Sonocrystallization: Emerging Approach for Solubility Enhancement of Poorly Aqueous Soluble Drug Molecules

Abstract

Drugs solubility and permeability both affect how bioavailable they are when taken orally. Insufficient bioavailability is frequently demonstrated by the low solubility and low dissolution rate of weakly water soluble medications in gastrointestinal fluids. An innovative particle engineering process called sonocryatallization involves applying ultrasonic energy to a soft or viscous molten mass that is disseminated in an immiscible liquid, thereby producing crystals having a large surface area which facilitates better drug dissolution. This review article comprehensively highlights the recent reports of solubility enhancement of a variety of drugs belonging to classes such asnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, piroxicam), antihyperlipidemic drugs (fenofibrate and simvastatin), miscellaneous drugs (oxcarbazepine, progesterone, salbutamol, and rosiglitazone), and natural products (curcumin and plumbagin) through (melt)-sonocrystallization approach. This article will definitely provide great help to formulators and/or researchers involved in developing or applying emerging techniques for enhancing the aqueous solubility of drug molecules.