Continuous and size-controlled preparation of ibuprofen nanosuspension using membrane crystallization method

This study demonstrates the continuous and low-cost synthesis of ibuprofen nanosuspension using a hand-made porous hollow fiber antisolvent crystallizer. The effect of pertinent factors, including the inlet velocity, temperature, and surfactant's concentration on the final size of nanosuspension, were systematically studied using experimental design. Statistical analysis suggested the optimal range of parameters (V=۴۵ mL/min, C=۰.۰۱۱ mM, and T=۳۰ °C) for obtaining ibuprofen nanosuspension in a size range of ۳۰۰-۴۰۰ nm desired for intramuscular injection purposes. According to the in vitro analysis, the complete release of optimized ibuprofen nanosuspension takes only ۴۰ minutes, which confirmed the enhanced dissolution rate of the synthesized drug. The obtained nanosuspension is physically stable over three months, which makes them attractive candidates for practical applications.

Keywords:

Ibuprofen , Non-solvent membrane , Crystallization , Experimental design , Drug delivery , Nanosuspension