• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.271-282
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• 2012

We explore the effect of removal of organic ligand on the atomic configurations around oxygen in hydroxyl groups in amorphous silica gel (synthesized through hydrolysis of $SiCl_4$ in diethyl-ether) using high resolution $^{17}O$ solid state NMR spectroscopy. $^1H$ and $^{29}Si$ MAS NMR spectra for amorphous silica gel showed diverse hydrogen environments including water, hydroxyl groups (e.g., hydrogen bonded silanol, isolated silanol), and organic ligands (e.g., alkyl chain) that may interact with surface hydroxyls in the amorphous silica gel, for instance, forming silica-organic ligand complex (e.g., Si-$O{\cdots}R$). These physically and chemically adsorbed organic ligands were partly removed by ultrasonic cleaning under ethanol and distilled water for 1 hour. Whereas $^{17}O$ MAS NMR spectra with short pulse length ($0.175{\mu}s$) at 9.4 T and 14.1 T for as-synthesized amorphous silica gel showed the unresolved peak for Si-O-Si and Si-OH structures, the $^{17}O$ MAS NMR spectra with long pulse length ($2{\mu}s$) showed the additional peak at ~0 ppm. The peak at ~0 ppm may be due to Si-OH structure with very fast relaxation rate as coupled to liquid water molecules or organic ligands on the surface of amorphous silica gel. The observation of the peak at ~0 ppm in $^{17}O$ MAS NMR spectra for amorphous silica gel became more significant as the organic ligands were removed. These results indicate that the organic ligands on the surface of amorphous silica gel interact with oxygen atoms in Si-OH and provide the information about atomic structure of silanol and siloxane in amorphous silica gel. The current results could enhance the understanding of dehydration mechanism of diverse silicates, which is known as atomic scale origins of intermediate depth (approximately, 70~300 km) earthquakes in subduction zone.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.277-283
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• 2011

Solid dispersion is mainly used for improved dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs. Solid dispersion of pranlukast was prepared by spray-drying with plasdone S-630. When pH of water was high, pranlukast was highly soluble in the solubility experiment of solid dispersions with varying pH. The particle size of pranlukast particles in solid dispersions was measured to be in nanometers scale based on particle size analysis. Zeta-potential analysis confirmed the negative charge of solid dispersion. SEM was used to observe the surface of solid dispersion, which confirmed spherical morphology, DSC and XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of solid dispersions. The in vitro test was carried out to find improved dissolution rate of pranlukast solid dispersion in simulated juice gastric and a controlled experiment was carried out to compare pranlukast solid dispersions with a conventional drug (Onon$^{(R)}$), These results showed the dissolution properties of pranlukast solid dispersions prepared by spray drying proper for the oral pharmaceutical formulation.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.321-329
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• 2008

Amorphous silica nanoparticles are among the most fundamental $SiO_2$ compounds, having implications in diverse geological processes and technological applications. Here, we explore structural details of amorphous silica nanoparticles with varying particle sizes (7 and 14 nm) using $^{29}Si$ and $^{1}H$ MAS NMR spectroscopy together with quantum chemical calculations to have better prospect for their size-dependent atomic structures. $^{29}Si$ MAS NMR spectra at 9.4 T resolve $Q^2,\;Q^3$ and $Q^4$ species at -93 ppm, -101 ppm, -110 ppm, respectively. The fractions of $Q^2,\;Q^3,\;O^4$ species are $7{\pm}1%,\;27{\pm}2%$, and $66{\pm}2%$ for 7 nm amorphous silica nanoparticles and $6{\pm}1%,\;21{\pm}2%$, and $73{\pm}2%$ for 14 nm amorphous silica nanoparticles. Whereas it has been suggested that $Q^2$ and $Q^3$ species exist on particles surfaces, the difference in $Q^{2}\;+\;Q^{3}$ fraction in both 7 and 14 nm particles is not significant, suggesting that $Q^2$ and $Q^3$ species could exist inside particles. $^{1}H$ MAS NMR spectra at 11.7 T shows diverse hydrogen environments, including physisorbed water, hydrogen bonded silanol, and non-hydrogen bonded silanol with varying hydrogen bond strength. The hydrogen contents in the 7nm silica nanoparticles (including water and hydroxyl groups) are about 3 times of that of 14 nm particles. The larger chemical shills for proton environments in the former suggest stronger hydrogen bond strength. The fractions of non-hydrogen bonded silanols in the 14 nm amorphous silica nanoparticles are larger than those in 7 nm amorphous silica nanoparticles. This observation suggests closer proximity among hydrogen atoms in the nanoparticles with smaller diameter. The current results with high-resolution solid-state NMR reveal previously unknown structural details in amorphous silica nanoparticles with particle size.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.172-181
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• 1999

