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Kolipaka SS, Junqueira LA, Ross S, Garg V, Mithu MSH, Bhatt S, Douroumis D. An Advanced Twin-Screw Granulation Technology: The use of Non-Volatile Solvents with High Solubilizing Capacity. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:174. [PMID: 39085532 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Twin-screw wet granulation (TSWG) is a manufacturing process that offers several advantages for the processing of water-insoluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and has been used for increasing the solubility and dissolution rates. Here we introduce a novel TSWG approach with reduced downstream processing steps by using non-volatile solvents as granulating binders. METHODS Herein, TSWG was carried out using Transcutol a non-volatile protic solvent as a granulating binder and dissolution enhancer of ibuprofen (IBU) blends with cellulose polymer grades (Pharmacoat® 603, Affinisol™, and AQOAT®). RESULTS The physicochemical characterisation of the produced granules showed excellent powder flow and the complete transformation of IBU into the amorphous state. Dissolution studies presented immediate release rates for all IBU formulations due to the high drug-polymer miscibility and the Transcutol solubilising capacity. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the study demonstrated an innovative approach for the development of extruded granules by processing water-insoluble APIs with non-volatile solvents for enhanced dissolution rates at high drug loadings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven Ross
- Custom Pharma Services, Conway St, Brighton and Hove, Hove, BN3 3LW, UK
| | - Vivek Garg
- Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, Faculty of Engineering & Science, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham, ME4 4TB, UK
| | | | - Saumil Bhatt
- Cubi-Tech Extrusion Ltd., Unit 3, Neptune Close, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4LU, UK
| | - Dennis Douroumis
- Centre for Research Innovation (CRI), University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime Kent, Chatham, ME4 4TB, UK.
- Delta Pharmaceutics Ltd., 1-3 Manor Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6AG, UK.
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Zhao J, Tian G, Qu H. Pharmaceutical Application of Process Understanding and Optimization Techniques: A Review on the Continuous Twin-Screw Wet Granulation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1923. [PMID: 37509561 PMCID: PMC10377609 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Twin-screw wet granulation (TSWG) is a method of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing and a potential alternative method to batch granulation processes. It has attracted more and more interest nowadays due to its high efficiency, robustness, and applications. To improve both the product quality and process efficiency, the process understanding is critical. This article reviews the recent work in process understanding and optimization for TSWG. Various aspects of the progress in TSWG like process model construction, process monitoring method development, and the strategy of process control for TSWG have been thoroughly analyzed and discussed. The process modeling technique including the empirical model, the mechanistic model, and the hybrid model in the TSWG process are presented to increase the knowledge of the granulation process, and the influence of process parameters involved in granulation process on granule properties by experimental study are highlighted. The study analyzed several process monitoring tools and the associated technologies used to monitor granule attributes. In addition, control strategies based on process analytical technology (PAT) are presented as a reference to enhance product quality and ensure the applicability and capability of continuous manufacturing (CM) processes. Furthermore, this article aims to review the current research progress in an effort to make recommendations for further research in process understanding and development of TSWG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Geng Tian
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Haibin Qu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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3
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Parameter optimization in a continuous direct compression process of commercially batch-produced bisoprolol tablets. Int J Pharm 2022; 628:122355. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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4
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Murase Y, Takayama K, Uchimoto T, Uchiyama H, Kadota K, Tozuka Y. Prediction of tablet weight variability from bulk flow properties by sparse modeling. POWDER TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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5
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Junnila A, Wikström H, Megarry A, Gholami A, Papathanasiou F, Blomberg A, Ketolainen J, Tajarobi P. Faster to First-time-in-Human: Prediction of the liquid solid ratio for continuous wet granulation. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 172:106151. [PMID: 35217210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In early development, when active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is in short supply, it would be beneficial to reduce the number of experiments by predicting a suitable L/S ratio before starting the product development. The aim of the study was to decrease development time and the amount of API needed for the process development of high drug load formulations for continuous twin-screw wet granulation (TSWG). Mixer torque rheometry was used as a pre-formulation tool to predict the suitable L/S ratios for granulation experiments. Three different values that were based on the MTR curves, were determined and assessed for their ability to predict the suitable L/S ratio for TSWG. Three APIs (allopurinol, paracetamol and metformin HCl) were used as model substances in high drug load formulations containing 60% drug substance. The MCC-mannitol ratio was varied to assess the optimal composition for the high-dose formulations. The API solubility affected the mixer torque rheometer (MTR) curves and the optimum L/S