Developing a study method for producing 400 μm spheroids

Abstract

The aim of this work was to obtain 400 μm spheroids that can be sprinkled on food to improve patient compliance particularly in the case of children and old people. A methodology to select wet masses for extrusion-spheronization through a 400 μm orifice was developed. The first step was to define the parameters that make it possible to assess the qualities required by the wet mass and the extrudates and evaluation norms: plasticity, cohesiveness, brittleness of the mass and the extrudates, and appearance of extrudates. A feasibility assay was then performed on the cylinder extruder, showing that extrusion of the lactose/Avicel PH 101/water (50/50/60) mass is not feasible through the 400 μm orifice. Precirol ato 5 and Gelucire 50/02 wetted with a sodium lauryl sulfate solution at 0.5% show plastic flow through the 400 μm diameter orifice. The presence of Avicel PH 101 does not improve plasticity for this orifice. Micropellets of 400 μm have been proved feasible as long as excipients with suitable pharmaceutical technological properties are used. After proving the feasibility of 400 μm spheroids of Gelucire 50/02, we considered the association of a drug with it.