BOC Sciences provides integrated solubility improvement services for poorly soluble active ingredients, research compounds, diagnostic reagents, personal-care ingredients, and other functional molecules. Our scientists combine physical modification, molecular redesign, formulation screening, process development, and analytical characterization to identify a practical strategy for each compound and application. Projects can be integrated with our broader formulation services when prototype preparation and dosage-form development are required.
Low solubility can limit concentration, slow dissolution, cause precipitation after dilution or pH change, reduce content uniformity, and make a formulation difficult to prepare or reproduce. The underlying cause may be high crystal-lattice energy, excessive lipophilicity, poor wetting, an unsuitable ionization profile, aggregation, or incompatibility with the intended medium. Solubility improvement is therefore not a single test or excipient choice. It is a structured process that connects molecular properties, solid-state behavior, formulation conditions, and the performance required in the final application.
BOC Sciences controls particle size and surface behavior to increase the contact area between poorly soluble compounds and the surrounding medium.
Poorly soluble compounds are dispersed within compatible hydrophilic carriers to reduce crystalline order and generate higher-energy amorphous or molecularly dispersed systems.
Salt formation and cocrystal engineering modify crystal packing, lattice energy, hydration, and dissolution behavior without changing the parent compound's covalent structure.
BOC Sciences identifies solid forms with different lattice structures, thermodynamic properties, dissolution behavior, and transformation risks.
Appropriately positioned acidic or basic groups can increase molecular ionization and hydration within the pH range required by the intended application.
Neutral polar groups can strengthen interactions with water when permanent charge or strong pH-dependent ionization is unsuitable for the target molecule.
Solubility may be improved by reducing excessive hydrophobicity or modifying molecular shape to weaken efficient crystal packing and intermolecular stacking.
Reversibly attached ionizable or hydrophilic groups can create water-soluble derivatives that release the original parent molecule under defined conversion conditions.
Surfactant systems improve wetting and create micellar environments capable of accommodating hydrophobic regions of poorly soluble molecules.
Water-organic solvent systems are designed to balance solubilization capacity with dilution behavior, viscosity, evaporation, and compatibility with the final formulation.
Cyclodextrin host molecules can accommodate hydrophobic regions within their cavities while maintaining a hydrophilic exterior compatible with aqueous media.
Lipid vehicles and self-emulsifying systems maintain highly lipophilic compounds within oils, mixed lipids, surfactant phases, or fine dispersions.
Tell us about the molecule, target concentration, application medium, current formulation, observed precipitation, and available sample amount. BOC Sciences will compare physical, molecular, and formulation-based options and propose a focused development plan.
BOC Sciences provides compound-specific solubility improvement, solid-state screening, formulation design, and analytical support for research teams needing better dissolution and solubilization. Typical project types include:
| Development Stage | Service Scope & Key Outputs |
| Physicochemical Profiling | Assessment of aqueous solubility, logP/logD, pKa, pH-solubility profile, melting point, glass transition, and solid-state properties to define the solubility barrier and suitable routes. |
| Preformulation & Excipient Screening | Excipient compatibility and solubilizing-agent screening using excipient screening to rank polymers, surfactants, lipids, and cyclodextrins before formulation locking. |
| Formulation Design & Screening | Parallel evaluation of solid dispersion, nanosuspension, lipid, and salt or cocrystal routes through formulation design and screening with data-driven selection. |
| Solid-State & Crystallization | Polymorph, salt, and cocrystal screening with controlled crystallization to deliver a stable, soluble solid form and a defensible form rationale. |
| Formulation Optimization | Refinement of composition and process using formulation design to improve dissolution, stability, and manufacturability. |
| Process & Scale-Up Support | Transfer of the selected route to lab and pilot equipment, with early-stage formulation development and proof and late-stage formulation development pathways. |
| Analytical & Stability | Release and storage characterization via stability studies, analytical method optimization, residual solvent analysis, and impurities identification and characterization. |
| Testing & Release Package | Final testing and documentation through analytical testing and release and analytical, stability, and CMC package services. |
Share the structure, available solid form, target concentration, application medium, pH range, current solvent or excipient system, observed precipitation behavior, sample amount, and desired output. Our specialists will design a project-specific plan covering strategy screening, prototype preparation, performance testing, solid-state analysis, and solid-form screening and selection when needed.
