgative/laxative effect
• Minimizing irritant effect of drug by incorporating in the
internal phase of topical emulsion
• To formulate total parentral nutrition
• Facilitating drug permeation via the skin [Occlusive
properties or penetration enhancer]
• Administering medication to patients unable to swallow
solid dosage forms

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Note
Routes of emulsion administration can be topical ,oral
or parentral
Route of Types of emulsion
administration
Topical W/O
Oral O/W
Parentral Depends on route of
administration
IV O/W
IM or SC O/W, W/O
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 274
8.3. Determination of emulsion types
Several tests are available to distinguish types of oils.
1. Miscibility tests
2. Dye method[Staining method]
3. Electrical conductivity method
4. Bancroft rule

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Miscibility tests
Principle: Upon addition of unlimited amount of the
liquid forming the continuous phase, emulsion remain
stable. Accordingly:
1. If excess water is added to o/w emulsion, then it
remain stable, however, it will not remain
homogeneous upon the unlimited addition of oil
since the latter will separate via coalescence.
2. Water-in oil remain stable upon unlimited dilution of
oil but never remain homogeneous upon unlimited
addition of water

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Unknown Liquid Effect on phases of Conclusion
preparation added in unknown preparation about the
excess Unknown
preparation

X in Y Oil Remain stable Water in oil

Y in X Water Coalescence of globules Water in oil
M in W Oil Agglomeration of Oil in water
globules
W in M Water Homogenous & remain Oil in water
stable

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Dye method[Staining method]
Principle: Dye soluble in oil or water but not both is
used, accordingly, the phase in which the dye appeared
forms the oil phase if the dye is oil soluble or the water
phase if it is water soluble
Example: Scarlet red is soluble in oil but not in water
while the reverse is true for Methylene blue

Preparation Dye Appearance under Conclusion

microscope
Internal External
phase phase
X in Y Scarlet red Red colourless Oil in water
Y in X Scarlet red colourless Red Water in oil

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Electrical conductivity technique

Principle: Water is a good conductor while oil is a non-

conductor of electricity

Unknown State of the lamp Conclusion about

preparation the types of
types preparation
X in Y Gives light Oil in water
Y in X Gives no light Water in oil

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Bancroft rule
Dominance of polar or non-polar characteristics of
emulsifying agent determines type of emulsion
produced
Type of emulsion formed is a function of the relative
solubility of emulsifying agent, the phase in which it is
more soluble being the continuous phase.
Thus polar Emullgent form O/W while non-polar ones
form W/O emulsion

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8.4. Theories of emulsification
The most prevalent theories emulsification include:
 Surface tension theory of emulsification
 Oriented-wedge theory of emulsification
 Plastic or Interfacial film theory of emulsification

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Surface tension theory of emulsification[STE]
If two or more droplets of same liquid come together,
their tendency is to coalesce to form relatively larger
drop with smaller surface area than total surface area
of individual drops
The force causing each liquid droplets to resist
breaking up in to smaller particles is called interfacial
tension
According to STE, use of emulsifiers & stabilizers
[SAA]
 lowers interfacial tension of two immiscible liquids
Lowers repellent force b/n dissimilar liquids drops
Diminish each liquids attraction for its own
molecules
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 282
Oriented-wedge theory of emulsification
 It assumes that monomolecular layers of emulsifying
agent curved around a droplet of the globules of the
emulsion
 Hydrophilic & lipophilic portions of SAA molecules
are oriented themselves facing water & oil phase
respectively.

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Plastic or Interfacial film theory of emulsification
 Places emullgent at the interface b/n oil & water,
surrounding droplets of the internal phase as thin
layer of film adsorbed on the surface of drops.
 The film prevents contact & coalescence of dispersed
phase.
 The tougher & more pliable the film is the greater the
stability of the emulsion

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8.5. Emulsifying agents
 There is a positive interfacial tension between the
internal & external phases which makes emulsion
thermodynamically unstable
 Collision of unprotected globules triggers coalescence
,eventually resulting in breaking or cracking of
emulsion.
 Such emulsion instability can be minimized by using
emulsifying agent or emullgent
 They reduce interfacial tension b/n oil & water,
minimizing surface energy via formation of globules
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 285
Categories of emulsifying agents
Basically there are three classes:
Categories Examples
Amphipaths Soaps, long chain amines & alcohols
Hydrophilic Acacia , sodium alginates, gelatine, MC
colloids
Finely-divided Magnesium & Aluminum hydroxides,
solids Bentonite
Note:
All are surface active agents
All are adsorbed at the water-oil interface to reduce
interfacial tension
Amphipaths are stronger than hydrophilic colloids in
minimizing interfacial tension
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 286
How emullgent stabilize emulsion?
Emulsifying agents assist in the formation of emulsion by
three mechanism
1. Reduction of interfacial tension- thermodynamic
stabilization [reduction of interfacial tension lowers
interfacial free energy produced upon dispersion
2. Formation of a rigid interfacial film-mechanical
barrier to coalescences by forming film on each
globules
3. Formation of electrical double layer-electrical barrier
to collusion of particles & hence to coalescence

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Hydrophile-Lipophile balance (HLB) of surfactants
HLB is a measure of the relative contributions of the
hydrophilic and lipophilic regions of the molecule
• The HLB number of a surfactant is calculated
according to an empirical formula.
• For non-ionic surfactants the values range from 0 -20
on an arbitrary scale
• Surfactants with high HLB value are hydrophilic and
act as solubilising agents, detergents or o/w emulsifiers
while those with low ones act as antifoaming agents or
w/o emulsifiers
• In general, water-soluble surfactants stabilise o/w
emulsions and water-insoluble surfactants stabilise w/o
emulsions.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 288
Example: Hydrophilic polymer stabilize emulsion by:
 Forming multilayer around each globules at interface
 Increasing viscosity of external phase [o/w emulsion]
 Imparting charge to the film if the polymer bear
charge .Thus, increasing zeta-potential among
particles [Electrical double layer]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 289

• The initial stage in the preparation of emulsion is
selection of appropriate emullgent
• Emulsifying agents are surfactants with HLB values
of 3-6 [lipophilic] or 8 -18 [hydrophilic]
• Emulsifying agents are used both to promote
emulsification at the time of manufacture and to
control stability during a shelf life that can vary from
days for extemporaneously prepared emulsions to
months or years for commercial preparations.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 290

Criteria for selection of emulsifier
The emullgent must :
Be compatible with other ingredients
Not interfere with stability or efficacy of therapeutic
agent
Be stable & do not deteriorate in the preparation
Be non-toxic wit respect to its intended use & amount
to be used by the patient
Be capable to promote emulsification & maintain
stability of emulsion for the intended shelf-life

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• In practice, combinations of emulsifiers rather than single
agents are used. Why ?
• Combination of emullgent with suitable HLB values are
used since HLB values are additives fixed by blending
SAAs
Example:
If 36 ml of an HLB of 14 is required, two surfactants with
HLB values of 16 & 12 can be blended in a 3:1 ratio as
follow: 0.75 x16 = 9 & 0.25 x12 = 3
Thus, blend 3 & 9 parts of SAA with HLB values of 12 &
16,respectively to obtain a mix of emullgent with total HLB
value of 14.
How much ml do you measure from each SAA, then ?

