Solubility Determination of Drugs

Solubility measurements can be performed by two methods:

µDISS Profiler™ and µSOL Miniaturized Shake Flask

Which Method is Best?

When solubility methods are considered, the final selection depends on the budget, sample availability and the data desired. As expected, each method offers different advantages. In general, the Miniaturized Shake Flask is the most cost-effective way to determine the solubility of many drug samples at different pHs after overnight equilibration at room temperature, although the upper limit depends on the starting concentration of the stock solution of drug. The fiber optic µDISS Profiler™ is best suited for determining the drug concentration during equilibration, thus providing very detailed dynamic information. And with more flexibility in using buffers and sample size, the upper limit is higher than with the Miniaturized Shake Flask. 

 

Method Properties

µSOL Miniaturized Shake Flask

µDISS Profiler

Quantitation

 

direct UV

230-500 nm

 

direct UV

215-450 nm

Filtration of excess solids required?

Yes

Spectral correction

Concentration vs Time Curves?

single point only

Yes

Typical Replicates per run 

3

2

Samples and/or pH values per run

< 28

3

Temperature

ambient only

10-40°C

Buffer types

Prisma HTTM

PrismaTM, USP, FaSSIF, FeSSIF, others

Upper Solubility Limit, approx.

0.1-0.2 mg/mL

 10 mg/mL

Detection Limit

0.1 µg/mL

0.02 µg/mL

 

µSOL Modified Shake Flask

Solubility measurements are performed at specific pH values using a modified shake flask method. Stock solutions of the drug in DMSO are diluted with aqueous, non-phosphate buffer solutions to contain <1% DMSO. For equilibrium solubility, the solutions are allowed to incubate at least 15 hours; kinetic measurements available upon request. The solutions are then filtered and quantified with UV spectrophotometry incorporating Pion peak shape analysis, which indicates impurities or decomposition problems.   This technique has a lower limit of solubility at 0.1 µg/mL and an upper limit of solubility, usually between 100-200 µg/mL.  The method is suitable for any compound with a UV chromophore. 

To submit your compounds for analysis: 

  •  Complete a Sample Submittal Form and Sample Input Template for each compound. 
  • Include the forms in the sample shipment.
  • Submit either a 100 µL of a 10-100 mM solution in DMSO, or 5-7 mg solid
  • Incomplete forms will delay sample turnaround. 

 

µDISS Profiler™ 

This method monitors the real time concentration of drugs using fiber optic probes with UV photodiode arrays.  Spectral fingerprints from 200-450 nm are aquired as rapidly as every 5 seconds, allowing observation of dynamic solution equilibria brought about by formation of metastable species.  Both dissolution and solubility can be determined in one run.
  •  To discuss your needs and requirements, contact Pion