Publication
Controlling drug release rate and providing physical and chemical stability to the active pharmaceutical ingredient are key properties of oral solid dosage forms. Here, we demonstrate a formulation strategy using phase-separated polymer blends where the morphology provides a route for tuning the drug release profile. By utilising phase separation of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic polymer, the hydrophilic component will act as a channelling agent, creating a porous network upon dissolution that will dictate the release characteristics. With ptychographic X-ray tomography and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy we reveal how the morphology depends on both polymer fraction and presence of drug, and how the drug is distributed over the polymer domains. Combining X-ray imaging results with dissolution studies reveal how the morphologies are correlated with the drug release and showcase how tuning the morphology of a polymer matrix in oral formulations can be utilised as a method for controlled drug release. Drug delivery via solid oral dosage requires a controlled release rate and physical and chemical stability of the drug within the formulation. Here, X-ray tomography and spectromicroscopy reveal how the morphology of a phase-separated polymer blend controls drug release.