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 292

8.6.Formulation & preparation of emulsion
Formulation of emulsion
• The choice of oil, emulsifier and emulsion type (o/w, w/o,
or multiple) is limited by its ultimate use and route of
administration
Components of formulation of emulsion
 Water
 Oil Unavoidable components
 Emullgent
 Additives
 Preservative
 Antioxidant Used conditionally
 Buffer

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Preparation of emulsion
Emulsion never formed spontaneously
Requires several processes to break up internal phase into
globules & stabilize them in external phase
Requires selection & control of physical & chemical criteria
Physical parameters Chemical parameters
Heat Chemical compatibility &
stability of ingredients
Temperature Selection of lipid phase
Timing Phase ratio
Equipments Selection of emullgents
Mechanical stirrers
Homogenizers
Colloid mills
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 294
Methods of emulsion preparation [ 2]
 Continental or dry gum method
 English or wet gum method
Emulsion preparation proceeds by two steps:
Preparing primary emulsion
Diluting primary emulsion
 Primary emulsion is prepared by mixing fixed ratio of
oil, water & emullgent
Selection of mixing procedure depends on type of
emulsion preparation method
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 295
 Quantities of primary
Type of oil Examples emulsion[parts]
Oil Water gum
Arachis oil
Castor oil
4 2 1
Fixed oil Cod-liver oil
Almond oil
Mineral oil Liquid paraffin 3 2 1

Turpentine oil

Cinnamon oil 2 2 1
Volatile oil Peppermint oil
Oleo-resin Male ferns extract 1 2 1

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Dry gum method
1. Mix accurately measured gum & oil in flat-bottomed
mortar with pestle
2. After dispersion is completed, immediately add all the
measured amount of water at once with continuous
unidirectional mixing to form 1o emulsion.
3. Continue mixing to get sustained cracking sound
4. Dissolve other ingredients in oil or water depending
on their polarity; mixing with 1o emulsion
5. Transfer contents to graduated measuring cylinder
6. Adjust volume with rinse water
Note: In wet gum method, mucilage is formed by mixing
gum with water, then it is blended with portion of oil
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 297
Example
• If a private prescription for internal emulsion is stated
as follow, prepare primary emulsion emulsified with
acacia
Rx Ingredients Amount [ml]

Arachis oil 52

Peppermint emulsion, 5.2

concentrated
Chloroform water, double 104
strength
Water QS, ad to 208
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 298
 Determine amount of each ingredients for 1o
emulsion, on the basis of 4:2:1 ratio

Ingredients of Amounts of
primary emulsion ingredients
Arachis oil 52 ml
water 26 ml
Acacia powder 13 gm
 Use previously stated procedure for dry gum method

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 299

Example-2:
• Prepare liquid petrolatum emulsion[mineral oil
emulsion] to be employed as lubricating cathartic
using acacia & dry gum method
• Uses:
Ingredients for emulsion[mineral oil Amount
emulsion
Mineral oil 500 ml
Syrup 100 ml
Vanillin 40 mg
Alcohol 60 ml
Purified water, QS 1000 ml

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 300

8.7. Preservation of emulsions
Required to resist microbial attack
Reason:
Microbial attack:
affect physicochemical properties of the
formulation, causing color, odor, or pH changes and
even phase separation
Triggers a health hazard
W/o emulsions are less labile to attack than o/w ones
Preservatives are not used in parenteral emulsions,
which are sterilized by autoclaving or by using sterile
components and aseptically assembling the final
emulsion
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 301
Criteria for selection of effective preservative
• Must have wide spectrum of activity against
bacteria,yeasts, and molds
• Should be free from toxic, irritant, or sensitizing
activity
• Must have adequate oil/water partitioning with
high percentage of unionized form in water phase

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 302

Antioxidants and Humectants
• Antioxidants are added to many pharmaceutical
preparations to prevent oxidative deterioration on
storage of the oil, emulsifier, or the drug itself. Such
deterioration & destabilizing the formulation, imparts
an unpleasant odor or taste.
Example: Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at concentrations up
to 0.2%, and the alkyl gallates.
• Humectants are often added to dermatological
emulsion to reduce evaporation of water from
emulsion during storage and use.
Example: propylene glycol, glycerol, and sorbitol (5%)

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 303

8.8. Rheological properties of emulsions[RPE]
 Most emulsions display both plastic & pseudoplastic
flow behaviour rather than simple Newtonian flow
 The pourability, spreadability &Syringeability of
emulsion are directly determined by its rheological
properties
 RPE is influenced by a number of interacting factors
:
Nature of the continuous phase
Phase volume ratio
Particle [globule] size distributions

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 304

8.9. Physical stability of emulsion
Stable emulsion : a system in which the globules retain
their initial character and remain uniformly
distributed throughout the continuous phase.
• There should be no phase changes or microbial
contamination on storage, and the emulsion should
maintain elegance with respect to odor, color, and
consistency.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 305

Examples of physical instability of emulsion
• Flocculation
Reversible physical instability
• Creaming

• Coalescence
• Cracking Irreversible physical instability
• Phase separation
Note: Flocculation &/or creaming is/are generally
regarded as a precursor to the irreversible process
of coalescence

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 306

precursor to the irreversible process of coalescence
Rancidity in natural oils due to oxidation by oxygen
 Depolymerisation of macromolecular emulsifiers by
hydrolysis
 Microbial degradation
 Chemical instabilities involving interactions b/n
drug and emulsion excipients or b/n excipients
themselves may lead to physical instabilities
Example:
Interactions between phenolic preservatives and
polyoxyethylene non-ionic emulsifiers may lead to
loss of emulsifying power & poor preservation
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 307
Any agent that destroys interfacial film leads to
emulsion instability which can be chemical &/or
physical in origin
1. Addition of agent incompatible with emullgent
Examples: SAAs of opposite ionic charge in emulsion
• Addition of Cetrimide (cationic) to an emulsion
stabilized with sodium oleate (anionic)
• Addition of large ions of opposite charge such as
neomycin sulphate (cationic) to aqueous cream
emulsified with anionic SAA
• Addition of electrolytes such as magnesium &
calcium salts to emulsion stabilized with anionic
SAA

