Ultrasound-Assisted Anti-Solvent Crystallization of Ibuprofen: Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment and Additive

Purpose This study aims to determine the effect of ultrasonic treatment and additive on the morphology, physicochemical properties, and dissolution of ibuprofen crystals. Methods Ultrasound-assisted anti-solvent crystallization was used to form ibuprofen crystals. The produced crystals were tested for various physicochemical properties. Results The morphology of the ibuprofen crystals was significantly altered in terms of size and shape after the anti-solvent crystallization process and ultrasonic treatment. The melting range of ibuprofen remained unaltered when measured via differential scanning calorimetry. The powder X-ray diffractometry analysis confirmed the presence of ibuprofen in a crystalline state. The anti-solvent addition at various times following ultrasonic treatment had no significant effect on drug dissolution. However, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and polysorbate 80 additives increased drug dissolution. The addition of 20% w/w PEG or polysorbate 80 resulted in higher drug dissolution than 10% w/w PEG or polysorbate 80. Conclusion The results demonstrate that the ultrasound-assisted crystallization of the anti-solvent with an appropriate duration affected the physical and chemical properties of treated ibuprofen crystals, making them more soluble, particularly when polysorbate 80 was used.