The Use of Hot Melt Extrusion to Prepare a Solid Dispersion of Ibuprofen in a Polymer Matrix

In this work, we report the use of the hot melt extrusion method in harsh extrusion conditions, i.e., screw rotation speed of 250 rpm, temperature above 100 °C, and two mixing zones, in order to obtain an amorphous dispersion of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that is sparingly soluble in water. As a polymer matrix Eudragit EPO (E-EPO) and as an API ibuprofen (IBU) were used in the research. In addition, the plasticizer Compritol 888 ATO (COM) was tested as a factor potentially improving processing parameters and modifying the IBU release profile. In studies, 25% by weight of IBU, 10% of COM and various extrusion temperatures, i.e., 90, 100, 120, 130, and 140 °C, were used. Hot melt extrusion (HME) temperatures were selected based on the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix (Tg = 42 °C) and the melting points of IBU (Tm = 76 °C) and COM (Tm = 73 °C), which were tested by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal stability of the tested compounds, determined on the basis of measurements carried out by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), was also taken into account. HME resulted in amorphous E-EPO/IBU solid dispersions and solid dispersions containing a partially crystalline plasticizer in the case of E-EPO/IBU/COM extrudates. Interactions between the components of the extrudate were also studied using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). The occurrence of such interactions in the studied system, which improve the stability of the obtained solid polymer dispersions, was confirmed. On the basis of DSC thermograms and XRPD diffractograms, it was found that amorphous solid dispersions were obtained. In addition, their stability was confirmed in accelerated conditions (40 °C, 75% RH) for 28 days and 3 months. The release profiles of prepared tablets showed the release of 40% to 63% of IBU from the tablets within 180 min in artificial gastric juice solution, with the best results obtained for tablets with E-EPO/IBU extrudate prepared at a processing temperature of 140 °C.


Introduction
The problem faced by the pharmacy today is drugs that are insoluble in water [1]. Obtaining a drug form that is assimilable by the patient's body is therefore a challenge. One of the methods to improve this parameter is to obtain an amorphous solid dispersion or a solid solution of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in a polymer matrix [2]. The amorphic form of the drug is better absorbed by the body than its crystalline form [3]. However, such an amorphous form of API is thermodynamically unfavorable, therefore recrystallization processes can occur during storage. To prevent this, systems with appropriate glass transition temperature are obtained in which intermolecular interactions occur between the ingredients like hydrogen-bonding interactions, ionic interaction, or other nonspecific interactions [3][4][5][6]. Ibuprofen (IBU) can therefore be incorporated into a matrix of methacrylic polymers as there are intermolecular interactions between these ingredients [7].
There are several methods used in the pharmaceutical industry to obtain amorphous solid dispersions, such as coprecipitation, spray-drying [8,9], cryomilling [10], and hotmelt extrusion [2,11]. Hot melt extrusion method (HME), which has been developing in the addition of Compritol was used as a lubricant, facilitating processing, which additionally, due to the lipid structure, may affect the process of releasing the active substance. The obtained extrudates were characterized by thermal methods, i.e., DSC and TGA to determine phase transitions and thermal stability of materials. Additionally, intermolecular interactions using infrared spectroscopy were studied, as they affect the stability of the extrudate.
For the release of API, an artificial gastric juice was prepared with sodium chloride, pepsin, hydrochloric acid (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany).

Hot Melt Extrusion
Physical mixtures of Eudragit EPO with ibuprofen containing 25 wt% of API, and containing additionally 10 wt% of Compritol 888 ATO, were weighed, sieved through a 0.8 mm mesh sieve, and then mixed in a mixer. After that, prepared mixtures were processed using Pharma 11 counter-rotating laboratory scale twin-screw extruder with two mixing zones ( Figure 2). Tablets preparation: lactose monohydrate, corn starch, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl starch, colloidal silica, and magnesium stearate were purchased from JRS Pharma, Rosenberg, Germany.
For the release of API, an artificial gastric juice was prepared with sodium chloride, pepsin, hydrochloric acid (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany).

Hot Melt Extrusion
Physical mixtures of Eudragit EPO with ibuprofen containing 25 wt% of API, and containing additionally 10 wt% of Compritol 888 ATO, were weighed, sieved through a 0.8 mm mesh sieve, and then mixed in a mixer. After that, prepared mixtures were processed using Pharma 11 counter-rotating laboratory scale twin-screw extruder with two mixing zones ( Figure 2). extrudates into tablets causes additional stresses on this material during mechanical processing, which may affect the stability of the amorphous solid dispersion. What is more, the addition of Compritol was used as a lubricant, facilitating processing, which additionally, due to the lipid structure, may affect the process of releasing the active substance. The obtained extrudates were characterized by thermal methods, i.e., DSC and TGA to determine phase transitions and thermal stability of materials. Additionally, intermolecular interactions using infrared spectroscopy were studied, as they affect the stability of the extrudate.
For the release of API, an artificial gastric juice was prepared with sodium chloride, pepsin, hydrochloric acid (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany).

