Excipient Profile of Carbopol 940: Carbopol 940 is also known as Carbomer 940, is a high molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid cross-linked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerythritol. It is widely used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations due to its unique properties. Here is an in-depth profile of Carbopol 940:
Excipient Profile of Carbopol 940
Chemical Structure
Carbopol 940 is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer. It is a white, fluffy, hygroscopic powder that readily absorbs water from the environment. The cross-linking in the polymer structure is achieved through the use of allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerythritol.
Excipient Profile of Carbopol 940
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Binder | Used as a binder in tablet formulations due to its ability to form a gel layer that holds the tablet together. |
| Controlled-Release Agent | Used in the formulation of controlled-release dosage forms. The rate of drug release can be controlled by adjusting the concentration and cross-linking of Carbopol 940. |
| Film Coating Agent | Forms a smooth, transparent, and glossy film that is resistant to cracking. The film can mask the taste and odor of the drug, protect the drug from moisture and light, enhance the appearance of the tablet, and provide a surface for printing. |
| Thickening Agent | Increases the viscosity of semi-solid and liquid formulations, improving their stability and texture. |
| Stabilizer | Acts as a stabilizer in suspensions and emulsions, preventing the settling or aggregation of particles. |
| Mucoadhesive Agent | Exhibits excellent mucoadhesive properties, making it useful in the formulation of buccal, nasal, ocular, and vaginal drug delivery systems. |
| Gelling Agent | Forms gels when dispersed in water and neutralized with a base. The gels are clear, highly viscous, and stable over a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. |
| Suspending Agent | Used as a suspending agent in pharmaceutical suspensions, maintaining the uniform dispersion of insoluble drug particles. |
| Emulsifying Agent | Acts as an emulsifying agent in oil-in-water emulsions, stabilizing the emulsion by reducing interfacial tension and forming a gel network. |
Chemical Properties of Carbopol 940
Please note that the properties of Carbopol 940 can vary depending on the specific grade and the manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer’s data sheet for precise information.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | (C3H4O2)n (polymer of acrylic acid) |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 3 million Daltons |
| Appearance | White, fluffy, acidic, hygroscopic powder |
| Odor | Slight acetic acid odor |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, forms a viscous colloidal solution. Partially soluble in alcohol |
| Melting Point | Decomposes without melting at high temperatures |
| pH | The pH of a 0.5% aqueous dispersion is in the range of 2.5 to 3.0. However, when neutralized with a base, it forms a gel with a pH of about 7.5 |
| Viscosity | Depends on the pH of the solution. Exhibits maximum viscosity at a pH of around 7.5 |
| Hygroscopicity | Yes, absorbs moisture from the air |
Please note that the properties of Carbopol 940 can vary depending on the specific grade and the manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer’s data sheet for precise information.
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Carbopol 940 is a white, fluffy, acidic, hygroscopic powder with a slight acetic acid odor.
- Solubility: It is soluble in water and, to a lesser extent, in alcohol. When dispersed in water, it swells rapidly and extensively, forming a colloidal, mucilage-like dispersion.
- pH: The pH of a 0.5% aqueous dispersion of Carbopol 940 is in the range of 2.5 to 3.0. However, when neutralized with an appropriate base, it forms a gel with a pH of about 7.5.
- Viscosity: The viscosity of Carbopol 940 is greatly influenced by the pH of the solution. It exhibits maximum viscosity at a pH of around 7.5.
- Melting Point: Carbopol 940 decomposes without melting at high temperatures.
- Molecular Weight: The molecular weight of Carbopol 940 is approximately 3 million Daltons.
Safety Profile
Carbopol 940 is generally considered safe for use in pharmaceutical applications. It is non-toxic and non-irritating in the concentrations used in pharmaceutical formulations. However, it should be used with caution in formulations intended for mucosal surfaces, as it can cause a transient stinging sensation.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Carbopol 940 is used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations due to its unique properties:
- Gel Formation: Carbopol 940 can form gels with a wide range of viscosities. This property is exploited in the formulation of topical gels, ointments, and creams.
- Controlled Release: Carbopol 940 can be used to formulate controlled-release dosage forms. The rate of drug release can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of Carbopol 940 in the formulation.
- Bioadhesion: Carbopol 940 has excellent bioadhesive properties. It can adhere to mucosal surfaces, which makes it useful in the formulation of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.
- Suspension Stabilizer: Carbopol 940 is used as a stabilizer in pharmaceutical suspensions. It helps to maintain the uniform dispersion of insoluble drug particles in the liquid medium.
- Emulsifying Agent: Carbopol 940 can also act as an emulsifying agent in oil-in-water emulsions. It helps to stabilize the emulsion by reducing the interfacial tension between the oil and water phases and by forming a gel network that entraps the oil droplets.
Carbopol 940 is a versatile and valuable excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. Its unique properties, including its ability to form gels, its bioadhesive properties, and its effectiveness as a suspending and emulsifying agent, make it a popular choice for a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations.
Recent studies in Carbopol 940
Carbopol 940 continues to be a subject of extensive research due to its versatile applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Here are some recent studies that highlight its potential uses:
- Injectability of aqueous β-tricalcium phosphate suspensions: A study by Erdem Şahin et al. (2023) demonstrated the use of Carbopol 940 in enhancing the injectability of aqueous β-tricalcium phosphate suspensions used in biomedical applications. The incorporation of Carbopol 940 into the suspension improved its stability and flow during delivery by mechanical means. This research opens up new possibilities for the use of Carbopol 940 in the field of biomedical engineering. Read more
- Formulation of Omeprazole-Based Nanoemulgel: A study by Irshad Ullah et al. (2023) developed a chitosan-coated omeprazole-loaded nanoemulgel using Carbopol 940. The formulation was found to have satisfactory antibacterial activity against selected bacterial strains, suggesting its potential use in treating skin and soft tissue infections. Read more
- Mucoadhesive Buccal Film Loaded with Doxycycline Hyclate: A research team led by Elena Dinte et al. (2023) prepared mucoadhesive films loaded with doxycycline hyclate using a mixture of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and Carbopol 940. The films were intended for application in the oral cavity and showed promising results in improving clinical parameters and reducing salivary levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in experimentally-induced periodontitis. Read more
These studies underscore the versatility of Carbopol 940 as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations and its potential in advancing drug delivery technologies.
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