Dispersed Systems, Suspensions, and Colloids in Pharmaceutics
Dispersed Systems in Pharmaceutics
A dispersed system is a two-phase system in which one substance (dispersed phase) is
distributed throughout another (dispersion medium). These systems are essential in
pharmacy for drug formulation and delivery.
Types of Dispersed Systems (Based on Particle Size)
1. Molecular Dispersions (True Solutions)
- Particle size: < 1 nm
- Example: Salt solution, glucose solution
- Characteristics: Homogeneous, invisible under a microscope, pass through
semipermeable membranes
2. Colloidal Dispersions (Colloids)
- Particle size: 1 nm – 1 µm
- Example: Gels, emulsions, liposomes
- Characteristics: Visible under electron microscope, do not settle under gravity, show
Brownian movement and Tyndall effect
3. Coarse Dispersions (Suspensions & Emulsions)
- Particle size: >1 µm
- Example: Suspensions (antacid suspensions), emulsions (milk, intravenous fat
emulsions)
- Characteristics: Visible under optical microscope, settle under gravity, require stabilizers
Suspensions in Pharmaceutics
A suspension is a heterogeneous system in which solid drug particles are dispersed in a
liquid medium.
Pharmaceutical Applications
- Oral suspensions (e.g., antibiotics like amoxicillin suspension)
- Parenteral suspensions (e.g., insulin, vaccines)
- Topical suspensions (e.g., calamine lotion)
- Ophthalmic suspensions (e.g., prednisolone eye drops)
Stability Issues & Solutions
- Sedimentation: Increase viscosity using suspending agents
- Caking: Use flocculating agents
- Crystal growth (Ostwald ripening): Use controlled formulation techniques
- Microbial growth: Add preservatives
Colloids in Pharmaceutics
A colloid is a system where small particles (1 nm – 1 µm) are dispersed in a continuous
phase.
Types of Pharmaceutical Colloids
- Lyophilic Colloids: Gelatin, starch, albumin solutions
- Lyophobic Colloids: Gold sol, silver sol (require stabilizers)
- Association Colloids: Surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (used in drug solubilization)
Pharmaceutical Applications
- Drug Delivery: Liposomes, nanoparticles improve drug solubility and targeting
- Parenteral Colloidal Solutions: Blood plasma expanders (dextran solutions)
- Topical Colloidal Systems: Gels for sustained drug release (e.g., hydrogels)
- Emulsions: Oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions (e.g., propofol injection)
Comparison: Suspensions vs. Colloids
Feature Suspension Colloid
Particle Size >1 µm 1 nm – 1 µm
Settling Yes (requires shaking) No (remains stable)
Examples Antibiotic suspensions, Gels, micelles, emulsions
antacids
Stability Suspending agents, Surfactants, charge
flocculants stabilization
Use Oral, topical, injectables Drug carriers, emulsions,
hydrogels
Conclusion
Dispersed systems are essential for effective drug delivery and stability in pharmaceuticals.
Suspensions are useful for poorly soluble drugs requiring liquid formulations, while colloids
enhance solubility, stability, and targeted drug delivery. Understanding these systems is
crucial for developing high-quality pharmaceutical products.
1. Role in Drug Formulations – Dispersed systems help improve drug stability and
delivery.
2. Suspensions – Used for poorly soluble drugs in liquid form.
3. Colloids – Enhance solubility, stability, and targeted drug delivery.
4. Importance of Understanding Stability – Proper formulation ensures drug
safety, effectiveness, and quality.
