Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

A comprehensive review of characterization techniques for particle adhesion and powder flowability

The study of the flow properties of particles is crucial because it directly impacts the efficiency and product quality of various industrial particulate processes, such as continuous manufacturing of solid oral dosages. However, challenges arise due to the flow behavior of cohesive particles, which tend to adhere to surfaces or other particles, necessitating careful process design. The importance of selecting appropriate measurement pathways for accurate characterization has been overlooked. In response, an overview of measurement technologies for surface energy and cohesive/adhesive forces is provided in this work, aiming to establish a practical guide. Understanding these forces is crucial for optimizing continuous manufacturing processes to effectively mitigate flow-related issues such as obstructions, segregation, irregular flow, and flooding. Furthermore, various methods characterization experiments were conducted and compared to illuminate the methodological disparities. This analysis provides valuable insights into particle adhesion, cohesion, and powder flowability, potentially enhancing industrial particulate processes development.

Continuous integrated production of glucose granules with enhanced flowability and tabletability

Glucose is widely used in both the food and pharmaceutical industry. However, the application of industrially crystallized glucose in solid dosage forms is challenged by its poor flowability and tabletability. To improve these characteristics continuous twin-screw granulation was tested, which has the potential to be integrated into the continuous production of solid glucose from corn starch. A completely continuous manufacturing line (including drying and milling) was developed and the different production steps were examined and synchronized. Our line was supplemented with an in-line applicable near-infrared spectroscopic probe to monitor the moisture content of the milled granules in real-time. The flowability and tabletability of the powder improved significantly, and tablets with acceptable breaking force (greater than 100 N) could be prepared from the granules. The developed continuous line can be easily installed into the industrial solid glucose production process resulting in pure glucose granules with adequate flow properties and tabletability in a simple, continuous and efficient way.