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 308

2. Bacterial growth: Protein materials and non-ionic
SAAs are excellent media for bacterial growth
3. Temperature change:
Protein emulsifying agents may be denatured & the
solubility characteristics of non-ionic emulsifying
agents change with a rise in temperature above
70°C destroys most emulsions.
Freezing will also crack emulsion due to the ice
formed disrupting interfacial film around droplets
2. Flocculation: due to interaction of attractive or
repulsive forces
3. Phase inversion: O/W to W/O or vice versa
4. Creaming: due to density d/ce in the two phases

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 309

• Factors that influence the rate of creaming of globules
from emulsion & sedimentation rate of suspension
particles are indicated by Stokes' law, as follows:

V= 2r2g[σ-ρ]/9η
Where,
 v is velocity of creaming
 r is globule radius
 σ is density of dispersed phase
 p is density of dispersion medium
 η is viscosity of the dispersion medium

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 310

8.10. Evaluation of stability of emulsion
• Assessments of relative stabilities of a series of
emulsions may be obtained from estimations of the
degree of separation of disperse phase as a distinct
layer [cracking], or from the degree of creaming.
• More precise method for assessing emulsion stability
is to follow the globule size distribution with time. An
emulsion approaching the unstable state is
characterized by the appearance of large globules as a
result of the coalescence of others
Note: Separation of emulsion into two layers, i.e.
cracking or breaking, indicates gross instability

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 311

Micro-emulsion formulations
Microemulsions
Formed spontaneously when components are mixed in
the appropriate ratios
Thermodynamically stable [very low interfacial tension]
Can be dispersions of oil droplets in water (o/w) or
water droplets in oil (w/o)
Consist of apparently homogeneous transparent systems
of low viscosity which contain a high percentage of
both oil and water and high concentrations (15–25%) of
emulsifier mixture
Mean globular size diameter is 5–140 nm
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 312
Unit 9. Suspensions
9.1. Desirable properties
9.2. Sedimentation in suspensions
9.3. Interfacial properties of suspended particles
9.4. Electrical properties of suspended particles (EDL and
DLVO theory)
9.5. Flocculated/deflocculated suspensions (properties and
evaluations)
9.6. Formulation approaches (structure vehicle, controlled
flocculation & combination)
9.7. Rheology of suspension
9.8. Preparation of suspensions (diffusible, indiffusible,
poorly wettable solids)
9.9. Label and storage

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 313

9.1. Introduction
Pharmaceutical suspension
Disperse system where internal phase is dispersed
uniformly by agitation throughout external phase
[suspending medium or vehicle] or
Dispersions of an insoluble drug or other substance
[suspensoids] in an aqueous or nonaqueous continuous
phase or
Coarse dispersion in which insoluble particles, generally
greater than 1 µm in diameter, are dispersed in a liquid
medium, usually aqueous or
Liquid dosage form employed to deliver insoluble or
poorly aqueous soluble drug to the patient

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 314

Has internal phase:
consisting of a homogeneous or heterogeneous
distribution of solid particles that have a specific
size range & separate upon storage
 maintained uniformly throughout suspending
vehicle with the aid of a single or a particular
combination of suspending agent(s)
Thus ,the formulator targets controlling process of
separation & optimising formulation stability
Considered stable if, after agitation (shaking), the drug
particles are homogeneously dispersed for a sufficient
time to ensure that an accurate dose is removed for
administration to the patient

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 315

9.2. Desirable properties of pharmaceutical
suspension
• Must remain sufficiently homogenous for at least the
period b/n shaking container & removing the dose
[Low sedimentation rate]
• Sediment produced on storage, if any, must be easily
resuspended by moderate container agitation
[Redispersibility]
• Must not be too viscous to pour freely from the bottle
or to flow through a syringe needle [Flowability]
• Any suspended particles should be small & uniformly
sized in order to give a smooth, elegant product, free
from a gritty texture [Aesthetically pleasing]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 316

Types of pharmaceutical suspensions based on:
A. particles size
Colloidal suspension [particle size < 1µm]
Coarse suspension[particle size > 1µm]
B. diffusibility
 Diffusible suspensions
 Indifussible suspensions
C. route of administration
Oral suspension [Mixture]
Topical suspension[Lotion]
Parenteral suspension [injectable suspension]
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 317
Diffusible suspensions
Suspensions containing light ,insoluble, or only very
slightly soluble powders in the vehicle, but which on
shaking disperse evenly throughout the vehicle for long
enough to allow an accurate dose to be poured
Indiffusible suspensions
Suspensions containing heavy insoluble powders in the
vehicle and which on shaking do not disperse evenly
throughout the vehicle long enough to allow an accurate
dose to be poured

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 318

Note:
The preparation of indifussible suspensions involves
increasing viscosity of the vehicle using thickening
agent / suspending agent so that rate of settling of
heavy insoluble powders will be delayed for reasonable
time that permit dose measurement & administration

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 319

Oral suspension
• are oral liquids containing one or more insoluble
active ingredients suspended in a suitable vehicle
• Suspended solids may slowly separate on standing
but are easily redispersed
• Patients may have difficulty in swallowing solid
dosage forms ,thus require drug dispersed in a liquid
• Some drugs that are used for adsorption of toxins, or
to neutralize excess acidity are required to be present
in the gastrointestinal tract in a finely divided form
such that they provide high surface area
Example: kaolin, MgCO3 and magnesium trisilicate

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 320

• Taste of most drugs is more noticeable in solution
rather than in suspension ,hence preferably prepared
in suspension form
Example:
• Paediatric Paracetamol Oral suspension and CAF
palmitate oral suspension are more palatable than
their corresponding oral solutions

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 321

Parentral suspension
 Heterogeneous systems containing dispersed phase &
dispersion medium
• Can be aqueous or nonaqueous
• Should be sterile, pyrogen-free, isotonic, & non-
irritating
• Administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular
route due to micronized particles size
• Should be resuspendable, syringeable,& injectable
• Syringeability and injectability are closely related.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 322

Syringeability
• Ability of parenteral suspension to pass easily
through a hypodermic needle from storage vial to
injection
• Ease of withdrawal, tendency for clogging and
foaming, and accuracy of dose measurements
Injectability
• Performance of suspension during injection,
involving pressure or force required for injection,
evenness of flow, aspiration qualities, and tendency of
clogging should be optimized

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 323

• Both injectability & Syringeability are diminished
with increased viscosity, density, particle size, and
solids concentration
• Clogging of needle may occur due to blockage by a
particle or by bridging effect of multiple particles
• Individual particle size should not be greater than
one-third of the needle’s internal diameter

