Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. in Pharmaceutical Science

First Advisor

Dr. Eman Ashour

Second Advisor

Dr. Soumyajit Majumdar

Third Advisor

Dr. Walter Chambliss

School

University of Mississippi

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a highly lipophilic compound with poor oral bioavailability, due to poor aqueous solubility and extensive pre-systemic metabolism. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of employing Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) technology for the continuous production of Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS) to improve the solubility and in vitro dissolution performance of CBD. Accordingly, different placebos were processed through HME in order to obtain a lead CBD loaded solid SEDDS. Two SEDDS were prepared with sesame oil, Poloxamer 188, Gelucire®59/14, PEO N80 and Soluplus®. Moreover, Vitamin E was added as an antioxidant. Both SEDDS demonstrated optimum self-emulsification times, and the formed emulsions showed smaller droplet size ranging from 150-400 nm, that could improve lymphatic uptake of CBD and reduce first pass metabolism. Both formulations showed significantly faster in vitro dissolution rate––90% for F1 and 83% for F2––compared to the pure drug within the first hour, giving an enhanced release profile. PXRD coupled with the DSC analysis revealed that CBD exists in the solid-solution state within the prepared SEDDS. The formulations were tested for stability over a 60-day time period, both formulations showed signs of degradation and decrease in dissolution profile. Therefore, the continuous HME technology could replace conventional melting methods for processing SEDDS and improve the oral delivery of CBD for better therapeutic outcomes.

Available for download on Saturday, September 13, 2025

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