Utilization of supercritical carbon dioxide for complex formation of ibuprofen and methyl-β-cyclodextrin

The dissolution rate of a drug into the biological environment can be enhanced by forming complexes with cyclodextrins and their derivatives. In this study, ibuprofen–methyl-β-cyclodextrin complexes were prepared successfully by passing ibuprofen-laden CO 2 through a methyl-β-cyclodextrin packed bed. The maximum drug loading obtained in this work was 10.8 wt.%, which was comparable to that of a 1:1 complex (13.6 wt.% of ibuprofen). The complex exhibited instantaneous dissolution profiles in water solution. The enhanced dissolution rate was attributed to the amorphous character and improved wettability of the product.