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 324

Requirements for parentral suspension preparation
1. Microbiological control
2. Excipients allowance
3. Mechanical flow properties

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 325

Excipients for parentral suspension
 Nonpyrogenic, nontoxic, & chemically inert
Examples:
 Wetting /flocculating agents: impart stability &
mechanical flow properties
 Suspending agents
 Aqueous [WFI] or nonaqueous [PEG,glycerin,
ethanol, etc] vehicles can be used depending on
nature of the drug
 Microbiological control an be achieved via
sterilization or aseptic production technique
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 326
Advantages of pharmaceutical suspensions
• Mask taste of therapeutic agents with bitter taste
• Employed to administer insoluble drugs in their liquid
state to patients who have difficulty swallowing solid-
dosage forms
• Formulated to provide controlled drug delivery
e.g. as intramuscular injections
• Useful for poorly water soluble drug delivery
• Absorption will be quicker than solid dosage forms
Note:Dissolution of low-solubility drug is possible using
large solvent volume or co-solvent, however dilution
& precipitation ,respectively remain problems
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 327
Disadvantages of pharmaceutical suspensions
• Fundamentally they are unstable
• Requires shaking before use
• Accuracy of dose is less than with equivalent solution
• Developing aesthetic suspension formulations is
difficult
• May bulky & therefore difficult for a patient to carry

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 328

Quiz-1
1. Preparing sparingly water soluble drug using a
liquid system containing alcohol in water helps to
produce stable:
A] solution. Du you agree? Why?
B] suspension . Du you agree? Why?
2. Abebe, a potential pharmacist, suggested that drug
with unpalatable taste should be prepared in
solution, not in suspension since such taste
masking is easy in the former preparation. Du you
agree ? Why?

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 329

9.3. Sedimentation in suspension

Coarse suspensions sediment at faster rate than colloidal

suspension under the influence of gravity as shown by
Stoke’s law: .
Where U=average settling velocity of particles
d =mean diameter of the particles
ρs = density of solid particles
ρl = density of fluid phase
η = viscosity of fluid phase
g = acceleration due to gravity
Discuss effect of each variables on particle settling
rate
What is the effect of suspending agent on settling
rate? Why?
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 330
Suspending agent /Thickening agent
Suspending agents commonly used in pharmaceutical
suspensions include:
 Cellulosics: sodium carboxymethylcellulose,
microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,
methylcellulose, starch, sodium starch glycolate, and
powdered cellulose
 Clays: attapulgite, bentonite, magnesium aluminum
silicate, kaolin, silicon dioxides
 Gums: acacia, agar, algins, pectin, tragacanth
 Polymers: carbomers, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone,
polyethylene oxide

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 331

Ideal suspending agent should:
Be readily and uniformly incorporated in formulation
Be readily dissolved or dispersed in water without
resort to special techniques
Ensure formation of loosely packed uncaked system
Not influence drug dissolution or absorption rate
Be inert, nontoxic and free from incompatibilities

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 332

 Electrical properties of dispersed particles
• Following dispersion within an aqueous medium,
particles may acquire a charge. How?
 By ion dissolution
By ionisation of functional groups on drug
molecule
Ions adsorption on to particle surface

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 333

Ion dissolution
• Surface charge of colloidal particle is controlled by
the charge of ion present in excess in the medium
Examples; AgNo3 + Excess NaI → AgI +NaNo3 +
excess iodide ions
• Silver iodide in a solution with excess iodide Particles
acquire negative charge
• Aluminum hydroxide in a solution with excess
hydroxide impart negative charge on particles surface
• Potential determining ions: ions whose concentration
determine electric potential at the particle surface (e.g.
Ag+ , I-, H+, OH- )

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 334

Ionisation of functional groups
• Insoluble drug particles may possess such ionisable
functional groups as -COOH or -NH2 on their
molecules
• Dissociation of acidic groups on particle surface give
rise to a negatively charged surface. Conversely, a
basic surface will take on a positive charge.
• Degree of ionisation of such molecules depends on:
pKa of the molecules [ i.e., acidic or basic
strengths of the surface groups] and
pH of the surrounding solution

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 335

• Surface charge of colloidal particle is controlled by
the ionization of surface groupings
Examples
A. Polystyrene latex has carboxylic acid group at the
surface, ionize to give negatively charged particles
B. Acidic drugs as ibuprofen & nalidixic acid acquire
surface negative charge
C. Amino acids & proteins have carboxyl & amino
groups thus their ionization depend on pH:
NH2COO- NH3+ COO-
NHpH, + alkaline
3 COOR
At high Zwitterion At low pH, acidic
medium, negatively Iso-electric point medium, positively
charged Zero charge charged
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 336
 Iso-electric point
 pH at which +ve charges equal to -ve charges, i.e.
net charge of the amino acid = zero.
 is a definite pH specific for each protein
 pH where protein is least soluble& precipitated
How can you precipitate insulin?
By adjusting pH of the solution to that of insulin
iso-electric point (PH 5.2)

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 337

• Surface charge can be reduced to zero by suppressing
surface ionisation. How?
• by decreasing pH for negatively charged particles or
• by increasing pH for positively charged particles

Origin of surface charge by Origin of surface charge by

ionisation of acidic groups to ionisation of basic groups to
give a negatively charged give a positively charged
surface surface
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 338
• Quiz-2
• Formation of insulin suspension at pH 5.2 is
unthinkable. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 339

Adsorption of ions on to particle surface
• Surface charge of colloidal particle is controlled by
unequal adsorption of oppositely charged ions
• Ions may be adsorbed on to particle surface from
aqueous solution containing electrolytes, or
If no added electrolytes:
 OH- preferentially adsorbed on to particle surface
 H3O+ ions, by contrast, are more hydrated than
hydroxyl ions ,thus remaining within bulk medium
Note: Surfaces of solution in water are negative charged than
positive charged since cations are more hydrated than anions so
cations reside in bulk while less hydrated anions adsorbed on
surface
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 340
• Development of a net charge at particle surface
affects distribution of ions in the surrounding
interfacial region, resulting in an increased conc. of
counter ions [ions of opposite charge to that of the
particle ] close to the surface, forming electrical
double layer round each particle.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 341

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 342
Qiz-3
• It is designed to produce a suspension of protenious
drug whose iso-electic point pH is known to be 4.5.
Suggest how to prepare.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 343

