Effect of geometric structure and surface wettability of glidant on tablet hardness

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of geometric structure and surface wettability of glidant on tablet hardness. Geometric structure is defined, in this work, as three-dimensional structure such as porosity, particle size and specific surface area. A variety of silica was incorporated in direct compressive fillers as glidant and mixed powder was compressed in single punch tablet machine with and without 0.5 wt.% magnesium stearate. Flowability of mixed powder was evaluated with Carr's index measurement. In the case of unlubricated compression, tablet hardness decreased as a function of additional concentration of silica. Reduction rate directly depended on surface coverage of silica over filler surface and hydrophobicity. Since surface coverage is related to geometric structure, it can be concluded that structural influence plays an important role to determine tablet hardness. While, in the case of lubricated compression, either water adsorption amount or geometric structure effects on tablet hardness. Increase of tablet hardness was observed only when hydrophilic porous and small size nonporous silica were added. All the other silica had deleterious effect on tablet hardness and in particular hydrophobicity strongly reduced tablet hardness.     

New Methods Characterizing Avalanche Behavior to Determine Powder Flow

Purpose. To characterize the avalanche behavior of different powders and to compare the results of the strange-attractor and novel characterization approaches. Methods. The following nine different materials were tested: three lactoses, maltodextrin, two microcrystalline celluloses, sodium chloride, sucrose, and glass beads. Morphology, size, and size distribution, true density, bulk and tap density, angle of repose, flow index, and avalanching behavior were quantified for each excipient by scanning electron microscopy, laser time-of-flight analysis, helium pycnometer, graduated cylinder, fixed-height funnel, Flodex (Hanson Research Corp., Chatsworth, California) method, and AeroFlow (TSI, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota), respectively. Environmental factors were controlled, and the avalanches were studied at various speeds. Results. The strange-attractor graph obtained at 1 rotation per 120 s showed that it was difficult to appreciate the flowability differences among 3-mm glass beads, lactose 100, and lactose 325. However, plotting the raw data as a relationship of the time between each avalanche and the inverse of speed revealed a characteristic linear slope for each sample. Furthermore, a new flowability index based on the SD calculated from the raw data gave results that were consistent with Carr's index. A cohesive index also can be determined by avalanche behavior, and it reflects the stability of the rapid particular rearrangements of powder. Conclusion. A novel method of evaluating avalanche measurements makes it possible to better characterize powder flowability and to predict powder behavior under working conditions.     

Particle interactions involved in aerosol dispersion of ternary interactive mixtures

Purpose. To investigate the mechanism of action of ternary components within dry powder aerosols. Methods. Ternary interactive mixtures were prepared containing salbutamol sulphate (SS), coarse lactose carriers and either micronized lactose (ML) or micronized glucose (MG). In vitro drug and excipient aerosol deposition was performed using a twin-stage impinger (TSI) at 60 L/min with a Rotahaler device. Adhesional properties of the lactose carrier were examined using an atomic force microscope (AFM) colloidal probe technique. Result. The fine particle fraction (FPF) from ternary mixtures were dependent upon carrier type (p < 0.001), ternary concentration (p < 0.001) and ternary component type (p < 0.05). Ternary mixtures produced higher FPF than binary mixtures, except those containing Superfine (SF), which was attributed to the high proportion of intrinsic fine carrier particles. The higher FPF obtained from ternary mixtures was independent of the mixing order (p = 0.08). Increased adhesion force was observed on the carrier surface following the addition of ternary components (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The results confirm that ternary components increase aerosol deposition of powder mixtures. Some results were not entirely consistent with the saturation of active site theory and a hypothesis involving competitive and multilayer adhesion was proposed and requires further testing.     