BOC Sciences reviews the molecular structure, ionization, lipophilicity, solid form, known solubility data, target concentration, medium composition, processing constraints, and final application. The initial assessment distinguishes lattice-limited, hydration-limited, dissolution-limited, and formulation-driven problems and defines a sample-efficient screening plan.
Our scientists compare the most relevant physical, molecular, and formulation strategies. Small-scale experiments vary solid form, particle size, carrier, solvent, surfactant, pH, complexing agent, or lipid composition, and the strongest candidates are converted into practical prototypes.
Solubility, dissolution, supersaturation, precipitation, particle size, phase behavior, solid form, redispersibility, and storage response are measured with methods matched to the project. Results are compared across multiple attributes so that a high apparent solubility result is not selected at the expense of stability or process practicality.
Clients receive the agreed compound derivative, solid form, dispersion, suspension, complex, or prototype formulation together with preparation details, analytical results, comparative performance data, interpretation, and recommendations for further formulation development or process optimization.
Flat, rigid, symmetrical, or strongly hydrogen-bonded molecules can pack efficiently into low-energy crystals that resist hydration. BOC Sciences compares polymorphs, amorphous forms, salts, cocrystals, particle-size reduction, and polymeric dispersions to determine whether lattice disruption or increased surface area offers the better route. PXRD, DSC, microscopy, solubility, and dissolution data are interpreted together to separate a true solid-state limitation from poor wetting or analytical artifacts.
Hydrophobic powders may float, agglomerate, or contact the medium unevenly even when their equilibrium solubility is adequate for the application. We evaluate particle size and morphology, surface area, contact angle, dispersing sequence, surfactant choice, stabilizer concentration, and hydrodynamic conditions. Micronization, nanosuspension development, wetting agents, solid dispersions, and granulation can then be compared using dissolution and redispersion measurements rather than visual appearance alone.
A compound may dissolve at one pH or in a concentrated solvent system and then precipitate after dilution, neutralization, temperature change, or transfer into the final matrix. BOC Sciences maps the pH-solubility profile, measures supersaturation lifetime, identifies recovered solids, and studies nucleation and growth. Buffer composition, cosolvent level, polymeric precipitation inhibitors, complexing agents, salts, and controlled addition sequences are screened to extend usable solution or dispersion stability.
Nanocrystals, micelles, emulsions, liposomes, pigment-like particles, and hydrophobic reagents can aggregate because of insufficient surface stabilization, charge screening, temperature stress, or interaction with other ingredients. We measure size distribution, polydispersity, zeta potential, turbidity, sedimentation, and redispersibility under relevant conditions. Stabilizer type, surfactant ratio, ionic strength, pH, processing energy, and order of addition are then adjusted to improve colloidal consistency.
Collaborate with BOC Sciences to compare solid-state engineering, particle-size reduction, molecular modification, solvent and excipient screening, lipid systems, and analytical evidence within one coordinated solubility improvement project.
BOC Sciences does not assume that every poorly soluble molecule needs the same technology. We first identify whether ionization, hydration, lattice energy, particle behavior, wetting, or formulation conditions dominate the problem. Suitable physical, chemical, and formulation approaches are then compared using common performance criteria, reducing the risk of advancing a strategy that improves one measurement but creates instability or processing difficulties elsewhere.