Hot Melt Extrusion
Physical mixtures of Eudragit EPO with ibuprofen containing 25 wt% of API, and containing additionally 10 wt% of Compritol 888 ATO, were weighed, sieved through a 0.8 mm mesh sieve, and then mixed in a mixer. After that, prepared mixtures were processed using Pharma 11 counter-rotating laboratory scale twin-screw extruder with two mixing zones ( Figure 2). The temperature of the extruder die was set to 90, 100, 120, or 140 • C, and a used temperature profile of the barrel is presented in Table 1. Variable feed rates of the prepared mixture of ingredients to the extruder were used, i.e., 2-300 g·h −1 , with the samples taken at the feed values: 25 g·h −1 . The rotation speed of the screws was fixed at 250 rpm. The mixtures were extruded through a circular die (diameter 3 mm), then extrudates were cooled on a conveyor belt at room temperature and cut into granular samples. Therefore, the physical blend was manually fed into the extruder, and the solid dispersions of ibuprofen were collected on a conveyor belt, air-cooled, and stored in screw-capped glass bottles protected with parafilm against moisture at room temperature. The extrudates were milled in Quadro Comil sieve size 1.0 mm at a rotor speed of 275 rpm. The obtained powdered polymer-IBU or polymer-IBU-COM dispersions were stored in a desiccator over a drying agent.

Tablets Preparation
Weighed components, presented in Table 2, for individual systems were mixed in a mixer Erweka AR401 for a period of 20 min at 17 rpm, and finally, magnesium stearate was added and mixing was continued for 5 min at the same speed, i.e., 17 rpm. After that, the mixture of ingredients was put into a rotary tablet press Korsch XL10 and compressed into round, biconvex tablets. The main compression was equal to 9.4-9.6 kN.

Dissolution Tests
The dissolution tests were performed in artificial gastric juice (pH 3.0) solution as well and in a 20 mL vessel, at a temperature of 37 • C and a stirring speed of 100 rpm. These parameters are designed to simulate gastric conditions. For the preparation of artificial gastric juice, 2.0 g of sodium chloride and 3.2 g of pepsin powder were dissolved in 1000 mL of water. Then, 80 mL of hydrochloric acid (1 mol·L −1 ) was added and made up to 1000.0 mL with water. A standard calibration curve of known amounts of IBU was used to quantify the amount of IBU released using a UV spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 264 nm.
The assessment of changes in concentration during the study of IBU released from tablets in prepared solutions was evaluated using the reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with a diode array detector, RP-HPLC-DAD. The prepared tablet of known weight (containing 50 mg of API) was placed in the vessel. The medium was maintained at 37 • C and agitated at 50 rpm. The samples for testing the concentration of IBU in the acceptor fluid were collected at specific time intervals (from 0 to 180 min). The collected volumes of the acceptor fluid solution were supplemented with the appropriate amount of the acceptor fluid at the same temperature and containing no substance. The collected samples were filtered through a syringe filter with a diameter of 0.45 µm. IBU concentration was determined using the HPLC-DAD method.
The concentration of ibuprofen was determined by Agilent 708-DS Dissolution Apparatus (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA) equipped with a UV detector at 264 nm. The column was Kinetex C18 (5 µm, 100 × 2.10 mm), and the mobile phase was composed of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile solution (60:40, v/v). A flow rate 0.7 mL·min −1 were employed.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR)
FTIR was used to identify the interactions between the polymer matrix and IBU, or between the polymer matrix, IBU, and COM. Infrared spectra were collected using a Nexus Nicolet 5700 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR, Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments Corporation, Madison, WI, USA) equipped with an attenuated total reflection (ATR) accessory with a diamond crystal at room temperature in range 4000-600 cm −1 and resolution 4 cm −1 at 64 scans.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
The thermal properties of the pure ingredients and extrudates were analyzed using a DSC1 instrument (Mettler-Toledo, Greifensee, Switzerland). The sample (3-5 mg) was cooled with an intracooler to −50 • C and heated to 140 • C with a rate of 10 • C·min −1 . The glass transition temperatures (T g, taken as a midpoint) and melting temperatures (T m ) were determined from the heating cycles in the DSC traces, and were estimated using the automated tools in the DSC1 software STAR e .