Large Porous Particles for Sustained Protection from Carbachol-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Guinea Pigs

Purpose. To determine whether a new formulated albuterol aerosol could sustain inhibition to bronchoconstriction for approximately one day in guinea pigs challenged with carbachol. Methods. Large and porous particles, comprising a combination of endogenous or PDA-approved excipients and albuterol sulfate, were prepared by spray drying using a NIRO portable spray drier. The anesthetized animals inhaled 5 mg of large porous or small nonporous particles by forced ventilation via cannulae inserted in the lumen of their exposed tracheae. At regular intervals over a period of 36 hours after drug delivery, airway resistance was determined in response to carbachol challenge dose. Results. Whereas inhalation of small nonporous albuterol particles protected from the carbachol-induced bronchoconstriction for up to 5 hours, inhalation of large porous albuterol particles produced a significant inhibition of carbachol-induced bronchoconstriction for at least 16 hours. Conclusions. The absence of substantial side effects, verified over a period of 24 hours by evaluating cardio-respiratory parameters as well as pulmonary inflammation, supports the utility of large porous albuterol particles for sustained therapies in asthma and other types of lung disease.Dr. Ben-Jebria is also affiliated with     

Inhalable Spray-Freeze-Dried Powder with L-Leucine that Delivers Particles Independent of Inspiratory Flow Pattern and Inhalation Device

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop inhalable particles that can reach deep into the lungs efficiently independent of inhalation patterns of patients and inhalation devices. We prepared porous particles including L-leucine (Leu), a dispersive agent, by a spray-freeze-drying (SFD) method and examined the influence of inspiratory flow patterns and inhalation devices with various inhalation resistances.

Methods

Four types of SFD powder with different Leu contents (0–10%) were prepared. Scanning electron microscopy and laser diffraction were used to measure the morphology and size distribution of the powders. In-vitro inhalation characteristics were determined using a twin-stage liquid impinger equipped with an inspiratory flow pattern simulator. The effects of Leu on the adhesion force and electrostatic property of the particles were evaluated.

Results

The inhalation performance of the powders was improved by the addition of Leu. The powders with Leu showed a high inhalation performance regardless of inspiratory flow patterns and devices. The addition of Leu decreased the adhesion force and increased the surface potential of the powders.

Conclusions

The SFD particles with Leu showed high inhalation performance regardless of the inhalation patterns and devices, which was attributed to the decreased adhesion force between particles and increased dispersibility.

     

Preparation and Characterization of Nanocapsules from Preformed Polymers by a New Process Based on Emulsification-Diffusion Technique

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate whether biodegradable nanocapsules could be obtained by the emulsification-diffusion technique. Methods. This technique consists of emulsifying an organic solution containing an oil, a polymer, and a drug in an aqueous solution of a stabilizing agent. The subsequent addition of water to the system induces solvent diffusion into the external phase, resulting in the formation of colloidal particles. Nanoparticles obtained in this way were characterized by their particle size, zeta potential, isopycnic density and drug entrapment. The shape, surface and structure of the nanocapsules were evaluated by freeze fracture scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results. Density gradient centrifugation confirmed the formation of nanocapsules. The density was found to be intermediate between those of nanoemulsions and nanospheres. The existence of a unique density band indicated high yields. Nanocapsule density was a function of the original oil/polymer ratio, revealing that the polymer content and, consequently, the wall thickness, can be controlled by this method. SEM and AFM showed the presence of capsular structures with smooth homogeneous walls. The versatility and effectiveness of the method were demonstrated using different lipophilic drug/oil core/wall polymer/partially water-miscible solvent systems. The mechanism of nanocapsule formation was explained as a chemical instability (diffusion stranding) generated during diffusion. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that the emulsification-diffusion technique enables the preparation of nanocapsules in a simple, efficient, reproducible and versatile manner.     

