solubilisering

Solubilisering is the process of increasing a substance’s solubility in a solvent, most commonly water. It is a central technique in formulation science to enable adequate dissolution and systemic availability for poorly soluble compounds. Solubilisering is widely applied in pharmaceuticals to improve oral bioavailability, and it is also used in cosmetics, agrochemicals, and environmental applications where dissolution of hydrophobic constituents is desirable.

Several mechanisms and methods are used to achieve solubilisering. Surfactants can form micelles that solubilize lipophilic molecules in their hydrophobic core. Co-solvents such as ethanol or propylene glycol increase the solvent power of the liquid phase. Complexation with cyclic oligosaccharides (for example cyclodextrins) can stabilise and solubilise guest molecules. pH adjustment or salt formation can convert a compound to a more soluble ionic or zwitterionic form. Physical approaches include solid dispersions with hydrophilic polymers, which convert crystalline solids into more soluble amorphous forms, and particle size reduction to nano- or microcrystalline scales to increase surface area and dissolution rate.

The choice of method depends on the chemical properties of the solute, the target solvent, and the intended use, as well as safety and regulatory considerations. Solubilisering can improve dissolution rate and bioavailability, but may introduce stability challenges, compatibility issues, or undesirable effects on taste, viscosity, or toxicity. Careful formulation development and characterization are required to achieve robust and scalable outcomes.