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed using a Tarsus analyzer instrument TG 209 F3 (NETZSCH-Geratebau GmbH, Germany) to evaluate the thermal stability and composition of the samples. Samples in the form of powder weighing about 20 mg were placed in platinum crucibles and then on the thermobalance support. The measurement was carried out with a heating rate 10 • C·min −1 in the temperature range of 30-600 • C under a nitrogen atmosphere (protective gas flow of 10 mL·min −1 and purge gas 20 mL·min −1 ).

X-ray Powder Diffraction
XRPD was used to characterize the solid-state properties of the pure components and extrudates using an X-ray diffractometer TUR-M 62 used in the X-ray examinations. The following measurement parameters were used: lamp with Cu anode as a radiation source-wavelength Kα = 1.5418 Å, cathode supply voltage: 30 kV, lamp (current: 25 mA), range of 2θ diffraction angles: 5-30 • or 10-30 • , pulse counting step: 0.04 • /2θ = 3 s.

Physical Characterization of Extrudates
During extrusion, attention was paid to the color of the emerging extrudate, and in the entire range of applied temperatures it was close to straw-yellow ( Figure 3). Moreover, the obtained Euragit-IBU extrudates were transparent, while those with the addition of COM plasticizer were opaque. This is due to the partial insolubility of the lipophilic plasticizer in the Eudragit EPO-ibuprofen system. range of 2θ diffraction angles: 5-30° or 10-30°, pulse counting step: 0.04°/2θ = 3 s.

Physical Characterization of Extrudates
During extrusion, attention was paid to the color of the emerging extrudate, and in the entire range of applied temperatures it was close to straw-yellow ( Figure 3). Moreover, the obtained Euragit-IBU extrudates were transparent, while those with the addition of COM plasticizer were opaque. This is due to the partial insolubility of the lipophilic plasticizer in the Eudragit EPO-ibuprofen system.

Thermal Properties
In the first stage of the research, the characteristics of the ingredients were carried out. The temperatures of the characteristic phase transitions, i.e., the glass transition temperature of the polymer and the melting points of the API and the plasticizer, were determined. These temperatures are important for determining processing parameters because the extrusion is carried out above the glass transition temperature of the polymer, which leads to a reduction of its viscosity and promotes uniform flow during processing. Eudragit EPO glass transition occurs at a fairly low temperature, i.e., 42 °C, which is consistent with the literature [11]. On the other hand, IBU and COM melt at similar temperatures, i.e., Tm IBU = 76 °C (also confirmed in the literature [2]) and Tm COM = 73 °C (similarly to the literature [22]). In addition, the extrusion process should be conducted below the degradation temperature to avoid degradation of the ingredients, which would result in product contamination. Thermal stability tests were carried out using the TGA method. As can be seen from the results shown in Table 3, ibuprofen degrades at the lowest temperature, i.e., 126 °C; however, the matrix is more temperature-stable and its degradation starts above 200 °C. Based on the obtained results, a mixture of Eudragit/IBU was extruded and its thermal stability is higher than that of pure IBU. Hence, the extrusion temperature range was set at 90-140 °C.
Extrudates containing Eudragit EPO and ibuprofen have only one Tg, which appears around 15 °C ( Figure 4). Thus, ibuprofen exerts a plasticizing effect on Eudragit EPO, lowering the Tg of the pure polymer by about 30 °C. In addition, there is no melting peak of ibuprofen on the thermograms, which proves that the drug is completely dissolved in the matrix; it is in an amorphous form, and therefore it is in a form with better bioavailability. Thus, solid polymer-API dispersions were obtained in all cases.