扎那米韦鼻用粉雾剂粉体性质研究

目的 考察3种方法制备扎那米韦鼻用粉雾剂粉体的性质。方法 分别采用研磨法、气流粉碎法和喷雾干燥法制备不同粒径扎那米韦的粉体,并与吸入乳糖混合,对混合粉体的粒径、微观形态、流动性、堆密度和吸湿性进行考察。结果 研磨法、喷雾干燥法和气流粉碎法得到的扎那米韦原料粉末粒径依次减小;与乳糖相比,3种混合粉体松密度逐渐减小,振实密度依次增加,流动性仅喷雾干燥略增加,研磨法和气流粉碎法无影响; 3种方式得到的混合粉末均没有明显的吸湿性。结论 研磨筛分法比较适合扎那米韦鼻用粉雾剂的进一步开发。     

Functionalised particles using dry powder coating in pharmaceutical drug delivery: promises and challenges

Introduction: Production of functionalised particles using dry powder coating is a one-step, environmentally friendly process that paves the way for the development of particles with targeted properties and diverse functionalities.

Areas covered: Applying the first principles in physical science for powders, fine guest particles can be homogeneously dispersed over the surface of larger host particles to develop functionalised particles. Multiple functionalities can be modified including: flowability, dispersibility, fluidisation, homogeneity, content uniformity and dissolution profile. The current publication seeks to understand the fundamental underpinning principles and science governing dry coating process, evaluate key technologies developed to produce functionalised particles along with outlining their advantages, limitations and applications and discusses in detail the resultant functionalities and their applications.

Expert opinion: Dry particle coating is a promising solvent-free manufacturing technology to produce particles with targeted functionalities. Progress within this area requires the development of continuous processing devices that can overcome challenges encountered with current technologies such as heat generation and particle attrition. Growth within this field requires extensive research to further understand the impact of process design and material properties on resultant functionalities.     

Flow rate and flow equation of pharmaceutical free-flowable powder excipients

Basic aspect of powder handling is powder flow which depends on mechanical properties of the solid material. This experimental work presents the results of flowability testing of the free-flowable particle size fraction of 0.0250–0.0315?cm of five powder excipients. The single-point determination of the mass flow rate from a cylindrical, flat-bottomed hopper was primarily influenced by the diameter of a circular orifice. The significant effect of the orifice height was also noted. Increasing the orifice height, the flow under gravity is directed resulting in the sudden acceleration of the flow rate. The critical zone relates to the orifice diameter. The multi-point determination of flowability employed the actual parameters of the flow equation which allows the prediction of the mass flow rate. The precision of the prediction was the basic criterion in optimization of the orifice geometry. Based on the results, the orifice height of 1.6?cm can be recommended for the correction of faster powder flow. For the slower powder flow, an orifice height of 0.2?cm can be used alternatively. In conclusion, the information about the orifice height used should be referred to whenever test the powder flowability and compare the results.     

Optimization of the operation conditions of an Andersen-Cascade impactor and the relationship to centrifugal adhesion measurements to aid the development of dry powder inhalations

The standardization of the operation conditions of an Andersen-Cascade impactor (Mark II), based on the physical relationship between adhesion and aerodynamic particle behaviour, has been undertaken using the Serevent® Disk-haler. In this case, the drug (Salmeterol xinafoate) is primarily adhered to a carrier material (lactose monohydrate), and thus the standard operation procedure to use this type of impactor had to be modified. For the modified procedure, operating conditions such as air flow rate, thickness of a silicon coat of the impaction plates and drug loading were optimized, bearing in mind the findings reported in the literature about the relationship between adhesion and impaction on plates. For this particular drug, the optimal thickness of the silicon film was found to be 3.75 μm, and the drug loading should not exceed 400μg. Although any air flow velocity between 20 and 60 1 min ⁻¹ gave a physically correct aerodynamic particle size for this drug and the chosen inhaler device, a maximum amount of drug was released from the device only applying flow rates between 50 and 60 1 min⁻¹. Four different industrially manufactured Serevent® batches were studied under these optimized operation conditions. Using centrifugal adhesion force measurements, the median adhesion force between Salmeterol xinafoate particles and lactose monohydrate carrier particles was established and linked to the aerodynamic behaviour of the drug using the Cascade impactor. The median adhesion force (F_ad) and the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) were found to be directly proportional. Statistical analysis, however, indicated that the differences in F_ad and MMAD were not significant between the tested batches. The procedure established that the formulation had been produced with high accuracy and reproducibility. The sensitivity of the adhesion force measurements to variability in the manufacturing process would allow an in-process control of the mixture and could help to assure this high standard.     