ratio for TSWG. The highly soluble metformin needed a much lower L/S ratio compared with allopurinol and paracetamol. A design space was determined for each API based on granule flowability and tablet tensile strength. The flowability of the granules and tensile strength of the tablets improved with an increasing L/S ratio. The MCC-mannitol filler ratio had a significant effect on tabletability for paracetamol and metformin, and these APIs having poor compaction properties needed higher MCC ratios to achieve the 2 MPa limit. The MCC-mannitol ratio had no effect on the granule flow properties. Instead, API properties had the largest influence on both granule flow properties and tensile strength. Based on this study, both the L/S ratio and MCC-mannitol ratio are crucial in controlling the critical quality attributes in high drug load formulations processed by TSWG. The optimum flow and tablet mechanical properties were achieved when using 75:25 MCC-mannitol ratio. Both start of the slope and 2/3 of the L/S ratio at the maximum torque in MTR provided a solid guideline to aim for in a TSWG experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atte Junnila
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Håkan Wikström
- Early Product Development and Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Andrew Megarry
- Early Product Development and Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Aida Gholami
- Early Product Development and Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Foteini Papathanasiou
- Early Product Development and Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Andreas Blomberg
- Early Product Development and Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jarkko Ketolainen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pirjo Tajarobi
- Early Product Development and Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, 431 83 Mölndal, Sweden.
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6
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Portier C, Vervaet C, Vanhoorne V. Continuous Twin Screw Granulation: A Review of Recent Progress and Opportunities in Formulation and Equipment Design. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:668. [PMID: 34066921 PMCID: PMC8148523 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous twin screw wet granulation is one of the key continuous manufacturing technologies that have gained significant interest in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in academia over the last ten years. Given its considerable advantages compared to wet granulation techniques operated in batch mode such as high shear granulation and fluid bed granulation, several equipment manufacturers have designed their own manufacturing setup. This has led to a steep increase in the research output in this field. However, most studies still focused on a single (often placebo) formulation, hence making it difficult to assess the general validity of the obtained results. Therefore, current review provides an overview of recent progress in the field of continuous twin screw wet granulation, with special focus on the importance of the formulation aspect and raw material properties. It gives practical guidance for novel and more experienced users of this technique and highlights some of the unmet needs that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valérie Vanhoorne
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (C.P.); (C.V.)
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7
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Strategies and formulations of freeze-dried tablets for controlled drug delivery. Int J Pharm 2021; 597:120373. [PMID: 33577912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The freeze-drying process has been particularly attractive for preparing tablets for controlled drug release. Although traditional methods, such as granulation or direct compression methods, have been used in various studies to produce tablets with controlled release, freeze-drying processes have been utilized in certain circumstances due to their distinct advantages. However, overall, further development of these strategies, which started with early studies on orally disintegrating tablets, is still necessary. In this review, the incorporation of different formulations into freeze-dried tablets will be discussed. Moreover, the use of excipients, freeze-drying conditions, formulation reconstitution and tablet structure for optimizing the performance of freeze-dried tablets will be reported, including strategies with nanoformulations and natural materials. Generally, this discussion with potential approaches will benefit further development of freeze-dried tablets containing drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Rahman Z, Dharani S, Khuroo T, Khan MA. Potential Application of USP Paddle and Basket Dissolution Methods in Discriminating for Portioned Moist Snuff and Snus Smokeless Tobacco Products. AAPS PharmSciTech 2021; 22:51. [PMID: 33459904 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-020-01894-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of the study was to develop discriminatory dissolution methods for portioned snus and moist snuff sub-categories of smokeless tobacco products (STPs) using USP basket and paddle apparatuses. Skoal Classic Wintergreen (SCW) and CORESTA CRP1.1 pouches were used as test products. The dissolution was performed at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 rpm basket or paddle speed in 500 ml artificial saliva pH 6.8. The products were also characterized for assay, pH, particle size, and loss on drying. The dissolution profiles were evaluated for amount/% of nicotine dissolved, time to reach plateau, and profiles comparison by f2 and f1 factors. The nicotine assay was 13.3 ± 0.2 and 7.6 ± 0.1 mg/pouch for SCW and CRP1.1, respectively. The nicotine dissolved in 30 min from SCW and CRP1.1 were 38.4-81.8 and 37.6-88.1, and 50.5-64.9 and 72.3-92.1% by paddle and basket methods, respectively. The f2 and f1 values were ≤ 39.2 and ≥ 42.1 and ≤ 43.2 and ≥ 34.1 for basket methods and paddle methods. RSD were less than 20% at all points of dissolution profiles, and dissolution plateau were achieved in 30 min at some of the tested conditions. In summary, dissolution methods based on basket and paddle can be used as a performance test for STPs.