Thermal Properties
In the first stage of the research, the characteristics of the ingredients were carried out. The temperatures of the characteristic phase transitions, i.e., the glass transition temperature of the polymer and the melting points of the API and the plasticizer, were determined. These temperatures are important for determining processing parameters because the extrusion is carried out above the glass transition temperature of the polymer, which leads to a reduction of its viscosity and promotes uniform flow during processing. Eudragit EPO glass transition occurs at a fairly low temperature, i.e., 42 • C, which is consistent with the literature [11]. On the other hand, IBU and COM melt at similar temperatures, i.e., T m IBU = 76 • C (also confirmed in the literature [2]) and T m COM = 73 • C (similarly to the literature [22]). In addition, the extrusion process should be conducted below the degradation temperature to avoid degradation of the ingredients, which would result in product contamination. Thermal stability tests were carried out using the TGA method. As can be seen from the results shown in Table 3, ibuprofen degrades at the lowest temperature, i.e., 126 • C; however, the matrix is more temperature-stable and its degradation starts above 200 • C. Based on the obtained results, a mixture of Eudragit/IBU was extruded and its thermal stability is higher than that of pure IBU. Hence, the extrusion temperature range was set at 90-140 • C. Extrudates containing Eudragit EPO and ibuprofen have only one T g , which appears around 15 • C ( Figure 4). Thus, ibuprofen exerts a plasticizing effect on Eudragit EPO, lowering the T g of the pure polymer by about 30 • C. In addition, there is no melting peak of ibuprofen on the thermograms, which proves that the drug is completely dissolved in the matrix; it is in an amorphous form, and therefore it is in a form with better bioavailability. Thus, solid polymer-API dispersions were obtained in all cases. In contrast, materials consisting of Eudragit EPO, ibuprofen, and COM 888 A show two Tg ( Figure 5). The first Tg occurs around 10 °C and the second Tg around 45 In addition, the thermograms show a melting peak at a temperature of about 66 °C, w indicates a partial content of the plasticizer COM in the crystalline form. Thus, the a tion of COM to the polymer/IBU system causes a further decrease of the Tg (to the v of about 5-10 °C), which proves at least partial dissolution of the plasticizer in the ma The second Tg determined from the thermograms is, however, very close to the Tg o pure matrix. This suggests the existence of more phases in the material when COM added to the system. One phase is then probably a mixture of polymer, drug, and pl cizer, and the other is the pure polymer matrix. There is also a third phase-undissol crystalline COM. Moreover, the DSC thermograms indicate the presence of a single thermic peak at around 30 °C, which can be related to the cold crystallization of COM Moreover, rather no effect of processing conditions on the glass transition temp ture of the polymer matrix/IBU and polymer matrix/IBU/COM systems was obser This parameter shows neither a decreasing nor an increasing trend with increasing ex sion temperature. In contrast, materials consisting of Eudragit EPO, ibuprofen, and COM 888 ATO show two T g ( Figure 5). The first T g occurs around 10 • C and the second T g around 45 • C. In addition, the thermograms show a melting peak at a temperature of about 66 • C, which indicates a partial content of the plasticizer COM in the crystalline form. Thus, the addition of COM to the polymer/IBU system causes a further decrease of the T g (to the value of about 5-10 • C), which proves at least partial dissolution of the plasticizer in the matrix. The second T g determined from the thermograms is, however, very close to the T g of the pure matrix. This suggests the existence of more phases in the material when COM is added to the system. One phase is then probably a mixture of polymer, drug, and plasticizer, and the other is the pure polymer matrix. There is also a third phase-undissolved, crystalline COM. Moreover, the DSC thermograms indicate the presence of a single exothermic peak at around 30 • C, which can be related to the cold crystallization of COM. In contrast, materials consisting of Eudragit EPO, ibuprofen, and COM 888 A show two Tg ( Figure 5). The first Tg occurs around 10 °C and the second Tg around 45 In addition, the thermograms show a melting peak at a temperature of about 66 °C, w indicates a partial content of the plasticizer COM in the crystalline form. Thus, the a tion of COM to the polymer/IBU system causes a further decrease of the Tg (to the v of about 5-10 °C), which proves at least partial dissolution of the plasticizer in the ma The second Tg determined from the thermograms is, however, very close to the Tg o pure matrix. This suggests the existence of more phases in the material when CO added to the system. One phase is then probably a mixture of polymer, drug, and pl cizer, and the other is the pure polymer matrix. There is also a third phase-undissol crystalline COM. Moreover, the DSC thermograms indicate the presence of a single thermic peak at around 30 °C, which can be related to the cold crystallization of COM Moreover, rather no effect of processing conditions on the glass transition temp ture of the polymer matrix/IBU and polymer matrix/IBU/COM systems was obser This parameter shows neither a decreasing nor an increasing trend with increasing ex sion temperature. Moreover, rather no effect of processing conditions on the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix/IBU and polymer matrix/IBU/COM systems was observed. This parameter shows neither a decreasing nor an increasing trend with increasing extrusion temperature.
A comparison of the thermogravimetric curves obtained for three different compositions: Eudragit EPO, the Eudragit EPO/ibuprofen system, and the Eudragit EPO/ibuprofen /plasticizer system with the TGA curves of pure ibuprofen and Compritol 888 ATO is shown in Figure 6. The thermogravimetric curves of the extrudates extruded at different processing temperatures are quite the same. Moreover, Figure 7 shows the DTG curves for all the above-mentioned samples.  A comparison of the thermogravimetric curves obtained for three differen tions: Eudragit EPO, the Eudragit EPO/ibuprofen system, and the Eudragi profen/plasticizer system with the TGA curves of pure ibuprofen and Comprit is shown in Figure 6. The thermogravimetric curves of the extrudates extruded processing temperatures are quite the same. Moreover, Figure 7 shows the D for all the above-mentioned samples. The TGA curves indicate complete decomposition of ibuprofen and Com ATO, which proceeds with the formation of gaseous products only, which d the decomposition of the matrix and resulting mixtures, where approximately residual mass remains in the final stage of the process. It can therefore be conc Eudragit EPO is clearly responsible for the presence of coke after combustion ple.
The TGA and DTG curves show that the compound with the lowest therm is ibuprofen. These data will confirm the information contained in Table 3, w the temperatures corresponding to 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, and 10% weight loss of th tion. It was assumed that sample decomposition begins when 2% of the mas the case of ibuprofen, such a loss appears already at a temperature of 141.7 ° more than 100 °C lower than the two percent decomposition temperature o EPO. This indicates the highest sensitivity of ibuprofen to temperature amon materials. Both on the thermogravimetric curve and its first derivative, it can b ibuprofen undergoes a clear one-stage decomposition, the maximum rate of w the temperature of 220 °C. The polymer matrix, Eudragit EPO, undergoes two-stage decompositi maximum rate of the first degradation step occurs at about 300 °C and the se °C. The decomposition of Compritol 888 ATO can be described as multi-sta The TGA curves indicate complete decomposition of ibuprofen and Compritol 888 ATO, which proceeds with the formation of gaseous products only, which differs from the decomposition of the matrix and resulting mixtures, where approximately 4% of the residual mass remains in the final stage of the process. It can therefore be concluded that Eudragit EPO is clearly responsible for the presence of coke after combustion of the sample.
The TGA and DTG curves show that the compound with the lowest thermal stability is ibuprofen. These data will confirm the information contained in Table 3, which shows the temperatures corresponding to 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, and 10% weight loss of the composition. It was assumed that sample decomposition begins when 2% of the mass is lost. In the case of ibuprofen, such a loss appears already at a temperature of 141.7 • C, which is more than 100 • C lower than the two percent decomposition temperature of Eudragit EPO. This indicates the highest sensitivity of ibuprofen to temperature among all tested materials. Both on the thermogravimetric curve and its first derivative, it can be seen that ibuprofen undergoes a clear one-stage decomposition, the maximum rate of which falls at the temperature of 220 • C.
The polymer matrix, Eudragit EPO, undergoes two-stage decomposition and the maximum rate of the first degradation step occurs at about 300 • C and the second at 440 • C. The decomposition of Compritol 888 ATO can be described as multi-stage, but the decomposition peaks overlap, which makes it impossible to determine them precisely. The last stage of decomposition is clearly visible, with the maximum rate at 418 • C. The matrix/drug and matrix/drug/plasticizer systems have a slightly more complicated distribution, which can be described as three-stage, with the third stage of decomposition probably being complex, or the image obtained may result from the appearance of noise on the thermogram. In a binary and ternary system, the first compound to decompose is ibuprofen. However, the degradation of Compritol 888 ATO and Eudragit EPO probably also begins in the same temperature range, as indicated by a small peak appearing around 290 • C.
The temperature at which both of these systems assume their maximum rate of decomposition is around 417 • C. The introduction of ibuprofen into the polymer matrix contributed to the acceleration of Eudragit EPO decomposition. The maximum rate of the first stage of polymer matrix decomposition occurs at a temperature of 300 • C and of the second stage at 437.5 • C. These temperatures decrease successively to 245 • C and 420 • C after adding ibuprofen. On the other hand, the introduction of the active substance into the multimolecular compound resulted in an improvement in the thermal degradation characteristics of ibuprofen-a delay in its decomposition. The maximum rate of decomposition of the pure compound occurs at 220 • C, while the rate of decomposition contained in the matrix is at 245 • C. The effect of Compritol 888 ATO on the resistance of the matrix/drug system is insignificant; however, it manifests itself in a slight shift of the composition's disintegration towards lower temperatures. As for the plasticizer itself, it decreased its thermal stability after introducing into a matrix made of Eudragit EPO.