Formulation and Physical Characterization of Large Porous Particles for Inhalation

Purpose. Relatively large (>5 µm) and porous (mass density < 0.4 g/cm³) particles present advantages for the delivery of drugs to the lungs, e.g., excellent aerosolization properties. The aim of this study was, first, to formulate such particles with excipients that are either FDA-approved for inhalation or endogenous to the lungs; and second, to compare the aerodynamic size and performance of the particles with theoretical estimates based on bulk powder measurements. Methods. Dry powders were made of water-soluble excipients (e.g., lactose, albumin) combined with water-insoluble material (e.g., lung surfactant), using a standard single-step spray-drying process. Aerosolization properties were assessed with a Spinhaler ^TM device in vitro in both an Andersen cascade impactor and an Aerosizer^TM.. Results. By properly choosing excipient concentration and varying the spray drying parameters, a high degree of control was achieved over the physical properties of the dry powders. Mean geometric diameters ranged between 3 and 15 µm, and tap densities between 0.04 and 0.6 g/cm³. Theoretical estimates of mass mean aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) were rationalized and calculated in terms of geometric particle diameters and bulk tap densities. Experimental values of MMAD obtained from the Aerosizer^TM most closely approximated the theoretical estimates, as compared to those obtained from the Andersen cascade impactor. Particles possessing high porosity and large size, with theoretical estimates of MMAD between 1–3 µm, exhibited emitted doses as high as 96% and respirable fractions ranging up to 49% or 92%, depending on measurement technique. Conclusions. Dry powders engineered as large and light particles, and prepared with combinations of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) excipients, may be broadly applicable to inhalation therapy.     

基于指纹图谱技术探索不同粒径连翘粉体中化学成分溶出规律

目的 建立不同粒径连翘粉体的高效液相色谱法（HPLC）特征指纹图谱,并对其进行系统聚类分析,探讨粒径与化学成分溶出特征的相关性。方法 将连翘药材进行粉碎、过筛,按粒径大小分成10组,采用HPLC法建立不同粒径连翘粉体的指纹图谱,结合主要共有指纹峰信息,对不同粒径连翘粉体进行系统聚类分析。结果 不同粒径连翘粉体共有8个HPLC特征峰,根据各粉体单位质量峰面积,不同粒径连翘粉体被分为不同层次的3类,其中超微粉单位质量峰面积最大。结论 不同粒径连翘粉体与化学成分溶出具有良好的相关性,超微粉碎技术可以促进有效成分的溶出,在粉碎加工药材方面具有很好的应用前景。     

Particle agglomeration of chitosan–magnesium aluminum silicate nanocomposites for direct compression tablets

Exfoliated nanocomposites of chitosan-magnesium aluminum silicate (CS-MAS) particles are characterized by good compressibility but poor flowability. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate agglomerates of CS-MAS nanocomposites prepared using the agglomerating agents water, ethanol, or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for flowability enhancement and to evaluate the agglomerates obtained as direct compression fillers for tablets. The results showed that the addition of agglomerating agents did not affect crystallinity, but slightly influenced thermal behavior of the CS-MAS nanocomposites. The agglomerates prepared using water were larger than those prepared using 95% ethanol because high swelling of the layer of chitosonium acetate occurred, allowing formation of solid bridges and capillary force between particles, leading to higher flowability and particle strength. Incorporation of PVP resulted in larger agglomerates with good flowability and high strength due to the binder hardening mechanism. The tablets prepared from agglomerates using water showed lower hardness, shorter disintegration times and faster drug release than those using 95% ethanol. In contrast, greater hardness and more prolonged drug release were obtained from the tablets prepared from agglomerates using PVP. Additionally, the agglomerates of CS-MAS nanocomposites showed good carrying capacity and provided desirable characteristics of direct compression tablets.     