Main features of electrical double layer
• Potential-determining ions :Ions responsible for Nernest
potential
• Ions, e.g. cations, are adsorbed on to particle surface,
leaving anions and remaining cations in solution.
• Adsorbed cations generates a potential called Nearnst
potential on particle surface
• Anions are then electrostatically attracted to (positive)
surface of the particle. Thus, their presence will repel
subsequent approach of further anions. This is referred to
as the first section of the double layer & is therefore
composed of adsorbed ions on the surface, counter-ions &
bound hydrated solvent molecules.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 344
• The boundary between the first and second layers of
the electrical double layer is referred to as the Stern
plane.
Features of the Stern plane
• the adsorbed ions on the surface of the particle
• the adsorbed counter-ions at the surface of the
particle
• Stern plane falls through centre of counter-ion layer
• Normally, the charge at the surface of the particle is
greater than charge at the Stern plane

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 345

 • The second layer contains predominantly hydrated
counter-ions that are loosely attracted to the surface
of the particle
Features of the second layer
• The boundary of this second layer will possess a
potential, called zeta potential whose magnitude is
generally less than the potential at the Stern plane
• If the particle is rotated, this second layer forms the
shear plane, i.e. the effective surface.
• At a certain distance from the surface of the particle,
electrical neutrality is restored

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 346

• Interaction b/n suspended particles in a liquid
medium is related to distance of separation b/n the
particles. In principle, three events are possible:
• No interaction: particles are maintained sufficiently
distant from one another, no sedimentation thus
remain thermodynamically stable.
• Coagulation (agglomeration): Particles form an
intimate contact with each other [cake], producing
pharmaceutically unacceptable formulation
• Loose aggregation (floccules): formed by loose
reversible interaction b/n particles, thus redispersed
upon shaking
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 347
Diagrammatic representation of the electrical double layer
Solid particle surface
First layer: The Stern Plane
Second layer: Shear Plane
+ve ψs
ξ

ψn
Electrical neutrality attained
Electrical potential

ξ
Potential at surface: Nearnst potential (ψn)
Potential at Stern Plane :Stern potential (ψs)
Potential at Shear Plane: Zeta potential (ξ)

ψs ξ

-ve
Distance
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 348
9.6. Flocculation & deflocculation of Suspension
• Whether or not a suspension is deflocculated or
flocculated depends on relative magnitudes of the
forces of repulsion and attraction b/n particles
• Zeta potential is a measurable indication of apparent
particles charges in dispersion medium
• Relatively high zeta value indicates that repulsive
forces exceed attractive forces
• Accordingly, particles are individually dispersed
forming deflocculated suspension

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 349

Flocculated suspension systems
Repulsive barriers have been reduced
Particles settle as flocs , not as individual particles
Supernatant rapidly appear clear after sedimentation
particles form loosely bonded structures called flocs
or flocculates, thus flocculation imparts a structure to
the suspension with virtually no increase in viscosity
Sediment is not closely packed & caking does not
readily occur as particles arranged randomly in flocs
Aim of suspension formulation :to achieve partial or
controlled flocculation

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 350

Deflocculated suspension systems
• Particles are not associated but remain as a discrete unit
thus allowing slow settling as individuals not as flocs
• After shaking , supernatant remain cloudy due to slow
settling of discrete particles
• Pressure on individual particles causes close packing of
particles &irreversibly bounding together to form a cake
Note
• Caking is the most serious of all physical suspension
stability; usually prevented by flocculating agent
• Caking cannot be eliminated by particle size reduction or
by increasing viscosity of continuous phase

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 351

Flocculated
suspensions

Deflocculated
suspensions

Sedimentation behaviour of flocculated & deflocculated suspensions

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 352

Summary
1. Deflocculated systems have the advantage of a slow
sedimentation rate, thereby enabling measuring
uniform dose from the container, but when settling
does occur the sediment is compacted and difficult
to redisperse
2. Deflocculated system with sufficiently high
viscosity to prevent sedimentation would be an ideal
formulation, however such viscosity challenges
suspension flowability.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 353

3. Deflocculation with high viscosity cannot guarantee,
however, that the system would remain homogenous
during the entire shelf-life of the product
4. Under-flocculation gives those undesirable
properties associated with deflocculated systems
5. Over-flocculated product will look inelegant and,
to minimize settling, the viscosity of the product
may have to be so high that any necessary
redispersion would be difficult

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 354

7. Usually compromise is reached in which suspension
is partially flocculated to enable adequate
redispersion if necessary, and viscosity is controlled
so that the sedimentation rate is at a minimum
8. Flocculated systems form loose sediments that
easily redisperse, but sedimentation rate is fast &
hence there is a possibility of inaccurate dose
measuring & administration ; also, the product will
look inelegant
9. Both flocculated & deflocculated suspensions have
their own short-comings.
Then, how to overcome this problem?

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 355

9.7. Suspension formulation approaches
Controlled flocculation
 Intentional formation of loose agglomerates of
particles that held together by comparatively weak
bonding forces
 Can be made by any approach that forms flocculated
system by minimizing repulsive forces & improving
attractive forces of particles
 Approaches to controlled flocculation:
 particle size control
addition of electrolytes
addition of polymers

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 356

Flocculating agents
• Incorporation of non-ionic wetting agent forms
deflocculated suspension
Reason
• Reduction in solid/liquid interfacial tension
• Hydrated hydrophilic layer around each particle form
mechanical barrier to aggregation
• Use of ionic surfactant to wet the solid could produce
either a flocculated or a deflocculated system,
depending on any charge already present on the
particles.

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 357

• If particles are of opposite charge to that of the
surfactant then neutralization will occur
• If a high charge density is imparted to the suspended
particles then deflocculation will be the result
• Conversion of suspension from a deflocculated to a
partially flocculated state can be achieved by the
addition of:
electrolytes
surfactants &/or
hydrophilic polymers

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 358

Electrolytes
Addition of optimal amount of inorganic electrolyte to
aqueous suspension reasonably lower zeta potential of
dispersed particles , forming flocculated suspension
• Ability of electrolyte to flocculate hydrophobic particles
depends on the valency of its counter-ions
• Although trivalent ions are more efficient, they are less
widely used than mono- or divalent electrolytes
Reason
• Generally more toxic than mono- or trivalent electrolytes
• Trigger precipitation of hydrophilic polymers[usually
negatively charged] included in suspension formulation
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 359
• Most widely used electrolytes include sodium salts of
acetates, phosphates and citrates
• Concentration of electrolyte selected depends on the
desired degree of flocculation
• Adding excessive electrolyte or charge reversal form
deflocculated system

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 360

Example-1: Dispersion of Bismuth subnitrate particles
in water
 Particles possess a large positive charge/zeta potential
 The system is peptized/deflocculated due to strong
inter-particles repulsive forces
 Addition of monobasic potassium phosphate to
Bismuth subnitrate suspension reduces zeta potential
due to adsorption of negatively charged phosphate
anions
 With the continuous addition of monobasic potassium
phosphate zeta potential eventually falls to zero &
then increase in negative direction occurs

