Cocrystals are crystalline materials composed of two or more distinct molecular entities, typically an active pharmaceutical ingredient and a coformer, that are held together by non-covalent interactions. They are engineered to enhance the physicochemical properties of the components, such as solubility, stability, and bioavailability, without altering their chemical identities.

Cocrystals

Crystalline materials are solids whose atoms or molecules are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. This ordered structure results in distinct physical properties such as anisotropy, well-defined melting points, and the ability to diffract X-rays, making them crucial in fields like materials science and solid-state physics.

Crystalline Materials

Distinct molecular entities

An Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is the biologically active component in a drug product that produces the intended effects for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. The quality and purity of APIs are critical for the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products, requiring stringent regulation and control throughout the manufacturing process.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Coformer

Non-covalent interactions are critical forces that stabilize the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules and mediate interactions between them, without involving the sharing of electron pairs. These interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, and van der Waals forces, are generally weaker than covalent bonds but are essential for the dynamic and reversible nature of biological processes.

Non-covalent Interactions

Physicochemical Properties

Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, forming a homogeneous mixture at a specific temperature and pressure. It is influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solute and solvent, and is crucial in fields ranging from chemistry to pharmacology.

Solubility

Stability refers to the ability of a system or entity to maintain its state or return to it after a disturbance, ensuring continuity and predictability over time. It is a fundamental characteristic sought in various fields such as physics, economics, and social sciences, where it implies resilience and equilibrium.

Stability

Bioavailability is the proportion of a drug or other substance that enters the bloodstream when introduced into the body and is thus able to have an active effect. It is a critical pharmacokinetic property that influences the efficacy and safety of medications and nutrients.

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