Evaluation of the Functional Equivalence of Crospovidone NF from Different Sources. II. Standard Performance Test

Current NF monographs do not provide tests that reflect on the functionality of Crospovidone NF from multiple sources. Physical characterization studies such as particle size and distribution, surface area, porosity, and surface morphology revealed major differences among the crospovidones from different sources (Shah, U.; Augsburger, L.L. J. Pharm. Dev. Technol. 2001, 6 (1), 39–51). Differences in disintegration and dissolution were also observed for a model drug in an insoluble filler system (see Shah and Augsburger, 2001). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between physical differences observed and disintegrant functionality and to develop standard performance test. Tests performed included settling volume studies, measurement of initial rate as well as extent of liquid uptake of the loose disintegrant powder, and simultaneous measurement of the axial and radial disintegrating forces along with the rate and extent of liquid uptake of the pure disintegrant compacts. Significant differences among the crospovidones were observed for all tests performed. Settling volume, liquid uptake, and disintegration force are recommended as standard performance tests to determine differences among crospovidones from different sources.     

Investigations into the Relationship Between Drug Properties,Filling, and the Release of Drugs from Hard Gelatin Capsules Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Purpose. The aim of the present work is to identify complex relationships between formulation variables and dosage form properties to aid the development of hard gelatin capsules. Methods. Multivariate statistical analysis was employed based on a statistical design, which considered drug solubility, particle size and concentration, type and concentration of filler and disintegrant, and concentration of standard lubricant and glidant as the main influence factors. Both the filling properties of the formulations and the disintegration/dissolution properties of the capsule content were studied. Results. From the two multivariate statistical methods used, nonparametric canonical analysis proved to be the superior method to deal with the complex information included in the data. While the filling performance of the formulation could clearly be attributed to the formulation variables such as drug particle size, type of filler, concentration of drug and glidant, the disintegration of the capsules and the dissolution of the drugs was not strongly related to the formulation variables chosen. In this respect as a trend, the drug solubility, and the type of disintegrant and filler appear to be more important factors. Conclusions. Based on an appropriate number of experiments, organised in a statistical design, nonparametric canonical analysis can be used to identify relationships in a set of data that is grouped in influence and response variables to aid the development of a dosage form.     

A novel tool for the prediction of tablet sticking during high speed compaction

During tableting, capping is a problem of cohesion while sticking is a problem of adhesion. Sticking is a multi-composite problem; causes are either material or machine related. Nowadays, detecting such a problem is a pre-requisite in the early stages of development. The aim of our study was to investigate sticking by radial die-wall pressure monitoring guided by compaction simulation. This was done by using the highly sticking drug; Mefenamic acid (MA) at different drug loadings with different fillers compacted at different pressures and speeds. By increasing MA loading, we found that viscoelastic fillers showed high residual radial pressure after compaction while plastic/brittle fillers showed high radial pressure during compaction, p?<?0.05. Visually, plastic/brittle fillers showed greater tendencies for adhesion to punches than viscoelastic fillers while the later showed higher tendencies for adhesion to the die-wall. This was confirmed by higher values of axial stress transmission for plastic/brittle than viscoelastic fillers (higher punch surface/powder interaction), and higher residual die-wall and ejection forces for viscoelastic than plastic/brittle fillers, p?<?0.05. Take-off force was not a useful tool to estimate sticking due to cohesive failure of the compacts. Radial die-wall pressure monitoring is suggested as a robust tool to predict sticking.     

