Microscopic Cracks Modulate Nucleation and Solid-State Crystallization Tendency of Amorphous Celecoxib

Drugs have been classified as fast, moderate, and poor crystallizers based on their inherent solid-state crystallization tendency. Differential scanning calorimetry-based heat-cool-heat protocol serves as a valuable tool to define the solid-state crystallization tendency. This classification helps in the development of strategies for stabilizing amorphous drugs. However, microscopic characteristics of the samples were generally overlooked during these experiments. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of microscopic cracks on the crystallization tendency of a poorly water-soluble model drug, celecoxib. Cracks developed in the temperature range of 0-10 °C during the cooling cycle triggered the subsequent crystallization of the amorphous phase. Nanoindentation study suggested minimal differences in mechanical properties between samples, although the cracked sample showed relatively inhomogeneous mechanical properties. Nuclei nourishment experiments suggested crack-assisted nucleation, which was supported by Raman data that revealed subtle changes in intermolecular interactions between cracked and uncracked samples. Celecoxib has been generally classified as class II, i.e., a drug with moderate crystallization tendency. Interestingly, classification of amorphous celecoxib may change depending on the presence or absence of cracks in the amorphous sample. Hence, subtle events such as microscopic cracks should be given due consideration while defining the solid-state crystallization tendency of drugs.