IMPROVEMENTS IN MICROMERITIC PROPERTIES OF PHARMACEUTICAL CRYSTALS FOR DIRECT TABLETTING PRODUCED BY THE SPHERICAL CRYSTALLIZATION TECHNIQUE WITH A TWO-SOLVENT SYSTEM

摘要

Spherically agglomerated pharmaceutical crystals for direct tabletting were prepared by a spherical crystallization technique with a two solvent system. The original crystals was a sticky powder and lack compressibility, whereas the agglomerated crystals much improved the micromeritic properties. The small angle of repose, higher tap-densing rate and lower adhesive force etc. of the agglomerated crystals prove the improved flowability and packability. The tablet produced with the agglomerated crystals exhibited higher tensile strength than that with the original crystals. The higher relaxation force and the lower elastic recovery of the agglomerated crystals demonstrated their plastic deformation occurred during compaction, resulting in stronger interparticle bonding. The improvement of the tablettability of the agglomerated crystals confirmed by lower capping index and lower ejection pressure. It was found that the spherical crystallization technique is a useful particle design method for direct tebletting.