XRPD Analysis
The diffractograms recorded for three Eudragit EPO/IBU extrudates obtained in different temperatures of the processing (90 • C, 120 • C, and 140 • C), are shown in Figure 8. Additionally, diffractograms of pristine IBU and pristine COM, are presented at Figure 9. The presented diffractograms of extrudates show three broad amorphous bands, the location of which is consistent with literature reports presenting a diffraction pattern characteristic of the amorphous structure of Eudragit EPO polymer [23]. The agreement of the peak positions indicates the amorphous structure of all three mixtures of the polymer with the active ingredient IBU. There are no ibuprofen peaks visible, as can be seen from the comparison with the diffractogram obtained for pristine IBU (Figure 9). This fact proves the complete dissolution of ibuprofen in the polymer matrix and the presence of API in amorphous form. peak positions indicates the amorphous structure of all three mixtures of the the active ingredient IBU. There are no ibuprofen peaks visible, as can be s comparison with the diffractogram obtained for pristine IBU (Figure 9). Th the complete dissolution of ibuprofen in the polymer matrix and the prese amorphous form.  Two extrudates consisting of a mixture of polymer, IBU, and plasticize also subjected to XRPD testing ( Figure 10). One additional peak can be seen tograms in relation to the diffractograms obtained for the polymer matrix without the addition of a plasticizer (Figure 8). This peak is associated with of a crystalline substance, and its position corresponds to the angle 2θ of 21 peak positions indicates the amorphous structure of all three mixtures of the p the active ingredient IBU. There are no ibuprofen peaks visible, as can be s comparison with the diffractogram obtained for pristine IBU (Figure 9). Thi the complete dissolution of ibuprofen in the polymer matrix and the presen amorphous form.  Two extrudates consisting of a mixture of polymer, IBU, and plasticize also subjected to XRPD testing ( Figure 10). One additional peak can be seen i tograms in relation to the diffractograms obtained for the polymer matrix/ without the addition of a plasticizer (Figure 8). This peak is associated with of a crystalline substance, and its position corresponds to the angle 2θ of 21 Two extrudates consisting of a mixture of polymer, IBU, and plasticizer COM were also subjected to XRPD testing ( Figure 10). One additional peak can be seen in the diffractograms in relation to the diffractograms obtained for the polymer matrix/API systems without the addition of a plasticizer (Figure 8). This peak is associated with the presence of a crystalline substance, and its position corresponds to the angle 2θ of 21 • . According to the diffractogram of Compritol 8888 ATO presented at Figure 9 and information provided in the article [24], the crystal form of Compritol 888 ATO gives a signal in the form of two peaks-the first, more intense, at 2θ equal to 21.22 • and the second, less intense, at 2θ equal to 23.43 • . These data confirm that the peak present in the obtained diffraction patterns comes from Compritol 888 ATO, which is at least partially in the crystalline state. The presence of only one peak may result from the fact that the plasticizer content in investigated systems is low, i.e., 10% by weight.
The presence of only one peak may result from the fact that the plasticizer c vestigated systems is low, i.e., 10% by weight.
The obtained results are consistent with those obtained by the DSC meth firm the amorphous nature of Eudragit EPO/IBU extrudates and the presen crystalline phase of the plasticizer in Eudragit EPO/IBU/COM extrudates.  Figure 11 shows a comparison of the FTIR-ATR spectra recorded for pu EPO and pure ibuprofen as well as the spectrum obtained for a physical mi dragit EPO with IBU as well as one of the prepared extrudates (E-EPO/IBU, T comparison of the spectra obtained for the physical mixture and the extr EPO/IBU shows differences that may indicate the presence of interactions polymer and API in the extrudate. This is indicated by a wide absorption b numbers in the range of 3600 cm −1 -3200 cm −1 , which appeared on the spectru trudate of Eudragit EPO/IBU. It can be related to stretching vibrations of the resulting from the protonation of the tertiary amino group of Eudragit EPO. then indicate a reaction between ibuprofen as an acid and the amino group of matrix. This band may also be superimposed by a band of moisture-related Additional confirmation of intermolecular interactions between components date is a slight peak appearing at the wavenumber of 1590 cm −1 , which is not the spectrum of the physical E-EPO/IBU mixture. This band corresponds to th of the carboxylate anion and suggests the formation of a IBU salt with the E in the case of extrudate.