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9
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Fülöp G, Domokos A, Galata D, Szabó E, Gyürkés M, Szabó B, Farkas A, Madarász L, Démuth B, Lendér T, Nagy T, Kovács-Kiss D, Van der Gucht F, Marosi G, Nagy ZK. Integrated twin-screw wet granulation, continuous vibrational fluid drying and milling: A fully continuous powder to granule line. Int J Pharm 2020; 594:120126. [PMID: 33321167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.120126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Highly homogeneous low-dose (50 μg) tablets were produced incorporating perfectly free-flowing granules prepared by a fully integrated Continuous Manufacturing (CM) line. The adopted CM equipment consisted of a Twin-Screw Wet Granulator (TSWG), a Continuous Fluid Bed Dryer (CFBD) and a Continuous Sieving (CS) unit. Throughout the experiments a pre-blend of lactose-monohydrate and corn starch was gravimetrically dosed with 1 kg/h into the TSWG, where they were successfully granulated with the drug containing water-based PVPK30 solution. The wet mass was subsequently dried in the CFBD on a vibratory conveyor belt and finally sieved in the milling unit. Granule production efficiency was maximized by determining the minimal Liquid-to-Solid (L/S) ratio (0.11). Design of Experiments (DoE) were carried out in order to evaluate the influence of the drying process parameters of the CFBD on the Loss-on-Drying (LOD) results. The manufactured granules were compressed into tablets by an industrial tablet rotary press with excellent API homogeneity (RSD < 3%). Significant scale-up was realized with the CM line by increasing the throughput rate to 10 kg/h. The manufactured granules yielded very similar results to the previous small-scale granulation runs. API homogeneity was demonstrated (RSD < 2%) with Blend Uniformity Analysis (BUA). The efficiency of TSWG granulation was compared to High-Shear Granulation (HSG) with the same L/S ratio. The final results have demonstrated that both the liquid distribution and more importantly API homogeneity was better in case of the TSWG granulation (RSD 1.3% vs. 4.5%).
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fülöp
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary; Gedeon Richter Plc., Formulation R&D, Gyömrői u. 19-21, H-1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - A Domokos
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - D Galata
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - E Szabó
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - M Gyürkés
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - B Szabó
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - A Farkas
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - L Madarász
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - B Démuth
- Gedeon Richter Plc., Formulation R&D, Gyömrői u. 19-21, H-1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - T Lendér
- Gedeon Richter Plc., Formulation R&D, Gyömrői u. 19-21, H-1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - T Nagy
- Gedeon Richter Plc., Formulation R&D, Gyömrői u. 19-21, H-1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - D Kovács-Kiss
- Gedeon Richter Plc., Formulation R&D, Gyömrői u. 19-21, H-1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - F Van der Gucht
- ProCepT N.V., Industriepark Rosteyne 4, 9060 Zelzate, Belgium
| | - G Marosi
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Z K Nagy
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary.
