Abstract
A simple, sensitive, accurate, robust headspace gas chromatographic method was developed for the quantitative determination of acetone and isopropyl alcohol in tartaric acid-based pellets of dipyridamole modified release capsules. The residual solvents acetone and isopropyl alcohol were used in the manufacturing process of the tartaric acid-based pellets of dipyridamole modified release capsules by considering the solubility of the dipyridamole and excipients in the different manufacturing stages. The method was developed and optimized by using fused silica DB-624 (30 m × 0.32 mm × 1.8 µm) column with the flame ionization detector. The method validation was carried out with regard to the guidelines for validation of analytical procedures Q2 demanded by the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). All the validation characteristics were meeting the acceptance criteria. Hence, the developed and validated method can be applied for the intended routine analysis.
1. Introduction
Dipyridamole (2,6-bis-(diethanolamino)-4,8-dipiperidino-(5,4-d)-pyrimidine) displays antithrombotic and antiaggregatory activity. The dipyridamole (Figure 1) is used in combination with “blood thinners” such as warfarin to avoid clot formation after heart valve replacements. Clots are a serious complication that can cause strokes, heart attacks, or blocked blood vessels in the lungs (pulmonary embolisms). Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet drug. Dipyridamole is an odourless yellow crystalline powder, having a bitter taste.
Dipyridamole exhibits a relatively short biological half-life of less than one hour. Therefore, extended release formulations of dipyridamole, which provide a continual administration of active ingredient over time, are preferred. Dipyridamole is soluble in acidic mediums with a pH below 4 and is practically insoluble in water. Therefore, dipyridamole is readily absorbed in the more acidic regions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, but remains insoluble in the more basic regions of the intestine. To obtain a constant level of dipyridamole in the blood, it is advantageous to formulate a dipyridamole dosage form that releases dipyridamole at a controlled rate and at a defined pH. Acidic components can be coadministered with dipyridamole to maintain a defined pH level throughout administration. Dipyridamole can also be administered with other active ingredients, such as aspirin. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is an inhibitory substance which counteracts the aggregation of human blood platelets by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and thereby inhibiting the biosynthesis of the aggregation promoting thromboxane A2 [1, 2]. The residual solvents present in tartaric acid-based pellets of dipyridamole modified release capsules are classified as class 3 solvents as per the ICH Q3C guidelines.
The dipyridamole in tartaric acid-based pellets of dipyridamole modified release 150 mg and 200 mg capsules are available in the market. Each capsule contains dipyridamole 200 mg and 150 mg respective dosage strength. The adults including the elders recommended dose is one capsule twice daily, usually one in the morning and one in the evening preferably with meals. The capsules should be swallowed whole without chewing as per eMC [3].
In the literature survey, quite a few GC method have been reported from the determination of the residual solvents in dipyridamole API [4], few liquid chromatographic methods have been reported for determination of dipyridamole in pharmaceutical preparation [4–6], and few methods have been reported for dipyridamole and its degradation product [7, 8]. However, several methods were reported for determination of dipyridamole in combination with other drugs [9–12]. Estimation of dipyridamole and its metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatographic-mass spectroscopy and HPLC has been performed [13–15].
The aim of this study is to develop the simple and fast analytical method for estimation of residual solvents in the tartaric acid-based pellets of dipyridamole modified release capsules, and the method can be used for the routine analysis. The developed method was subjected for the analytical validation with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), robustness, and ruggedness as per the ICH guidelines [16].
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Chemicals and Reagents
The GC grade N,N-dimethylsulfoxide, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, HPLC grade water, nitrogen gas, air, and hydrogen. The dipyridamole drug substance, placebo samples of dipyridamole modified release capsules, and samples of dipyridamole modified release capsules were supplied by Bluefish Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, India.
2.2. Equipment
The analytical method was developed by using the Agilent 7890A coupled with G1888 network headspace sampler, analytical balance from Mettler Toledo, micropipette from Eppendorf, headspace crimp vials, and suitable glass apparatus for solution preparations.
2.3. Chromatographic Conditions
The method was developed and validated by using fused silica DB-624 (30 m × 0.32 mm × 1.8 µm) column with the flame ionization detector (FID) and the chromatographic parameters are given in Table 1. The chromatographic retention time of acetone and isopropyl alcohol is given in Table 2.
2.4. Preparation of Solutions
2.4.1. Diluent Solution
A mixture of N,N-dimethylsulfoxide and water was used as diluent.
2.4.2. Blank Solution
Transfer 5 mL of diluent into 20 mL headspace and crimp cap immediately.
2.4.3. Preparation of Standard Solution (Stock)
Weigh and transfer about 500 mg of isopropyl alcohol and 500 mg of acetone into 50 mL volumetric flask containing about 30 mL of diluent mix and make up to the mark with diluent.
