Introduction

Wetting agent is a liquid that has no viscosity itself but can induce the viscosity of the material to be granulated or pressed to facilitate granulation and tablet compressing. Wetting excipients are substances added to drug formulations to improve their dissolution, dispersion, or distribution properties. They enhance the interaction between APIs and water, allowing the drug to penetrate biological membranes and tissues more effectively. This results in better absorption, higher bioavailability, and ultimately improved therapeutic outcomes.

Typically, substances like ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, etc. are used to grind with in order to achieve wetting for medications that are mild hydrophobic. Surfactants with HLB values between 6 and 15 are typically employed for medications or botanicals with high hydrophobicity.

(1) Contact angle: the contact angle is the angle between the droplet and the spreading surface, the selected wetting agent should be able to reduce the contact angle of the hydrophobic drug so that it is less than 90 °. Contact angle of 0, can be completely wet; contact angle of 0 ~ 90 ° can be wet, for hydrophilic drugs; contact angle is greater than 90 ° and less than 180 ° can not be wet; contact angle of 180 ° is not wet at all, for hydrophobic drugs.

(2) Interfacial tension: some wetting agents change the interfacial tension between the hydrophobic drug and the solvent.

(3) Wetting amount: the wetting point is the amount of solvent needed to wet 100g of hydrophobic drug, adding a wetting agent can make the wetting point drop, i.e. reduce the amount of solvent.

Applications

Wetting excipients have numerous applications in various dosage forms, including:
Oral formulations
Topical formulations
Parenteral formulations
Ophthalmic formulations
Nasal sprays

Conclusion

Formulations can benefit from the addition of wetting excipients to enhance their distribution, dispersion, or dissolving characteristics. Partnering with Protheragen-ING, a reputable supplier, ensures the availability of high-quality excipients and supports the development of stable and efficacious pharmaceutical products. If you have any excipient requirements, please contact us by phone or email, and we will respond within 2-4 working days.