Our scientists connect crystal form, thermal behavior, particle properties, excipient interactions, solvent effects, dissolution, and precipitation kinetics in a single development workflow. This integrated perspective helps explain why a formulation succeeds or fails and supports evidence-based selection among salt, cocrystal, amorphous dispersion, nanocrystal, cyclodextrin, surfactant, cosolvent, and lipid-based options.
When material is limited, screening can begin with miniaturized solubility measurements, small-scale solvent and excipient matrices, and compact solid-state experiments. Conditions are ranked using defined attributes such as solubility gain, supersaturation duration, dissolution, particle stability, solid-form retention, and preparation practicality. Only the most informative systems advance to larger prototypes, preserving valuable API or functional ingredient.
Projects can range from a focused solubility measurement or excipient comparison to integrated prototype development and process optimization. BOC Sciences can adapt the work to powders, solutions, suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, liquid fills, topical systems, diagnostic reagents, or specialty-chemical matrices and provide enabling formulation technology support when a more advanced platform is required.
Client Needs: A formulation group required a powder-based approach for a weakly ionizable crystalline API that showed low aqueous solubility and incomplete dissolution. The available API amount was limited, and the prototype needed to remain suitable for later conversion into an oral solid formulation.
Challenges: PXRD and DSC indicated a highly ordered crystal form with a sharp melting transition. Micronization improved the initial dissolution rate but did not maintain concentration, while several hydrophilic carriers absorbed moisture and allowed recrystallization during short-term storage.
Solution: We screened four polymer carriers at three API-to-polymer ratios, prepared 12 spray-dried dispersions, and compared them with two hot-melt-extruded prototypes. PXRD and DSC confirmed amorphous conversion, while dissolution and supersaturation tests identified the strongest precipitation-inhibiting carrier. Moisture-stress testing then guided selection of a lower-hygroscopicity composition and protective packaging recommendation.
Outcome: The selected dispersion produced faster dissolution, maintained a higher dissolved concentration than the crystalline API, and remained amorphous during the agreed observation period. The client received the optimized powder and comparative solid-state and dissolution data.
Client Needs: A research team needed an anhydrous self-emulsifying concentrate for a neutral lipophilic compound that precipitated immediately when its solvent stock was diluted into an aqueous medium. The formulation had to disperse rapidly without requiring high processing energy.
Challenges: The compound dissolved well in several oils but crystallized when the oil phase was combined with water. High surfactant levels improved clarity but caused excessive viscosity, while lower levels generated broad droplet-size distributions and visible separation.
Solution: We measured compound solubility in six oils, five surfactants, and four cosurfactants, then mapped 24 ternary compositions. The leading systems were diluted at three ratios and evaluated for dispersion time, droplet size, turbidity, and precipitation over 24 hours. A balanced oil-surfactant-cosurfactant blend was selected and refined through six concentration-loading experiments.
Outcome: The optimized preconcentrate dispersed rapidly, produced a narrow droplet-size distribution, and maintained the compound without visible crystallization under the selected dilution conditions. The formulation map also defined composition ranges for future adjustment.
Client Needs: A product-development group required a liquid-filled capsule prototype for a highly lipophilic molecule with negligible water solubility. The client wanted a lipid-based SEDDS that remained uniform during handling and released a reproducible dispersion after dilution.
Challenges: Early oil solutions provided high loading but separated at low temperature. Several surfactant combinations formed acceptable emulsions yet caused molecule precipitation after dilution. The liquid fill also softened one candidate capsule shell and leaked during a short hold study.
Solution: We compared eight lipid vehicles, constructed a 20-formulation SEDDS matrix, and measured loading, low-temperature behavior, dispersion, droplet size, and precipitation after sequential dilution. Four finalists were filled into two hard-capsule shell types for compatibility testing. The selected system used a mixed-lipid phase, moderated surfactant ratio, and precipitation-inhibiting polymer to stabilize the diluted dispersion.
Outcome: The final liquid-filled prototype remained uniform, showed improved low-temperature handling, dispersed consistently, and was compatible with the selected capsule shell. The client received formulation details, compatibility observations, and comparative dispersion data.