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10
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Ismail HY, Singh M, Albadarin AB, Walker GM. Complete two dimensional population balance modelling of wet granulation in twin screw. Int J Pharm 2020; 591:120018. [PMID: 33122111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.120018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a complete two dimensional (internal coordinates) population balance model (2D-PBM) is developed, calibrated and validated as a predictive tool for predicting the particle size and the liquid content distribution of the granules produced from twin screw granulation (TSG). The model is calibrated and validated using experimental distributions for the two internal coordinates that are captured using image processing. Granulation runs are conducted at multiple liquid to solid (L/S) ratios and liquid binder viscosities, and then used to calibrate and validate the 2D-PBM. The mathematical model accounts for aggregation and breakage of the particles occurring in three zones of the TSG with inhomogeneous screw configurations (2 conveying zones and 1 kneading zone). A Madec aggregation kernel, and a linear breakage selection function are used in the 2D-PBM and finite volume numerical approximation is used for solving the model. The calibrated model shows that the aggregation rate in the conveying elements is higher than in the kneading elements while the breakage rate in the kneading elements is much higher than in the conveying elements. Also, the increase in L/S ratio and liquid viscosity leads to higher aggregation rates and lower breakage rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Y Ismail
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Mehakpreet Singh
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ahmad B Albadarin
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Gavin M Walker
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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11
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Melt granulation: A comparison of granules produced via high-shear mixing and twin-screw granulation. Int J Pharm 2020; 591:119941. [PMID: 33065223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Melt granules of DI-CAFOS® A12 and 15% (w/w) Kolliphor® P407 were manufactured in a twin-screw granulator (TSG) at five different conditions (screw speed and throughput varied) and compared to granules manufactured in a high-shear granulator (HSG) (rotation speed of chopper/impeller and granulation time varied). Evaluated granules characteristics were process yield, particle-size distribution (PSD), particle morphology, flowability, porosity, specific surface area (SSA), tabletability, compressibility and binder distribution. Compared to TSG, granules produced from HSG were more spherical in shape with lower porosity, smaller mean particle size and a superior flowability. Granules made by TSG showed a more elongated structure, higher porosity and larger mean particle size with smaller SSA instead. Concerning the compression process of granules, tablets made of TSG granules exhibited a higher tabletability compared to HSG granules, whereas the compressibility remained similar. In the case of the TSG granules, energy-dispersive-X-ray (EDX) measurements of the tablet surface indicated an enhanced homogenous binder distribution. Additionally, the EDX-analyses determined that more binder was available between the individual particles, resulting in a stronger bonding.
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12
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Comparison between twin-screw and high-shear granulation - The effect of filler and active pharmaceutical ingredient on the granule and tablet properties. POWDER TECHNOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2020.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Megarry A, Taylor A, Gholami A, Wikström H, Tajarobi P. Twin-screw granulation and high-shear granulation: The influence of mannitol grade on granule and tablet properties. Int J Pharm 2020; 590:119890. [PMID: 32946976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Granule structure has a key influence on tablet critical quality attributes. The ability to control this structure through excipient choice is an important part of formulation development. Mannitol is a popular diluent and the choice of input grade has been shown to impact granule properties. Allopurinol formulations containing two grades of mannitol (Pearlitol 160C and 200SD) were prepared by wet-granulation (twin-screw and high-shear) at different liquid/solid ratios (0.3 and 0.6 g/g). The particle and bulk properties were characterised by a range of techniques and linked to flow performance and tablet tensile strength during compression on a rotary tablet press. During granulation, 200SD underwent a polymorphic transition from a mixture of α and β to predominantly β. This transition was accompanied by a morphology change. Mannitol needles were formed, giving more porous granules with a higher specific surface area, which led to poorer flow properties but higher tablet tensile strength. This study concludes that understanding the effect of mannitol grade is a crucial part of formulation selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Megarry
- Early Product Development and Manufacture, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Agnes Taylor
- Early Product Development and Manufacture, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aida Gholami
- Early Product Development and Manufacture, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Håkan Wikström
- Oral Product Development, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, Operations & IT, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pirjo Tajarobi
- Early Product Development and Manufacture, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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