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 361

• Microscopic examination reveals that at certain positive
zeta potential , maximum flocculation occurs & persist
until zeta potential become sufficiently negative for
deflocculation to reoccur
Note: The onset of flocculation coincides with the
maximum sedimentation volume[F]
• ‘F’ remains constant while flocculation persists
• ‘F’ starts to fall after the zeta potential is adequately
negative to cause peptization
• No caking of sediment while flocculation persists
correlating that ‘F’ is at its maximum & zeta potential
is declining
• At maximum values of ,caking becomes apparent
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 362
Caking diagram showing flocculation of Bismuth subnitrate particles by
flocculating agent :monobasic potassium phosphate

Caking zone Non-aking zone

100 + + + Caking zone
+ ++ - + +- - - F = Vs/Vi
+ + - -
+ + + - -
+ - + - 0.06
++ -

+
0.03
Apparent zeta potential

0 0

50 Vi Vi Vi
Vs
Vs Vs
Caked Not caked Caked
[ KH2PO4
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 363
Example-2: Sulfamerazine aqueous suspension
 Zeta potential of sulfamerazine particles is negative
 Upon addition of AlCl3, negative zeta potential
progressively is declining due to adsorption of
trivalent aluminium cations
 When adequate electrolyte is added, zeta potential
reaches zero & the increase in positive direction
Plot a caking diagram for the above example

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 364

Surfactants
Ionic surface-active agents may cause:
 flocculation by neutralizing charge on each
particle
 deflocculation by imparting charges identical to
that found on particles surfaces
Non-ionic surfactants have negligible effect on
particle charge density yet adsorbed on to more than
one particle forming loose flocculated structure

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 365

Polymeric flocculating agents
Linear branched-chain molecules
Used to control flocculation
How ?
Form a gel-like network within suspension system
Adsorbed on to surfaces of dispersed particles, thus
holding them in a flocculated state
Examples
• Starch, alginates, cellulose derivatives, tragacanth,
carbomers and silicates

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 366

Factors affecting polymeric flocculating agents
1. Excessive blending
 Interferes cross-linking of adjacent particles
 Each molecule of a polymer adsorbed on to
individual particles forming hydrophilic barrier
around each particle that inhibit their aggregation
 Results in the formation of deflocculated system
2. High concentration of polymer
May coat whole surface of each particle preventing their
aggregation & forcing them to behave independently so
as to form deflocculated system

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 367

Wetting of particles & wetting agents
• Some insoluble solids may be easily wetted by water
& disperse readily throughout aqueous phase with
only minimal agitation while most exhibit varying
degrees of hydrophobicity and not easily wetted
• To ensure adequate wetting, interfacial tension B/n
solid & liquid must be reduced so that adsorbed air is
displaced from the solid surfaces by the liquid.
• Particles will then disperse readily throughout the
liquid, particularly if intense shearing action is used
during mixing

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 368

Most widely used wetting agents
Surface-active agents
Hydrophilic colloids
Solvents

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 369

 Surface active agents [SAA or surfactants]

Classification of surface active agents based on HLB scale

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 370

• SAA having HLB value 7 to 9, exclusive, can be used
as wetting agents
• SAAs have both polar & non-polar moieties in their
molecules
• Hydrocarbon chains are adsorbed by hydrophobic
particle surfaces, whereas polar groups project into
aqueous medium and become hydrated
• Wetting of solid occurs as a result of a fall both in
interfacial tension b/n solid & liquid ;, to a lesser
extent, b/n liquid and air
• Most surfactants are used as wetting agents at
concentrations ≤ 0.1%

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 371

Examples of wetting agents
Wetting agents for oral use
 Polysorbates (Tweens)
 Sorbitan esters (Spans)
Wetting agents for external application
 Sodium lauryl sulphate
 Sodium dioctylsulphosuccinate
 Quillaia extract
Wetting agents for parenteral administration
• Polysorbates
• Poloxamers [polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene
copolymers] and lecithin
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 372
Hydrophilic colloids
 Behave as protective colloids by coating solid
hydrophobic particles with a multi-molecular layer
 The layers promote wetting by imparting a
hydrophilic character to insoluble solid particles
Examples
 Acacia
 Bentonite
 Tragacanth
 Alginates
 Cellulose derivatives

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 373

Solvents
• Water miscible solvents reduce liquid/air interfacial
tension
• Solvent penetrates loose agglomerates of powder
displacing air from pores of individual particles, so
enabling wetting to occur by dispersion medium
Examples
Alcohol
Glycerol
Glycols

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 374

9.8. Rheology of suspensions
Rheology: the study of flow & deformation properties of
matter
• Proper understanding of rheological properties of
pharmaceuticals is essential to the preparation,
development, evaluation & performance of suspension
• Rheological properties of suspensions are markedly
affected by the degree of flocculation
Reasons
Amount of free continuous phase is reduced, as it is
entrapped in the diffuse floccules
 Consequently, apparent viscosity of a flocculated
suspension is normally higher than but deflocculated one
 In addition, in a highly flocculated disperse system
structured systems result due to possibility of interaction
b/n floccules

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 375

Characteristics of ideal pharmaceutical suspension
At low rates of shear
 Exhibit high apparent viscosity
 On storage, suspended particles either settle very
slowly or, preferably, remain permanently suspended
At higher rates of shear [moderate shaking]:
 Apparent viscosity falls sufficiently
 Product is poured easily from its container

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 376

Topical suspension
• Should spread easily without excessive dragging, but
should not be so fluid that it runs off skin surface
Parenteral suspension
• Should pass easily through a hypodermic needle with
only moderate pressure applied to syringe plunger
Note:
Maintaining adequate flowability & syringability
necessitate modification of initial high apparent
viscosity of suspension using viscosity modifiers
Mentioned below

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 377

Polysaccharides such as Tragacanth, Accacia, Na-
alginate
Water-soluble celluloses :Disperse in water to produce
viscous colloidal solutions to be used as suspending agents
Examples:
Methylcellulose Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carmellose
sodium (sodium carboxymethylcellulose)
Hydrated silicates such as bentonite & magnesium
aluminium silicate
• Have useful suspending properties since they hydrate
readily, absorbing up to 12 times their weight of water,
at elevated temperatures thus forming thixotropic gels
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 378
9.9. Preparation of suspension [diffusible,
indiffusible, poorly wettable solids] ???
 Suspension can be prepared by different methods
such as dispersion method or Precipitation method
 Before commencing with suspension preparation
suitable formulation ingredients should be identified
 Optimal particle size ranges along with wetting &
suspending agents should be established
 Pestle & mortal , bottles & caps , labels / leaflets are
needed