Intermolecular Interactions
Also, in the FTIR spectrum of the Eudragit EPO/IBU/COM system, w sented in Figure 12 together with the spectra of a physical mixture of E-EP and pure Eudragit EPO and pure ibuprofen, absorption bands indicating inte tween the components of the composition are visible. Despite the overlappin sorption band of the hydroxyl group of Compritol 888 ATO with the absorp stretching vibrations of the N-H group, resulting from the protonation of amine group of Eudragit EPO, the interactions between ibuprofen and the pol are still confirmed by the peak at the wavenumber equal to 1590 cm −1 . This pr The obtained results are consistent with those obtained by the DSC method and confirm the amorphous nature of Eudragit EPO/IBU extrudates and the presence of a small crystalline phase of the plasticizer in Eudragit EPO/IBU/COM extrudates. Figure 11 shows a comparison of the FTIR-ATR spectra recorded for pure Eudragit EPO and pure ibuprofen as well as the spectrum obtained for a physical mixture of Eudragit EPO with IBU as well as one of the prepared extrudates (E-EPO/IBU, T = 90 • C). A comparison of the spectra obtained for the physical mixture and the extrudate of E-EPO/IBU shows differences that may indicate the presence of interactions between the polymer and API in the extrudate. This is indicated by a wide absorption band at wave numbers in the range of 3600 cm −1 -3200 cm −1 , which appeared on the spectrum of the extrudate of Eudragit EPO/IBU. It can be related to stretching vibrations of the N-H group, resulting from the protonation of the tertiary amino group of Eudragit EPO. This would then indicate a reaction between ibuprofen as an acid and the amino group of the polymer matrix. This band may also be superimposed by a band of moisture-related vibrations. Additional confirmation of intermolecular interactions between components of the extrudate is a slight peak appearing at the wavenumber of 1590 cm −1 , which is not observed in the spectrum of the physical E-EPO/IBU mixture. This band corresponds to the vibrations of the carboxylate anion and suggests the formation of a IBU salt with the Eudragit EPO in the case of extrudate.

