1
|
Ma M, Powell D, Nassar M, Teckoe J, Markl D, Zeitler JA. Impact of immediate release film coating on the disintegration process of tablets. J Control Release 2024; 373:533-546. [PMID: 39032576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.037] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical tablets are often coated with a layer of polymeric material to protect the drug from environmental degradation, facilitate the packaging process, and enhance patient compliance. However, the detailed effects of such coating layers on drug release are not well understood. To investigate this, flat-faced pure microcrystalline cellulose tablets with a diameter of 13 mm and a thickness between 1.5 mm to 1.6 mm were directly compressed, and a film coating layer with a thickness of 80 μm to 120 μm was applied to one face of these tablets. This tablet geometry and immediate release film coating were chosen as a model system to understand how the film coating interacts with the tablet core. The coating hydration and dissolution process was studied using terahertz pulsed imaging, while optical coherence tomography was used to capture further details on the swelling process of the polymer in the coated tablet. The study investigated the film coating polymer dissolution process and found the gelling of dissolving polymer restricted the capillary liquid transport in the core. These findings can help predict the dissolution of film coating within the typical range of thickness (30 μm to 40 μm) and potentially be extended to understand modified release coating formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingrui Ma
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Daniel Powell
- Centre for Continuous Manufacturing and Advanced Crystallisation, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Marwa Nassar
- Colorcon Ltd, Flagship House, Victory Way, Dartford DA2 6QD, UK
| | - Jason Teckoe
- Colorcon Ltd, Flagship House, Victory Way, Dartford DA2 6QD, UK
| | - Daniel Markl
- Centre for Continuous Manufacturing and Advanced Crystallisation, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - J Axel Zeitler
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bawuah P, Evans M, Lura A, Farrell DJ, Barrie PJ, Kleinebudde P, Markl D, Zeitler JA. At-line porosity sensing for non-destructive disintegration testing in immediate release tablets. Int J Pharm X 2023; 5:100186. [PMID: 37396627 PMCID: PMC10314216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2023.100186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fully automated at-line terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in transmission mode is used to measure tablet porosity for thousands of immediate release tablets. The measurements are rapid and non-destructive. Both laboratory prepared tablets and commercial samples are studied. Multiple measurements on individual tablets quantify the random errors in the terahertz results. These show that the measurements of refractive index are precise, with the standard deviation on a single tablet being about 0.002, with variation between measurements being due to small errors in thickness measurement and from the resolution of the instrument. Six batches of 1000 tablets each were directly compressed using a rotary press. The tabletting turret speed (10 and 30 rpm) and compaction pressure (50, 100 and 200 MPa) were varied between the batches. As expected, the tablets compacted at the highest pressure have far lower porosity than those compacted at the lowest pressure. The turret rotation speed also has a significant effect on porosity. This variation in process parameters resulted in batches of tablets with an average porosity between 5.5 and 26.5%. Within each batch, there is a distribution of porosity values, the standard deviation of which is in the range 1.1 to 1.9%. Destructive measurements of disintegration time were performed in order to develop a predictive model correlating disintegration time and tablet porosity. Testing of the model suggested it was reasonable though there may be some small systematic errors in disintegration time measurement. The terahertz measurements further showed that there are changes in tablet properties after storage for nine months in ambient conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prince Bawuah
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, UK
| | - Mike Evans
- TeraView Limited, 1, Enterprise, Cambridge Research Park, CB25 9PD Cambridge, UK
| | - Ard Lura
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Institute of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel J. Farrell
- TeraView Limited, 1, Enterprise, Cambridge Research Park, CB25 9PD Cambridge, UK
| | - Patrick J. Barrie
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, UK
| | - Peter Kleinebudde
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Institute of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Markl
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
- Centre for Continuous Manufacturing and Advanced Crystallisation (CMAC), University of Strathclyde, Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | - J. Axel Zeitler
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gengji J, Gong T, Zhang Z, Deng L, Fu Y. Imaging techniques for studying solid dosage formulation: Principles and applications. J Control Release 2023; 361:659-670. [PMID: 37567508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Classic methods for evaluating the disintegration and dissolution kinetics of solid dosage forms are no longer sufficient to meet the growing demands in the pharmaceutical field. Hence, scientists have turned to imaging techniques and computer technology to develop innovative visualization methods. These methods allow for a visual understanding of the disintegration or dissolution process and offer valuable insights into the drug release kinetics. This article aims to provide an overview of the commonly used imaging techniques and their applications in studying the disintegration or dissolution of solid dosage forms. Therefore, imaging presents a novel and alternative approach to understanding the mechanisms of disintegration and dissolution in the formulation study of solid dosages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Gengji
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Deng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China..
| | - Yao Fu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China..