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 379

9.10. Physical stability of pharmaceutical suspension
• Defined as the condition in which particles do not
aggregate but remain uniformly distributed
throughout the dispersion medium [ideal hence
seldom realized]
• Defined as the condition in which particles may
aggregate & easily resuspended by a moderate
amount of agitation & then remain uniformly
distributed throughout the dispersion medium for
adequate time that allow accurate dose measuring &
administration

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 380

Thermodynamically stable disperse system , where
there is no interaction between particles , may be
physically unstable
Reason:
Particles in a suspension sediment under influence of
gravity
They settle at the bottom of container, larger particles
reaching the bottom initially & smaller particles
occupying the space between the larger particles,
forming reversible sediment [flocs] or irreversible
sediment[Cake]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 381

• In flocculated systems rate of sedimentation of flocs
is high & volume of the sediment produced is large
due to large void volume within floccules structure
• Ability to undergo flocculation will increase as
concentration of suspended particles increases, due to
greater probability of particle–particle interactions
• Caking due to sedimentation can be controlled by
establishing optimal particle size, viscosity of
dispersion medium & density difference based on
Stoke's law
• Set optimal particle size range & viscosity by milling
& adding hydrophilic poymers ,respectively
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 382
9.11. Assessment of sedimentation of pharmaceutical
suspensions
Usually performed by measuring:
• sedimentation volume[F] and/or
• degree of flocculation [β]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 383

Sedimentation volume[F] :
Assessed using simple ,inexpensive graduated measuring
cylinder [100-1000 ml]
The ratio of the volume of sediment (Vs) to the initial
volume of suspension,(Vi): F = Vs/Vi
• ‘F’ may range <1 to values ≥ 1
Reason
• ‘F’ of deflocculated & flocculated suspensions are < 1 &
≥ 1,respectively since flocculated structure occupy
relatively large volume due to large inter-floccules void
space & deflocculated particles form cake
Note: The greater the value of ‘F’, the more stable the
suspension and When F = 1, no sedimentation or caking
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 384
Degree of flocculation (β)
 Ratio of ultimate sedimentation volume of flocculated
suspension [Ff ] to ultimate sedimentation volume of
deflocculated suspension [F∞]
 preferred measurement as it provides a point of
reference, i.e. the suspension before and after
flocculation
β = Ff / F∞
 As value of β is approaching unity, degree of
flocculation decreases

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 385

9.12. Label and storage of pharmaceutical suspension

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 386

Quiz:
• Deflocculated & flocculated suspensions are
pharmaceutically acceptable types of suspensions. Do
you agree? Why?

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 387

 10. COLLOIDS
10.1. Introduction
10.2.Types of colloids
10.3. Electrical properties of colloids
10.4. Pharmaceutical application of colloids

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 388

10.1 Introduction
• The term colloid applies broadly to systems
containing at least two components, in any state of
matter, one dispersed in the other, in which the
dispersed component consists of large molecules or
small particles
• Molecular or particle sizes of colloids vary in the
range 1nm to 1 µm

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 389

Biological & pharmaceutical significance of colloids
Biological significance of colloids
Many biological structures are colloidal in nature
Example:
Blood [dispersion of corpuscles in serum]
Bone [a dispersion of Ca3(PO4)2in collagen]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 390

 Pharmaceutical & Medical significance of colloids
 Diagnostic imaging [radiolabeled parenterally administered
colloids]
 Adjuvant to improve therapy [Adsorption of toxins onto a
colloidal carrier to enhance immune effect]
 Drug preparation (colloidal silver protein an effective
germicide)
 Preparation of dosage forms
 Colloid drug delivery systems [nano-particle ,liposome ,
microspheres & macromolecular drug complexes)
 Drug targeting, controlled release, and protection of the
drug substance
 Colloid drug-delivery systems [topically, orally,
parenterally and by inhalation]

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 391

10.2 Types of colloids: [Three]
Classification is made based on interaction of dispersed
phase with dispersion medium
1. Lyophilic colloids
2. Lyophobic colloids
3. Association colloids

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 392

Lyophilic colloids
• Thermodynamically true solutions, thus best treated
as a single phase system
• Thermodynamically stable & formed spontaneously
when solutes interact with solvent
• Strong interaction b/n solute & solvent supplies
sufficient energy to break up the disperse phase

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 393

Lyophobic colloids
• Thermodynamically unstable & have a tendency to
aggregate due to poor dispersed phase–dispersion
medium interactions
• Aggregatively unstable ,hence remain dispersed in a
medium only if the surface is treated to cause a strong
repulsion between particles
• However, treated colloids are thermodynamically
unstable but kinetically stable since aggregation can
be prevented for long periods

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 394

 Association colloids
 Dispersed phase molecules are soluble in continuous
phase & spontaneously ‘‘self-assemble’’ or
‘‘associate’’ to form aggregates in colloidal size range
Example:
 Aggregates or ‘‘associations’’ of amphipathic surface
active molecules
Amphipathic SAA
Soluble in the solvent
their molecular dimensions < colloidal size
range
Concentrations above CMC in a solution form
association colloids (micelles)
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 395
Amphipathic molecules
• Consist of two parts: lyophilic & lyophobic portions
• Tend to adsorb at interfaces to reduce interfacial
energy b/n lyophobic portion of molecule & medium
• On micellization, lyophobic portions of surfactant
molecules associate to form regions from which the
solvent is excluded, while the lyophilic portions of the
molecules remain on the outer surface
• Micelle formation is spontaneous, depending on the
lyophilic–lyophobic balance of the SAA,
concentration of SAA, and temperature of the system

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 396

 10.3. Properties of colloids
A. Optical properties
B. Kinetic properties
C. Electrical properties

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 397

A. Optical properties of colloids
Light scattering
• When a beam of light is passed through a colloidal
solution some of the light may be absorbed producing
coloured sol ,some is scattered and the remainder is
transmitted undisturbed through the sample. Because
of the scattered light the sol appears turbid: this is
known as the Tyndall effect
• Light scattering measurements are of great value for
estimating particle size, shape and interactions,
particularly of dissolved macromolecular materials,
as the turbidity depends on the size (molecular
weight) of the colloidal material involved.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 398
• Light-scattering measurements are particularly suitable for
finding size of micelles of SAA and for the study of
proteins and natural and synthetic polymers
 Optical microscope never visualize colloidal particles
 Electron microscopy
• Capable of giving actual pictures of dried particles
• Used to observe size, shape & structure of colloidal
particles owing to its high resolving power
• Gives no information on solvation or configuration in
solution, a problem solved using ESEM
 Environmental scanning electron microscopy[ESSEM]
allows observation of material in the wet state
Ultramicroscope is used in micro-electrophoresis for
measuring particle charge

