Spray-Dried PVP K30/Β-Cyclodextrin Ternary Polymer System as an Amorphous Composite Matrix for Enhanced Solubilization of A Hydrophobic Model Drug

Abstract

As functional composite matrices for the solubilization of hydrophobic bioactive compounds in biomedical applications, polymer-based amorphous systems are being investigated increasingly. In this study, a ternary polymer system made of polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) and β-cyclodextrin (βCD) was created to alter the solid-state behavior and apparent composite perfomanceof the model drug etoricoxib, which is weakly soluble in water. Solvent evaporation, kneading, and spray drying were used to create solid dispersions, and a central composite design was used to maximize the proportions of PVP K30 and βCD. Practical yield, drug content, apparent solubility, and dissolution in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 were assessed for the resultant polymer–drug composites, and their structural and morphological properties were examined using FTIR, DSC, PXRD, and SEM. A significant decrease in drug crystallinity and the development of an amorphous phase inside the PVP K30/βCD matrix, along with broadening and shifting of thermal transitions, were confirmed by solid-state analysis. Highly porous, irregular particles were visible in SEM images, suggesting a linked polymer network that improves surface area and wettability. Compared to the limited release from crystalline Etoricoxib, the modified spray-dried ternary system produced a quick dissolution profile and significantly improved apparent solubility, releasing around 90% of the medication after 120 minutes. These results show that PVP K30/βCD-based amorphous polymer composites provide a promising platform for engineering functional polymer matrices that enhance the solubilization and release behavior of hydrophobic molecules in pharmaceutical and biomedical polymer applications, especially when made via scalable spray drying.