Title:Hot Melt Extrusion Technique for Developing Pharmaceutical Co-crystals: A Review
Volume: 14
Issue: 2
Author(s): Ritu Rathi, Sanshita and Inderbir Singh*
Affiliation:
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
Keywords:
Hot melt extrusion, co-crystals, PAT, evaluation, application, active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Abstract:
Background: In the era of pharmaceutical research and development, the most challenging
aspect is to enhance the physicochemical properties of drugs. Hot Melt Extrusion (HME)
is a solvent-free, one-step, continuous, scalable, and industrially feasible method for developing
pharmaceutical co-crystals. Co-crystallization, as a technique, has gained significant attention for
its potential to modify various physicochemical properties of drugs like solubility, stability, compressibility,
permeability, taste masking, and therapeutic efficacy.
Methods: We determine the characteristic features of HME and explore published literature using
the keywords, HME, co-crystals, and PAT, in databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect,
and Research Gate.
Results: The present review embarks on a detailed journey through the multifaceted domain of
HME and its pivotal role in co-crystal development. The process parameters, such as temperature,
extruder type, screw configuration, screw speed, and feed rate, are involved in determining the
characteristics of the co-crystals produced. Additionally, the review explores the role of materials,
including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), plasticizers, polymers, and other pharmaceutical
aids, underlining their impact on co-crystal development. The existing literature on HME
and its application for pharmaceutical co-crystal production is comprehensively surveyed.
Conclusion: The review highlights the utility of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in realtime
process control. The role of HME in the future of pharmaceutical co-crystal development is
discussed, making this review essential for researchers and industry professionals alike.