Co-processing of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for improved aqueous dispersibility

Abstract

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a widely employed film coating polymer, exhibits poor dispersibility in an aqueous medium. Rapid hydration leading to swelling and coherent gel formation is reported to be responsible for this problem. Present study focuses on the use of spray drying based approach for co-processing of HPMC to improve its dispersibility. Dispersion behavior of native HPMC showed formation of large lumps that did not dissolve completely for 40min. However, HPMC co-processed with lactose and sodium chloride exhibited improvement in dispersibility with complete dissolution attained within 20min. Mechanistic insights into improved dispersibility were obtained using contact angle studies, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning TEM (STEM) studies. Co-processed products exhibited higher immersional wetting as determined by sessile drop contact angle technique, which indicated spontaneous incursion of water. CLSM study revealed highly swollen and erodible gel in co-processed products. Novel application of TEM and STEM techniques was developed to understand the nature of mixing achieved during co-processing. Overall the improvement in dispersibility of co-processed products was predominantly due to the alteration in sub-particulate level properties during co-processing. The effect of excipients on the film properties of HPMC, like tensile strength and hygroscopicity, was also assessed. This study provides the comprehensive understanding of role of co-processing on improvement of dispersion behavior of HPMC and helps in the selection of suitable excipients for the same.