Intermolecular Interactions
Also, in the FTIR spectrum of the Eudragit EPO/IBU/COM system, which is presented in Figure 12 together with the spectra of a physical mixture of E-EPO/IBU/COM and pure Eudragit EPO and pure ibuprofen, absorption bands indicating interactions between the components of the composition are visible. Despite the overlapping of the absorption band of the hydroxyl group of Compritol 888 ATO with the absorption band of stretching vibrations of the N-H group, resulting from the protonation of the tertiary amine group of Eudragit EPO, the interactions between ibuprofen and the polymer matrix are still confirmed by the peak at the wavenumber equal to 1590 cm −1 . This proves that the plasticizer has no effect on the process of salt formation between the active compound and the polymer matrix.
The FTIR spectra of all Eudragit EPO/IBU and Eudragit EPO/IBU/COM systems analyzed in this work, extruded in different technological conditions, do not show significant differences. Absorption bands in most cases coincide; only their intensity changes slightly.
However, no correlation was found between the size of the peaks corresponding to the content of the formed salt (absorption peak at 1590 cm −1 ) and the processing temperature. Thus, it can be concluded that the technological conditions used during the extrusion process probably do not have a significant impact on the material obtained.
Polymers 2023, 15,2912 plasticizer has no effect on the process of salt formation between the active compou the polymer matrix. Figure 11. FTIR-ATR spectra of pure Eudragit EPO and ibuprofen as well as the matrix/dru extruded at 90 °C.
The FTIR spectra of all Eudragit EPO/IBU and Eudragit EPO/IBU/COM syst alyzed in this work, extruded in different technological conditions, do not show cant differences. Absorption bands in most cases coincide; only their intensity slightly. However, no correlation was found between the size of the peaks corresp to the content of the formed salt (absorption peak at 1590 cm −1 ) and the processi perature. Thus, it can be concluded that the technological conditions used during trusion process probably do not have a significant impact on the material obtaine Confirmation of the interactions between the components of the compositi positively affect the stability of the obtained solid polymer/IBU dispersions. Thus, tests were carried out in accelerated conditions, i.e., at 40 °C and 75% humidity f riod of 28 days and 3 months. DSC thermograms and XRPD diffractograms tak preparation of the tablets and after the aging period were compared, and no chang observed. Thus, stable amorphous solid dispersions were obtained.   The FTIR spectra of all Eudragit EPO/IBU and Eudragit EPO/IBU/COM syst alyzed in this work, extruded in different technological conditions, do not show cant differences. Absorption bands in most cases coincide; only their intensity slightly. However, no correlation was found between the size of the peaks corresp to the content of the formed salt (absorption peak at 1590 cm −1 ) and the processi perature. Thus, it can be concluded that the technological conditions used during trusion process probably do not have a significant impact on the material obtaine Confirmation of the interactions between the components of the composit positively affect the stability of the obtained solid polymer/IBU dispersions. Thus, tests were carried out in accelerated conditions, i.e., at 40 °C and 75% humidity f riod of 28 days and 3 months. DSC thermograms and XRPD diffractograms tak preparation of the tablets and after the aging period were compared, and no chang observed. Thus, stable amorphous solid dispersions were obtained.

Tablets Preparation
Prepared tablets containing extrudates with and without Compritol were tes results are presented in Table 4. Tablets with Compritol are slightly harder and m tle and have a much longer disintegration time than tablets without the addition Confirmation of the interactions between the components of the composition may positively affect the stability of the obtained solid polymer/IBU dispersions. Thus, stability tests were carried out in accelerated conditions, i.e., at 40 • C and 75% humidity for a period of 28 days and 3 months. DSC thermograms and XRPD diffractograms taken after preparation of the tablets and after the aging period were compared, and no changes were observed. Thus, stable amorphous solid dispersions were obtained.

