Effect of Pore Size of FSM-16 on the Entrapment of Flurbiprofen in Mesoporous Structures

The interaction between FSM-16 and flurbiprofen (FBP) in the mesopores of FSM-16 was investigated by using three types of FSM-16 with different pore diameters, i.e., FSM-16(Oc), FSM-16(Do) and FSM-16(Doc) (pore diameters 16.0, 21.6, 45.0 Å, respectively). Solid dispersions of 30% FBP–70% FSM-16 were prepared by solvent evaporation and sealed-heating of the physical mixture at 100 °C for 6 h. Changes in the molecular state of FBP were investigated using powder X-ray diffractometry, thermal analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The changes in pore diameter and specific surface area of FSM-16 systems were investigated by small angle X-ray scattering and nitrogen gas adsorption. Powder X-ray diffractometry and thermal analysis revealed that FBP was adsorbed onto the mesopores of FSM-16(Do) and FSM-16(Doc), leading to an amorphous state, while no change was observed for FSM-16(Oc). Fourier-transformed IR spectroscopy showed a hydrogen bond interaction between the carbonyl groups of FBP and the silanol groups of FSM-16. The pore diameter and specific surface area of FSM-16 in solid dispersions decreased due to the adsorption of FBP. Improved dissolution of FBP from solid dispersions prepared by the evaporation and the sealed-heating methods was observed in comparison with FBP crystals.