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vijayakumar J, Goudarzi NM, Eeckhaut G, Schrijnemakers K, Cnudde V, Boone MN. Characterization of Pharmaceutical Tablets by X-ray Tomography. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050733. [PMID: 37242516 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050733] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid dosage forms such as tablets are extensively used in drug administration for their simplicity and large-scale manufacturing capabilities. High-resolution X-ray tomography is one of the most valuable non-destructive techniques to investigate the internal structure of the tablets for drug product development as well as for a cost effective production process. In this work, we review the recent developments in high-resolution X-ray microtomography and its application towards different tablet characterizations. The increased availability of powerful laboratory instrumentation, as well as the advent of high brilliance and coherent 3rd generation synchrotron light sources, combined with advanced data processing techniques, are driving the application of X-ray microtomography forward as an indispensable tool in the pharmaceutical industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaianth Vijayakumar
- Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT), Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N3, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Radiation Physics, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N12, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Niloofar Moazami Goudarzi
- Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT), Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N3, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Radiation Physics, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N12, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Guy Eeckhaut
- Janssen Pharmaceutica, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Veerle Cnudde
- Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT), Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N3, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Pore-Scale Processes in Geomaterials Research (PProGRess), Department of Geology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Environmental Hydrogeology, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8A, 3584 CD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthieu N Boone
- Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT), Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N3, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Radiation Physics, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86/N12, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Studying the dissolution of immediate release film coating using terahertz pulsed imaging. Int J Pharm 2022; 630:122456. [PMID: 36503850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Coated tablets introduce complexity to the dissolution process, even with readily soluble immediate release coating layers. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of the physical steps involved in the dissolution process can improve the efficiency of formulation and process design. The current study uses terahertz pulsed imaging to visualise the hydration process of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) tablet cores that were film coated with an immediate release coating formulation upon exposure to the dissolution medium. Film coated tablets that were prepared from three levels of core porosity (10%, 20% and 30%) and with coating thickness in the range of 30μm to 250μm were investigated. It was possible to resolve and quantify the distinct stages of wetting of the coating layer, swelling of the MCC particles at the core surface, and dissolution of the coating layer followed by the ingress of dissolution media into the tablet core. The liquid transport process through the coating layer was highly consistent and scalable. The penetration rate through the coating layer and the tablet core both strongly depended on coating thickness and core porosity.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zeng Q, Wang L, Wu S, Fang G, Zhao M, Li Z, Li W. Research progress on the application of spectral imaging technology in pharmaceutical tablet analysis. Int J Pharm 2022; 625:122100. [PMID: 35961418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122100] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tablet as a traditional dosage form in pharmacy has the advantages of accurate dosage, ideal dissolution and bioavailability, convenient to carry and transport. The most concerned tablet quality attributes include active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) contents and polymorphic forms, components distribution, hardness, density, coating state, dissolution behavior, etc., which greatly affect the bioavailability and consistency of tablet final products. In the pharmaceutical industry, there are usually industry standard methods to analyze the tablet quality attributes. However, these methods are generally time-consuming and laborious, and lack a comprehensive understanding of the properties of tablets, such as spatial information. In recent years, spectral imaging technology makes up for the shortcomings of traditional tablet analysis methods because it provides non-contact and rich information in time and space. As a promising technology to replace the traditional tablet analysis methods, it has attracted more and more attention. The present paper briefly describes a series of spectral imaging techniques and their applications in tablet analysis. Finally, the possible application prospect of this technology and the deficiencies that need to be improved were also prospected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zeng
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; State key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Long Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; State key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Sijun Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; State key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Guangpu Fang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Mingwei Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Zheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; State key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; State key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| |
Collapse
|