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 399

B. Kinetic properties of colloids
• Refers to properties of colloidal systems in relation
to motion of particles with respect to dispersion
medium
• Measurement of these properties enables molecular
weight or particle size determination
• Thermal motion manifests itself as Brownian
motion, diffusion and osmosis
• Gravity (centrifugal field) leads to sedimentation
• Viscous flow is due to externally applied force

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 400

Brownian motion
• Irregular & complicated zigzag path formed by
colloidal particles due to their random collisions with
molecules of dispersion medium
• Diffusion Owing to Brownian motion, colloidal
particles spontaneously diffuse from region of higher
concentration to lower concentration The rate of
diffusion is expressed by Fick's first law:
where dm=mass of substance diffusing in time dt across
an area A under the influence of a conc. gradient dC/dx
(the minus sign denotes that diffusion takes place in the
direction of decreasing conc.). D is diffusion coefficient
with dimensions area per unit time.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 401
Sedimentation
 Consider a spherical particle of radius ‘a’ and density
‘σ’ falling in a liquid of density ‘ρ’ and viscosity ‘η’
where ‘g’ is acceleration due to gravity
Velocity ‘v’ of sedimentation is given by Stokes' law:

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 402

• If the particles are subjected only to the force of
gravity, then as a result of Brownian motion, the
lower size limit of particles obeying Stokes' law is
about 0.5 µm.
• A stronger force than gravity is therefore needed for
colloidal particles to sediment
• Thus, high-speed centrifuge termed ultracentrifuge,
which can produce a force of about 106g is used.
• In a centrifuge, g is replaced by ω2x, where ω is the
angular velocity and x the distance of the particle
from the centre of rotation,then Stoke,s law becomes:

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 403

C. Electrical properties of colloids
• Most surfaces gain a surface electric charge when
brought into contact with an aqueous medium
• Principal charging mechanisms of colloids:
Ion dissolution
Ionization
Ion adsorption
Electrical double layer

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 404

• Unequal dissolution of the oppositely charged ions
impart surface charge to particles
• Example, the particles of silver iodide in a solution
with excess [I-] will carry a negative charge, but the
charge will be positive if excess [Ag+] is present.
• Ag+ and I- are potential determining ions since they
determine electric potential at particle surface

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 405

lonization
The charge is controlled by ionization of surface
groupings such as carboxylic acid or amino group
Examples:
• Carboxylic acid groupings of polystyrene latex,
ibuprofen and nalidixic ionize to give negatively
charged particles
• Amino acids & proteins acquire their charge mainly
through the ionization of carboxyl and amino groups
to give COO- and NH3+ ions
Note: Erythrocytes & bacteria usually acquire their
charge by ionization of surface chemical groups such
as sialic acid.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 406
Ion adsorption
A net surface charge can be acquired by the unequal
adsorption of oppositely charged ions.
Surfaces in water are more often negatively charged than
positively charged, because cations are generally more
hydrated than anions. Example:
• Consequently, cations have the greater tendency to reside
in the bulk aqueous medium, whereas the smaller, less
hydrated and more polarizing anions have a greater
tendency to reside at the particle surface
• Surface-active agents are strongly adsorbed and have a
pronounced influence on the surface charge, imparting
either a positive or negative charge depending on their
ionic character.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 407
The electrical double layer
Consider a solid charged surface in contact with an
aqueous solution containing positive and negative ions
Surface charge influences distribution of ions in the
aqueous medium; ions of opposite charge to that of the
surface, termed counter-ions, are attracted towards the
surface; ions of like charge, termed co-ions, are repelled
away from the surface
However, thermal agitation will also affect distribution of
ions by redispersion of ions in solution
Result : Formation of electrical double layer, made up of
charged surface and a neutralizing excess of counter-ions
over co-ions (the system must be electrically neutral)
distributed in a diffuse manner in the aqueous medium
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 408
10.4. Pharmaceutical applications of colloids
Uses of colloid drug-delivery systems:
 Increase bioavailability of drug substances
 Improve drug stability
 Sustain and control drug-release rates
 Target drugs to specific sites in the body
 Stimulate the immune system

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 409

Colloids that have pharmaceutical application:
Liposomes
Microspheres
Nanoparticles
Micells
Microemulsions
Hydrogels
Nanocrystals

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 410

Liposomes
 Artificial lipid vesicles consisting of one or more lipid
bilayers enclosing a similar number of aqueous
compartments for polar drug entrapments
 Used to deliver both polar & non-polar drugs to their
target
 Liposomes are unstable, have low carrying capacities,
& tend to be ‘‘leaky’’ to entrapped drug substances
 Incorporation of such molecules as cholesterol,
cetylphosphate, & stearylamine into phospholipid
bilayer can alter properties of liposomes
 Presence of cholesterol results in a more stable, less
‘‘leaky’’ membrane
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 411
 Polar heads

Lipid bilayer membrane

Hydrophobic tails
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 412
• Polymerized liposomes having phospholipids with
polymerizable moieties are more stable and less ‘leaky.’’
• Immunoglobulins , attached to surface of liposomes,
enables actively targeting them to specific sites.
• Polyethylene glycol-coated (pegylated) liposomes or
‘‘stealth’’ liposomes have extended biological half-lives
since PEG- coating avoids their uptake by RES
• Liposomes prepared with cationic and fusogenic lipids are
currently being utilized in gene therapy to delivery DNA
into target cells
• The cationoic lipids bind with DNA & fusogenic lipids
are able to fuse with cell membranes, allowing DNA to be
introduced into cells.
29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 413
Microemulsions (lipid microspheres)
• Colloid-sized emulsion droplets
• Used in drug delivery :
to solubilise water-insoluble drug substances
 for the purposes of controlled & sustained release
 for drug targeting

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 414

Microspheres:
 Solid, almost spherical particles
 Prepared from natural polymers [gelatin & albumin] or
synthetic polymers [polylactic & polyglycolic acid
 Range in size ≈1 to 1000 µm
 Contain dispersed drug in microcrystalline or solution
form
 Drug is either totally encapsulated within a distinct
capsule wall or is dispersed throughout microsphere

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 415

 Incorporation of drugs can be achieved by:
entrapment during production (polymerization,
gelation, or encapsulation techniques, such as
coacervation and phase separation)
covalent attachment
ionic attachment
 Drug release is controlled by dissolution & diffusion
of the drug through the microsphere matrix or the
microcapsule wall, or by polymer degradation

29/10/2023 ipp&phar/TN. 416