To develop the manufacturing technique for the powder builder of amorphous solid types, the water glass mixed with caustic soda dispersed into the methanol. Thus soluble sodium silicate was made a form of amorphous solid powder. In order to examine characteristics of water soluble sodium silicate $SiO_2/Na_2O$ mol ratio, we investigated solubility, thermogram, SEM, and BET analysis. pH buffering capacity, calcium-ion binding capacity as temperature change, and surfactant loading capacity were examined for characteristics as laundry detergent builder. $SiO_2/Na_2O$ molar ratio of soluble sodium silicate was 1.0, 2.4, 2.8, and zeolite was used in order to investigate basic characteristics of laundry detergent builder. Silicate used with laundry detergent was good for pH buffering capacity and solubility. But calcium-ion binding capacity and surfactant adsorption ability were lower. $SiO_2/Na_2O$ mol ratio became higher, pH buffering capacity and ion exchange ability were lower and surfactant adsorption ability was a little higher.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.604-611
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• 2005

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000-based solid dispersions (SDs), by incorporating various pharmaceutical excipients or microemulsion systems, were prepared using a fusion method, t o compare the dissolution rates and bioavailabilities in rats. The amorphous structure of the drug in SDs was also characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The ketoconazole (KT), as an antifungal agent, was selected as a model drug. The dissolution rate of KT increased when solubilizing excipients were incorporated into the PEG-based SDs. When hydrophilic and lipophilic excipients were combined and incorporated into PEG-based SDs, a remarkable enhancement of the dissolution rate was observed. The PEG-based SDs, incorporating a self microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) or microemulsion (ME), were also useful at improving the dissolution rate by forming a microemulsion or dispersible particles within the aqueous medium. However, due to the limited solubilization capacity, these PEG-based SDs showed dissolution rates, below 50% in this study, under sink conditions. The PEG-based SD, with no pharmaceutical excipients incorporated, increased the maximum plasma concentration (C$_{max}$) and area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC$_{0-6h}$) two-fold compared to the drug only. The bioavailability was more pronounced in the cases of solubilizing and microemulsifying PEG-based SDs. The thermograms of the PEG-based SDs showed the characteristic peak of the carrier matrix around 60$^{\circ}C$, without a drug peak, indicating that the drug had changed into an amorphous structure. The diffraction pattern of the pure drug showed the drug to be highly crystalline in nature, as indicated by numerous distinctive peaks. The lack of the numerous distinctive peaks of the drug in the PEG-based SDs demonstrated that a high concentration of the drug molecules was dissolved in the solid-state carrier matrix of the amorphous structure. The utilization of oils, fatty acid and surfactant, or their mixtures, in PEG-based SD could be a useful tool to enhance the dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs by forming solubilizing and microemulsifying systems when exposed to gastrointestinal fluid.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.125-142
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• 2011

Solid dispersion, defined as the dispersion of one or more active ingredient in a carrier or matrix at solid state, is an efficient strategy for improving dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs for enhancement of their bioavailability. Compared to other conventional formulations such as tablets or capsules, solid dispersion which can be prepared by various methods has many advantages. However, despite numerous studies which have been carried out, limitations for commercializing these products remain to be solved. For example, during the manufacturing process or storage, amorphous form of solid dispersion can be converted into crystalline form. That is, the dissolution rate of solid dispersion would continuously decrease during storage, resulting in a product of no value. To resolve these problems, studies have been conducted on the effects of excipients. In fact, modification of the solid dispersions to overcome these disadvantages has progressed from the first generation to the recent third generation products. In this review, an overview on solid dispersions in general will be given with emphasis on the various manufacturing processes which include the use of polymers and on the stabilization strategies which include methods to prevent crystallization.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.185-190
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• 2002

To improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drug and to develop a sustained release tablets, the need for the technique, the formation of solid dispersion with polymeric materials that can potentially enhance the dissolution rate and extent of drug absorption was considered in this study. The 1:1, 1:4, and 1:5 solid dispersions were prepared by spray drying method using PVP K30, ethanol and methylene chloride. The dissolution test was carried out at in phosphate buffer solution at $37^{\circ}C$ in 100 rpm. Solid dispersed drugs were examined using differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy, wherein it was found that felodipine is amorphous in the PVP K30 solid dispersion. Felodifine SR tablets were prepared by direct compressing the powder mixture composed of solid dispersed felodipine, lactose, Eudragit and magnesium stearate using a single punch press. In order to develop a sustained-release preparation containing solid dispersed felodipine, a comparative dissolution study was done using commercially existing product as control. The dissolution rate of intact felodipine, solid dispersed felodipine and its physical mixture, respectively, were compared by the dissolution rates for 30 minutes. The dissolution rates of felodipine for 30 minutes from 1:1, 1:4, 1:5 PVP K30 solid dispersion were 70%, 78% and 90%. However, dissolution rate offelodipine from the physical mixture was 5% of drug for 30 minutes. Our developed product Felodipine SR Tablet showed dissolution of 17%, 50% and 89% for 1, 4, and 7 hours. This designed oral delivery system is easy to manufacture, and drug releases behavior is highly reproducible and offers advantages over the existing commercial product. The dissolution rate of felodipine was significantly enhanced, following the formation of solid dispersion. The solid dispersion technique with water-soluble polymer could be used to develop a solid dispersed felodipine SR tablet.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 1999.11a
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• pp.107-110
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• 1999

The ultrasonic spray method was employed to make (Y,Gd)BO$_3$:Eu Phosphor, and its optical properties under 147nm VUV and 254 nm UV excitations were characterized and then compared with that produced by the solid-state reaction. The mixed solution of acetate hydrates of Y, Gd, Eu and boric acid diluted in water or methanol was used as the precursor fur the spray. It was found that (Y,Gd)BO$_3$:Eu phosphor made by this ultrasonic spray had a spherical shape and fine particle size of 1${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$. The crystalline structure for the as-sprayed phosphor was amorphous, but it converted into the same polycrystalline phase of solid state reaction after post heat treatment at 110$0^{\circ}C$ for 2hr. The emitting intensity under VUV and UV excitations for the spray-formed (Y,Gd)BO$_3$:Eu phosphor, however, was inferior to the later one. The excitation spectra were also studied and compared under VUV and UV excitations to explain the change of emitting intensity with Gd substitution in (Y$_{1-x}$ Gd$_{x}$)BO$_3$:Eu Phosphors made by spray and solid state reaction.on.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2008

To overcome the solubility of poorly water-soluble drug, the formation of solid dispersion using a spray-dryer with polymeric material, that can potentially enhance the dissolution rate extend of drug absorption was considered in this study. $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100 as carrier for solid dispersion is acrylate copolymer that soluble in acidic buffer solutions (below pH 5.0). It was used to increase dissolution of atorvastatin calcium as a water-insoluble drug in acidic environments. In this study, a spray-dryer was used to prepare solid dispersion of atorvastatin calcium and $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100 for purpose of improving the solubility of drug. Atorvastatin calcium and $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100 were dissolved in ethanol and spray-dryed. DSC and XRD were used to analyze the crystallinity of the sample. It was found that atorvastatin calcium is amorphous in the $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100 solid dispersion. FT-IR was used to analyze the salt formation by interaction between atorvastatin calcium and $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100. Comparative dissolution study exhibited better dissolution characteristics than the commercial drug ($Lipitor^{(R)}$) as control. The dissolution rate of atorvastatin calcium was markedly increased in solid dispersion system in simulated gastric juice (pH 1.2). This study proposed that this solid dispersion system improved the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble atorvastatin calcium.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.249-254
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• 2008

Solid dispersions of poorly water-soluble drug, atorvastatin, were prepared with Eudragit L100 to improve the solubility by spray dryer. To investigate the correlation between physicochemical properties and dissolution rate of solid dispersions, the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). SEM and DSC were found that atorvastatin is amorphous in the Eudragit L100 solid dispersion. FT-IR was used to analyze the salt formation by interaction between atorvastatin and Eudragit L100. The dissolution rate of solid dispersed atorvastatin was markedly increased compared to drug powder in stimulated intestinal juice (pH 6.8). Thus, the solid dispersed atorvastatin using the spray drying method with Eudragit L100 may be effective for the bioavailability.