2.4.4. Preparation of Standard Solution
Pipette out 5 mL of the above standard stock solution into 100 mL volumetric flask and make up to the mark with diluent. Transfer 5 mL of above solution into 20 mL headspace vials, and crimp cap immediately.
2.4.5. Preparation of Sample Solution
Open five capsules and crush the pellets using mortar pestle. Weigh and transfer 500 mg of crushed powder into 20 mL headspace vial, add 5 mL of diluent, and crimp the cap immediately.
2.5. System Suitability Criteria
The present relative standard deviation of standard peak area for six replicate injections should not be more than 10.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Method Development and Optimization
The analytical method development was initiated by using the Agilent 7890A coupled with G1888 network headspace sampler, fused silica DB-624 (30 m × 0.32 mm × 1.8 µm) column with the flame ionization detector (FID), carrier gas as helium. The front injector conditions (injector temperature 140°C, carrier gas flow 2.0 mL/min, and split ration 5 : 1), front detector conditions (detector temperature 260°C, hydrogen flow 40 mL/minute, and air flow 300 mL/minute), oven conditions (40°C for 10 minutes and increasing the temperature to 250°C at the rate of 30°C/minute and hold for 10 minutes), headspace oven temperature 100°C, loop temperature 105°C, transfer line temperature 110°C. The dimethylsulfoxide used as diluent for solution preparations. Based on the above experiment, we found the very less resolution between acetone and isopropyl alcohol. The further experiments were conducted by altering the chromatographic conditions to achieve satisfactory resolution between acetone and isopropyl alcohol.
The further experiment was conducted by using the above experiment chromatographic parameters and by changing the front injector condition and headspace sampler condition. Based on the above experiment, we found the very less resolution between acetone and isopropyl alcohol and found the placebo peak interference was observed at the retention time of acetone. The aim is to resolve the issue of placebo peak interference, needs to modify the diluent or headspace oven temperature conditions to finalize the method conditions.
The further experiment was conducted by using the fused silica DB-624 (30 m × 0.32 mm × 1.8 µm) column with the flame ionization detector (FID), carrier gas as nitrogen. The front injector conditions (injector temperature 140°C, carrier gas flow 1.0 mL/min, and split ration 20 : 1), front detector conditions (detector temperature 260°C, hydrogen flow 30 mL/minute, and air flow 300 mL/minute), oven conditions (40°C for 10 minutes and increasing the temperature to 210°C at the rate of 35°C/minute and hold for 5 minutes), headspace oven temperature 80°C, loop temperature 90°C, transfer line temperature 100°C. The misture of N,N-dimethylsulfoxide and water used as diluent for solution preprations. Based on the above experiment, it was found that no placebo interference was observed at the retention time of acetone and isopropyl alcohol, and resolution was found satisfactory.
Based on the optimization of the trials, the abovementioned chromatographic conditions were finalized for the quantification of the acetone and isopropyl alcohol in tartaric acid-based pellets of dipyridamole modified release capsules. Hence, this method can be validated and introduced for the routine analysis.
3.2. Method Validation
The developed analytical method for quantification of the residual solvents in the tartaric acid-based pellets of dipyridamole modified release capsules was validated as per International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) [15]. The validation parameters [17, 18] specificity, estimation of limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, linearity, range, ruggedness, and robustness were examined [17, 18].
3.2.1. System Suitability
To check the system suitability criteria, the solutions were prepared and injected as per the test method. All the parameters were found well within the acceptance criteria (Table 3).
3.2.2. Limit of Detection and Limit of Quantification
The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were established by the signal-to-noise ratio method by preparing the known concentrations of acetone and isopropyl alcohol and injected into gas chromatography headspace instrument as per the test method. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for each matrix were determined from the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) method of 3 : 1 and 10 : 1 by injecting the standard solutions (Table 4). The LOD and LOQ were verified by analysis of spiked standard solutions predefined acceptance criteria. The percent relative standard deviation for area response found for acetone at LOD concentration is 7.1 and LOQ is 3.5 and for isopropyl alcohol at LOD concentration is 5.2 and LOQ is 3.7.
3.2.3. Specificity
Specificity was accomplished by injecting the samples as per the test method and as a part of the specificity study. Blank, acetone, isopropyl alcohol solvent, and placebo were prepared and injected as per test method. No peak interference at the retention time of acetone and isopropyl alcohol was observed. Therefore, we conclude that this method is selective and suitable for the identification and quantification of the acetone and isopropyl alcohol in the dipyridamole modified release capsules.
The chromatograms are given for the blank (Figure 2), placebo (Figure 3), acetone (Figure 4), isopropyl alcohol (Figure 5), standard (Figure 6), as-such sample (Figure 7), and spiked blend solution (Figure 8).
