Co-crystallization is a promising approach for improving physical and pharmacological properties of API, viz., solubility, dissolution rate, stability, hygroscopicity, tablet ability, mechanical properties, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. Different methods for the preparation of pharmaceutical co-crystals have been discussed. Instrumental and physicochemical characterization methods have also been included. Herbal bioactives are potential candidates for co-crystallization to improve solubility, mask taste, and improve bioavailability. Literature on the development of co-crystals of herbal bioactives like curcumin, quercetin, berberine, resveratrol, naringenin, and miscellaneous herbal compounds has been reported systematically in the present review. In conclusion, co-crystallization of herbal bioactives is a promising method for enhancing their physical properties. However, toxicological, stability, regulatory, and scaleup issues must be adequately addressed before commercial viability can be expected.

In the present study, microcrystallinecellulose–colloidal silicon dioxide (MCC-SiO2) and carboxymethylcellulose–colloidal silicon dioxide (CMC-SiO2) conjugates have been investigated as superdisintegrants in fast dissolving tablets (FDTs). MCC-SiO2 and CMC-SiO2 conjugates were prepared and micromeritic studies, FTIR, SEM and XRD methods were utilized for characterizing the powdered conjugates. The conjugates were used for the preparation of domperidone FDTs by direct compression and thewetting time, water absorption ratio, disintegration time and in vitro drug release were evaluated. Effective pore radius of MCC-SiO2 and CMC-SiO2 conjugates for 1:1, 1:2.5 and 1:5 was found to be 13.35 ± 0.31 µm, 15.66 ± 0.17 µm and 18.38 ± 0.44 µm, and 16.81 ± 0.24 µm, 20.12 ± 0.39 µm and 26.37 ± 0.24 µm, respectively, compared to 12.21 ± 0.23 µm for MCC and 13.65 ± 0.21 µm for CMC. The results of effective pore radius indicate the wicking capability as well as the disintegration potential of MCC-SiO2 and CMC-SiO2 conjugates over pure MCC and CMC. The results of wetting time, water absorption ratio and disintegration time for MCC-SiO2 conjugates were found to be in the range of 19 ± 1.21 to 30 ± 1.33 s, 42 ± 0.28 to 49 ± 0.47% and 15 ± 2 to 40 ± 1 s, and for CMC-SiO2 conjugates were found to be in the range of 21 ± 1.13 to 40 ± 1.17 s, 42 ± 0.94 to 49 ± 0.57% and 12 ± 2 to 20 ± 3 s, respectively. Conjugation of MCC and CMC with SiO2 led to the formation of a complex with remarkable tablet superdisintegrant potential that could be used in preparing fast disintegrating tablets.

Pharmaceutical product development is a challenging, time-consuming, and cost-intensive process. Computational methods could be used for assistance and speed up the industrial process. Artificial neural networks (ANN) and neuro-fuzzy models are tools of artificial intelligence that can be used to develop pharmaceutical products to enhance productivity, quality, and consistency. In the present review, the working principle of ANN and neuro-fuzzy models has been discussed, elaborating on their different types, advantages, and disadvantages. Furthermore, the application of these computational techniques in developing pharmaceutical products like suspension, emulsion, microemulsion, nanocarriers, tablets, transdermal preparations, etc., has been discussed in detail.

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