Tablets Preparation
Prepared tablets containing extrudates with and without Compritol were tested, and results are presented in Table 4. Tablets with Compritol are slightly harder and more brittle and have a much longer disintegration time than tablets without the addition of Compritol. In addition, the uniformity of the composition is greater in the case of tablets without the addition of Compritol. Thus, Compritol slightly deteriorates the properties of the prepared tablets.

Dissolution Tests
Tablets, containing the obtained extrudates at the processing temperature of 90 • C and 140 • C, prepared in accordance with the described methodology, were subjected to the study of the release of the active substance in the gastric juice solution. Two types of extrudates were investigated, i.e., with and without of the addition of plasticizer Compritol 888 ATO. Obtained results are presented on Figure 13.
pritol. In addition, the uniformity of the composition is greater in the case of ta out the addition of Compritol. Thus, Compritol slightly deteriorates the prope prepared tablets.

Dissolution Tests
Tablets, containing the obtained extrudates at the processing temperatu and 140 °C, prepared in accordance with the described methodology, were s the study of the release of the active substance in the gastric juice solution. Tw extrudates were investigated, i.e., with and without of the addition of plasti pritol 888 ATO. Obtained results are presented on Figure 13. Figure 13. Ibuprofen release profiles from tablets containing Eudragit/IBU or Eudrag extrudates obtained at a processing temperature of 90 °C or 140 °C in artificial gastric ju and: yellow circle-E-EPO 75%/IBU 25% + 10% COM extruded at 90 °C, gray trian 75%/IBU 25% + 10% COM extruded at 140 °C, orange square-E-EPO 75%/IBU 25% ex °C, blue diamond-E-EPO 75%/IBU 25% extruded at 140 °C.
Both the processing temperature and the addition of a COM affect the rel from the tested tablets. In the gastric juice, solution for which the E-EPO tab tended, the best release profile was obtained for tablets with the Eudragit EPO Figure 13. Ibuprofen release profiles from tablets containing Eudragit/IBU or Eudragit/IBU/COM extrudates obtained at a processing temperature of 90 • C or 140 • C in artificial gastric juice (pH 3.1) and: yellow circle-E-EPO 75%/IBU 25% + 10% COM extruded at 90 • C, gray triangle-E-EPO 75%/IBU 25% + 10% COM extruded at 140 • C, orange square-E-EPO 75%/IBU 25% extruded at 90 • C, blue diamond-E-EPO 75%/IBU 25% extruded at 140 • C.
Both the processing temperature and the addition of a COM affect the release of IBU from the tested tablets. In the gastric juice, solution for which the E-EPO tablets are intended, the best release profile was obtained for tablets with the Eudragit EPO/IBU extrudate obtained at 140 • C without the addition of a plasticizer. Within 180 min 63.3% of the IBU was released from the tablet. On the other hand, from the tablet containing the extrudate obtained at a lower processing temperature, i.e., 90 • C, 57.7% of IBU was released.
Significantly lower values of the released active substance were recorded in the case of tablets containing E-EPO/IBU/COM extrudates, with only 40% of IBU released in the case of the extrudate obtained at a lower processing temperature (90 • C) and 51.5% of IBU when processing temperature was 140 • C. Thus, the addition of a COM, which improves the processing of the polymer matrix/API system, has a delaying effect on the release of the API. It is possible that this will be a modified release, but unfortunately, longer release studies have not yet been conducted, which are in further research plans.
Since the release process is characterized by better parameters when it contains the extrudate obtained at 140 • C, and the other parameters of the extrudates obtained at different processing temperatures are the same, the best extrusion temperature for studied system Eudragit EPO/IBU will be 140 • C.

Conclusions
We have successfully obtained amorphous solid polymer/API dispersions using Eudragit EPO as the polymer matrix and 25 wt% ibuprofen as the API. We used different extrusion temperatures from 90 • C to 140 • C determined on the basis of DSC phase transition measurements and TGA thermal stability measurements of ingredients used in investigations. Obtaining of amorphous solid dispersions of polymer/API was confirmed by both DSC and XRPD studies. They were stable in accelerated conditions (40 • C, 75% RH) for studied period of time, i.e., three months. In the case of using the Compritol 888 ATO plasticizer as a compound to improve the extrusion parameters, it turned out that part of the plasticizer does not mix with the polymer/API system and remains in the crystalline phase. However, it improved processing parameters. IBU release profiles from tablets showed that tablets containing extrudate without plasticizer obtained at 140 • C had the best properties.

Data Availability Statement:
The data presented in this study are available upon request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.