SPRAY-DRIED DISPERSION TECHNOLOGY NOVEL TECHNIQUES FOR FLOW PROPERTY AND SOLUBLITY ENHANCEMENT

Dhruvi Panchal and Jaini Patel*

This chapter provides an in-depth review of spray-drying technology and its application to the formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs. In the early part of the chapter, the fundamentals of the process are discussed, including process theory, process components, equipment options, equipment by scale, various feeds, and typical solvent systems. In the latter part of the chapter, the application of spray drying to the formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs is discussed. Particular emphasis is given to spray drying for amorphous solid dispersion systems. The path toward developing an amorphous spray-dried dispersion and conversion to a final dosage form is covered in detail. Additionally, several academic and industrial examples are presented, illustrating the benefits of the process as a formulation technology and its commercial viability. Finally, the application of spray drying to inhalation as well as emerging applications, i.e., sprays congealing and micro-encapsulation, is reviewed. This chapter provides comprehensive coverage of the spray-drying process and its uses as a formulation technology toward the enhancement of drug delivery with poorly water-soluble compounds.