Formulating rationally via statistical thermodynamics

Formulators do not naturally turn to statistical thermodynamics for experimental inspiration. However, with the newer, intuitive approach to statistical thermodynamics, the formulator gains deep insights into the hitherto confusing effects of 'cosolvents', 'hydrotropes', rsolubilizers' that affect properties such as solubility, gelation or conformational stability. The historical confusion has arisen from classical approaches that simply cannot disentangle causes and effects. The aim of this review is to demonstrate how a formulator can work with statistical thermodynamics towards a rational design of experiments and an unambiguous interpretation of the driving forces behind cosolvent effects.