Poor aqueous solubility usually results from one or more connected barriers: a strong crystal lattice, insufficient hydration caused by high lipophilicity, or unfavorable ionization within the relevant pH range. Large particle size, poor wetting, polymorphism, aggregation, temperature, ionic strength, and interactions with buffers or other ingredients can further change the measured result. A compound may appear soluble in an organic stock solution yet precipitate after dilution into water or an application-specific medium. For this reason, solubility should be evaluated together with solid-state form, particle behavior, pH, solvent composition, and concentration history rather than treated as one fixed molecular property.
No single method is most effective for every compound. Particle-size reduction and nanocrystal engineering are useful when surface area and dissolution rate are limiting. Salts, cocrystals, polymorph control, and amorphous solid dispersions address crystal-lattice barriers. Molecular modification can improve ionization, hydration, lipophilicity, or molecular packing, while surfactants, cosolvents, cyclodextrins, and lipid systems improve solubilization within a formulation. The best approach depends on the target concentration, application medium, solid form, pH range, stability, available material, and processing needs. Comparative screening is therefore more reliable than selecting a technology from solubility data alone.
Solubility describes the concentration that can be maintained in a defined medium under specified conditions, whereas dissolution rate describes how quickly material enters that medium from a solid or dispersed state. Micronization may accelerate dissolution by increasing surface area without materially changing equilibrium solubility. An amorphous form may produce a higher temporary concentration, but the advantage can disappear if the compound recrystallizes. Wetting, particle size, agitation, temperature, pH, and solid form can affect dissolution results. Both measurements are therefore needed to determine whether a project requires faster dissolution, greater equilibrium solubility, longer supersaturation, or better resistance to precipitation.
BOC Sciences begins by reviewing the molecular structure, ionization profile, lipophilicity, available solid form, existing solubility data, target concentration, application medium, and processing constraints. These inputs help determine whether the main limitation is crystal-lattice energy, hydration, wetting, particle behavior, aggregation, or formulation compatibility. Our scientists then design a sample-efficient comparison of relevant physical, molecular, and formulation strategies. Candidate systems are ranked using solubility, dissolution, supersaturation duration, precipitation, solid-state stability, particle behavior, and preparation practicality. This data-driven process supports selection of a strategy suited to the compound and intended application rather than relying on a standard formulation recipe.
Useful starting information includes the compound name or structure, molecular weight, pKa, logP or logD when known, available salt or solid form, current solvent or formulation, and any existing solubility or dissolution results. Clients should also describe the required concentration, target pH, temperature range, application medium, route or product format when relevant, observed precipitation or aggregation, processing limitations, and available sample amount. For diagnostic reagents, personal-care ingredients, specialty chemicals, or research compounds, matrix composition and downstream-use conditions are particularly important. BOC Sciences can use partial information to plan an initial assessment and identify the most informative measurements before broader formulation screening.
The team compared several carrier systems instead of advancing the first formulation that increased apparent solubility. The selected amorphous dispersion showed a stronger balance of dissolution, precipitation control, powder handling, and short-term physical stability.
— Dr. Brown, Principal Scientist, Oral Formulation
The analytical package connected solubility and dissolution results with PXRD, DSC, particle-size, and precipitation data. This made it easier for our group to understand the mechanism behind the improvement and select the most practical prototype.
— Dr. Garcia, Formulation Program Lead
The project was organized into defined screening, confirmation, optimization, and process-development stages. Decision points were supported by comparative data, so our team could review the results before additional material was committed to larger experiments.
— Dr. Hammoud, Director of Pharmaceutical Development
BOC Sciences evaluated particle engineering, surfactant, and lipid-based options and explained the tradeoffs clearly. The final recommendation improved usable concentration and dissolution while remaining compatible with the handling and processing needs of our formulation.
— Dr. Hughes, Product Development Scientist
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