Towards determining appropriate hydrodynamic conditions for in vitro in vivo correlations using computational fluid dynamics

One of the earliest level A in vitro dissolution in vivo absorption correlations (IVIVCs) was established by Levy and co-workers in 1965 using a beaker dissolution apparatus Levy et al., 1965. In the current work, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package, Fluent®, was used to simulate the hydrodynamics within the Levy beaker apparatus and compare them to those within the paddle and basket apparatuses. In vitro velocity values relevant to in vivo dissolution, presented as apparent gastrointestinal fluid velocity (AGV) values, were calculated. The AGV values were estimated from IVIVCs of immediate release (IR) dosage forms in each apparatus and CFD simulations. The simulations from the Levy apparatus revealed complex hydrodynamics in the region of the stirrer blades, and radial inflow at the centre of the beaker base. The calculated AGV values ranged from 0.001 to 0.026 ms−1. In vitro fluid velocities should reflect in vivo dissolution rates affected by natural convection and gastrointestinal motility, in addition to local fluid velocity. The maximum CFD generated velocity at the base of the paddle apparatus at 20 rpm was similar to the average maximum AGV value determined, suggesting use of agitation rates which are lower than those commonly used (e.g. 50 rpm in the paddle apparatus) may be appropriate when attempting an IVIVC for IR dosage forms.