3.2.4. Method Precision (Repeatability)
The method precision or intraassay precision was performed by preparing the six replicate test preparations () of dipyridamole 200 mg modified release capsules by spiking acetone and isopropyl alcohol specification level (Table 5 and Figure 9) analyzed as per the test method. The concentration in parts per million was calculated and found to be within the acceptance criteria. The relative standard deviations obtained for acetone were 1.0% and isopropyl alcohol 1.4%. The graphs for acetone and isopropyl alcohol are shown in Figure 9.
3.2.5. Accuracy
Accuracy of the proposed analytical procedure was evaluated from the assay results of the acetone and isopropyl alcohol as per the test method. A series of sample solutions were prepared in triplicate (six replicate test preparations for LOQ and about 200% levels) by spiking the acetone and isopropyl alcohol in placebo except LOQ level in the range of about 25%, 50%, 100%, and 150% of specification level and injected into HPLC system and analyzed as per the test method. The concentrations of acetone are 7.5 µg/mL, 1300 µg/mL, 2738 µg/mL, 5050 µg/mL, and 7694 µg/mL and of isopropyl alcohol are 28 µg/mL, 1304 µg/mL, 2745 µg/mL, 5063 µg/mL, and 7715 µg/mL. Individual % recovery, mean % recovery, % RSD, and squared correlation coefficient for linearity of the test method were calculated, and the results were found to be within the acceptance criteria (Table 6). The linearity graphs from accuracy results for acetone and isopropyl alcohol are shown in Figures 10 and 11, respectively.
3.2.6. Linearity
The linearity was studied by analyzing the standard solutions. A series of solutions of acetone and isopropyl alcohol solutions were prepared in the range of LOQ to about 150% of specification level and injected into the HPLC system. Linearity of detector response was established by plotting a graph between concentration versus response of acetone and isopropyl alcohol peaks. The detector response was found to be linear from about LOQ to 150% of specification level and injected into HPLC system and analyzed as per the test method. The concentrations of acetone are 7 µg/mL, 1260 µg/mL, 3024 µg/mL, 5040 µg/mL, and 7560 µg/mL and of isopropyl alcohol are 27 µg/mL, 1261 µg/mL, 3027 µg/mL, 5045 µg/mL, and 7567 µg/mL.
The square of correlation coefficient, slope, and % y-intercept at 100% level, intercept, and residual sum of squares were calculated, and the results were found to be within the acceptance criteria (Table 7).The linearity graphs from accuracy results for acetone and isopropyl alcohol are shown in Figures 12 and 13, respectively.
3.2.7. Ruggedness (Intermediate Precision)
Intermediate precision was performed by preparing the six replicate test preparations () of dipyridamole 200 mg modified release capsules by spiking acetone and isopropyl alcohol at specification level and analyzed as per the test method by using different Headspace gas chromatography system, different column of same make by different analyst on different day. The concentration in parts per million was calculated and found to be within the acceptance criteria. The overall concentration in parts per million for replicate preparations () of method precision and intermediate precision was calculated and found to be within the acceptance criteria (Table 8). The relative standard deviations obtained for acetone was 1.4% and isopropyl alcohol was 3.1%.
3.2.8. Solution Stability
The solution stability of acetone and isopropyl alcohol was determined by keeping sample solution and standard solutions at room temperature for 1 day and 2 day and measured against freshly prepared standard solution. The standard solution and sample solutions were found stable for 2 days at room temperature.
3.2.9. Robustness
Robustness of the proposed method was performed by keeping the chromatographic conditions constant with the following deliberate variations:(i)Change in carrier gas flow rate(ii)Change in column oven temperature(iii)Change in headspace sampler vial equilibration time(iv)Change in headspace vial oven temperature
The standard solution was injected six times in replicate for each abovementioned change. The system suitability parameters like % relative standard deviation for area response and % relative standard deviation for retention time were recorded for acetone and isopropyl alcohol and found well within the acceptance criteria. The results are given in Table 9, and the graphs for acetone and isopropyl alcohol are shown in Figures 14 and 15, respectively.
3.2.10. Application of the Proposed Method
The developed analytical method was applied to the analysis of real samples from the manufacturing unit. All the analytical validation parameters could be confirmed, and the method was proven to be suitable for routine analysis regarding rapid and accurate results.
4. Conclusions
A simple, sensitive, accurate, robust headspace gas chromatographic method was developed for the quantitative determination of residual solvents in tartaric acid-based pellets of dipyridamole modified release capsules. The proposed method was validated and found to be precise, accurate, linear, robust, and rugged, and all the validation parameter results were found satisfactory. The described method is suitable for routine analysis of production samples at laboratories.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the management of Bluefish Pharmaceuticals Private Limited for supporting and encouragement.