Drug powders with tunable wettability by atomic and molecular layer deposition: From highly hydrophilic to superhydrophobic

The wettability of pharmaceuticals is a key physical property which influences their dissolution rate, dispersibility, flowability and solid-state stability. Here, we provide platform surface nanoengineering methods capable tuning the drug powders from high hydrophilicity to superhydrophobicity with loadings up 95–99%. Specifically, functionalize gram-scale micronized budesonide, commercial active pharmaceutical ingredient for respiratory diseases, in vibrated fluidized bed reactor inorganic Al2O3, TiO2 SiO2 by atomic layer deposition (ALD), organic poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) molecular (MLD) inorganic/organic titanicone hybrid ALD/MLD. Transmission electron microscopy shows formation smooth uniform films each process without significantly affecting morphology budesonide particles. Crucially, processes do not alter structure cytocompatibility budesonide. ceramic ALD are able convert originally hydrophobic into highly hydrophilic water contact angles (WCAs) ~10° within few seconds. purely PET grown via MLD deliver superhydrophobic WCA 145–150°. In contrast, ALD/MLD lead mild WCAs ranging ~80° ~60°. Modifying wetting properties inhaled such as relevant improve bioavailability, enhance dispersion formulations suspension-based inhalers or prevent moisture interactions dry powder inhalers. Moreover, chemical composition at level, particle ALD, enable control over several dosage forms applications oral, orally parenteral delivery.