ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTION VARIABLES ON THE PELLETIZATION PROPERTIES OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE II (MCCII)

John Rojas; David Correa

doi:10.22159/ijpps.2017v9i10.20580

Authors

John Rojas Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Columbia
David Correa Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijpps.2017v9i10.20580

Keywords:

Extrusion-spheronization, Spheronization rate, Spheronization time, microcrystalline cellulose II

Abstract

Objective: To study microcrystalline cellulose II (MCCII) as new pelletization aid using the extrusion/spheronization technology.

Methods: The effect of the spheronization rate and spheronization time was assessed by a response surface design. The shape descriptors and physical properties of pellets were taken as response variables. Approximately, 30 g of MCCII were hydrated, passed through a # 20 mesh sieve and spheronizated at frequencies of 6, 9 and 12 Hz and residence times of 15, 240 and 480 s in 9 experimental runs. In a separate experimental set, moisture levels of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125% were employed at the optimal operating conditions of 6 Hz and 480 s. A microscopy analysis was used to evaluate the shape descriptors. Pellets properties such as compressibility, friability, porosity, strength, flow rate and mass were also evaluated.

Results: Pellets having a small size and a high value of shape descriptors related to morphology were obtained employing a spheronization rate and spheronization time of 6Hz and 480s and 100% wetting level. The spheronization time increased pellet densification but decreased the total porosity. Pellet mass was also favoured by using high spheronization rates. A high moisture level (>100%) rendered pellets having a large size, mass, low porosity and good yield. Conversely, pellet size decreased as sample load increased, whereas porosity and compressibility increased as sample load augmented.

Conclusion: MCCII offers the potential for use as an alternative pelletization agent rendering pellets having a good flowability, high mechanical strength and low friability at the optimal operational conditions.

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