Functional Characteristics and Physical Properties of Spray Dried Starch Inclusion Complexes with Drugs

Abstract

AbstractStarch systems containing bioactive compounds (ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, myristic acid) are produced in a pilot plant scale spray dryer. The obtained powders are characterized in terms of their physical properties namely moisture, solubility, bulk and tapped density, suspensibility, hygroscopicity, cohesiveness, flowability, and particle size. The effect of spray drying processing parameters and storage relative humidity on the physical properties of powders is investigated. Light microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) are used to characterize the morphology of the powders and assess possible interaction of amylose with the bioactive compounds. A multiple response optimization is performed to determine the optimal physical properties for achieving the ideal powder formulation that jointly satisfy the spray drying operating conditions. Results revealed that the physical properties of powders are mainly affected by the different operating conditions employed during spray drying. All samples displayed significant differences in their physical properties. Microscopic examination showed the presence of disrupted and intact starch granules, albeit swollen. The optimal processing parameters for the production of spray dried powders with more satisfactory physical properties are obtained at high inlet temperatures. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) showed that there are strong positive correlations among the physical properties of the powders.