Heterogeneous Tube Model for the Study of Small Intestinal Transit Flow

Purpose. A Monte-Carlo computer simulation technique was employed to study the details of the small intestinal transit flow in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Methods. A heterogeneous tube model was constructed using a numerical computer simulation technique. The model was built from first principles and included several heterogeneous characteristics of the GI tract structure. We used a random, dendritic-type internal structure representing the villi of the GI tract. The small intestinal transit flow was simulated using two diffusion models, namely, the blind ant and the myopic ant models, which are different models to account the elapse of time, and which are both based on statistical properties of random walks. For each one of the models we utilize two types of biased random walk, placing different emphasis in the motion towards the output of the tube. We monitored the flow of the drug in terms of Monte-Carlo time steps (MCS) through the tube walls and dendritic villi present. Results. The frequency of the transit times was dependent on the structure of the dendritic villi and on the type of biased random walk. The small intestinal flow profile of literature data for a large number of drugs was well characterized by the heterogeneous model using, as parameters, a certain number of villi per unit length of the tube and specific characteristics for both types of the biased random walk. A correspondence between the MCS and real time units was achieved. Conclusions. The transit process of the oral dosage forms in the GI tract can be reproduced with the heterogeneous model developed. This model can be used to study GI absorption phenomena.     

A Novel Phase Inversion-Based Process for the Preparation of Lipid Nanocarriers

Purpose. To develop and subsequently evaluate a novel phase inversion-based method used to formulate lipidic nanocapsules. Methods. Mechanical properties of emulsions prepared by multi-inversion phase processes were investigated using a drop tensiometer. Based on the results obtained, a formulation process was developed and a new type of nanocarrier was prepared. These particulates were sized by photon correlation spectroscopy and were visualized by atomic force microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry was also performed. Results. The marginally cohesive but stable interfacial properties of the initial system led to the formulation of lipidic nanocapsules that were composed of a liquid core surrounded by a cohesive interface and were dispersed in an aqueous medium. These related suspensions were stable upon dilution for several months. The control of the formulation parameters allowed an adjustment of the particle mean diameter in the range of 25-100 nm with a monodisperse size distribution. Conclusions. A novel and convenient process for the preparation of lipidic nanocapsules is described. The structure of these particulates resembles a hybrid between polymeric nanocapsules and liposomes. Such nanocapsules display a strong potential for drug delivery.     

Improvement of dissolution rates of poorly water soluble APIs using novel spray freezing into liquid technology

Purpose. To develop and demonstrate a novel particle engineering technology, spray freezing into liquid (SFL), to enhance the dissolution rates of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Methods. Model APIs, danazol or carbamazepine with or without excipients, were dissolved in a tetrahydrofuran/water cosolvent system and atomized through a nozzle beneath the surface of liquid nitrogen to produce small frozen droplets, which were subsequently lyophilized. The physicochemical properties of the SFL powders and controls were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution, surface area analysis, contact angle measurement, and dissolution. Results. The X-ray diffraction pattern indicated that SFL powders containing either danazol or carbamazepine were amorphous. SEM micrographs indicated that SFL particles were highly porous. The mean particle diameter of SFL carbamazepine/SLS powder was about 7 m. The surface area of SFL danazol/poloxamer 407 powder was 11.04 m²/g. The dissolution of SFL danazol/poloxamer 407 powder at 10 min was about 99%. The SFL powders were free flowing and had good physical and chemical stability after being stored at 25°C/60%RH for 2 months. Conclusions. The novel SFL technology was demonstrated to produce nanostructured amorphous highly porous particles of poorly water soluble APIs with significantly enhanced wetting and dissolution rates.     

Atomic Force Microscopy Studies of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Purpose. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) are an alternative carrier system for the controlled delivery of drugs. In most cases prednisolone loaded SLN show a biphasic release behaviour. The initial phase is characterised by a fast drug release, which is followed by a sustained drug release over several weeks. Methods. The particles are produced by high pressure homogenisation of a lipid (e.g. compritol, cholesterol) dispersed in an aqueous surfactant solution. In this study atomic force microscopy was used to image the original unaltered shape and surface properties of the particles. The crystallinity of the nanoparticles was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Results. The AFM investigations revealed the disc like shape of the particles. From differential scanning calorimetry data it can be concluded that the particle core is in the crystalline state. Additionally it was proven that the particles are surrounded by a soft layer. Conclusions. Thus it is conceivable that the fast initial drug release during in vitro dissolution tests takes place by drug release of the outer non-crystalline layers of the particles. The following sustained drug release can be assigned to the predisolone release of the inner crystalline particle layers.