Oral Fast and Topical Controlled Ketoprofen Release Through Supercritical Fluids Based Processes

Ketoprofen (KET) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used for different phlogistic diseases of rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid origin. When a fast release is required, KET is orally administered in form of capsules, tablets or granulates. In this case, due to KET poor solubility in water, large drug doses with consequent side effects, mainly gastrointestinal one are required. KET bioavailability can be enhanced through its coprecipitation with a hydrophilic carrier, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Another way to reduce the dosing frequency and avoid gastrointestinal irritation is the transdermal drug delivery with a controlled release. In this work, two different supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) based processes were used to modify KET dissolution rate: the supercritical antisolvent technique to coprecipitate PVP and KET in form of controlled dimensions microparticles for an oral delivery, and the supercritical adsorption to impregnate KET in alginate aerogel for a topical delivery. In the case of oral KET, composite spherical microparticles with controlled diameters were successfully produced, leading to a faster NSAID dissolution rate than unprocessed KET. In the case of topical KET, alginate aerogel was successfully impregnated with KET; it promotes a controlled release, suitable for transdermal anti-inflammatory patches, reducing frequency of administration and side effects. Supercritical techniques allow to obtain a fast or controlled release of the NSAID, according to the specific therapy desired.