Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a phenomenon with significant implications for crystallization. In the pharmaceutical field, it can impact drug manufacturing and therapeutic effect. Despite its importance, studying LLPS and crystallization with molecular specificity remains a challenge.
In this article, we used chemically specific stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging, combined with second-harmonic generation (SHG), for the first time to explore the interplay between LLPS and crystallization, using ibuprofen as a model compound.
Our approach offered unique insights into the spatial distribution, chemical and solid-state composition, and temporal evolution of phase-separated domains of ibuprofen in supersaturated aqueous systems. This method holds potential to investigate similar phenomena not only in the pharmaceutical field but also in biomedical, food and chemical sectors.
Authors: Alba M. Arbiol Enguita, Laurin Zöller, Teemu Tomberg, Mikko J. Heikkilä, Jukka Saarinen, Lea Wurr, Tom Konings, Alexandra Correia, Christoph Saal, Jennifer Dressman and Clare Strachan.