Avicel PH Research Articles

Comparative evaluations of powder and mechanical properties of low crystallinity celluloses, microcrystalline celluloses, and powdered celluloses

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the powder and mechanical properties of different batches of low crystallinity powdered cellulose (LCPC-S1 to LCPC-S5) with those of commercial microcrystalline celluloses (MCC) (Avicel PH-101, Avicel PH-102, Avicel PH-103, Avicel PH-301, Avicel PH-302, and Emcocel 90m) and powdered celluloses (PC) (Solka Floc BW-40 and Solka Floc BW-100). Both the LCPC and MCC products were aggregated powders, whereas, the PC materials showed a fibrous structure. The primary particles forming the LCPC aggregates, however, were smaller in size and showed a greater degree of coalescence between boundaries, than those forming the MCC aggregates. The LCPC materials had significantly higher bulk and tap densities and lower porosity values compared with the MCC materials. The yield pressure value calculated from the linear region of the Heckel curve for LCPC varied between 48 and 70 MPa, for Avicel and PC materials between, 80 and 106 MPa, and for Emcocel 90m was 48 MPa. These results suggest that the LCPC products and Emcocel 90m, compared with commercial MCC and PC excipients, undergo plastic deformation at relatively lower compression pressures. The total volume reduction (i.e. compressibility), determined by calculating the area under the Heckel curve (AUHC), however, was comparable for all materials, with the exception of the LCPC-S3, which owing to the low yield pressure value, showed the largest reduction in volume. With the exception of LCPC-S1 and Solka Floc BW-40, all the other materials formed compacts, whose strength ranged from about 522 to 799 MPa 2. The strengths of LCPC-S1 and Solka Floc BW-40 compacts, in contrast, were 214 and 257 MPa 2, respectively. Irrespective of the solid fraction levels, the LCPC compacts, in general, disintegrated much faster than the MCC and PC compacts. In conclusion, the results suggest that the new LCPC materials reported herein have powder properties that are quite different from the MCC and PC materials evaluated, and show clear potential as direct compression excipients.

Matrices of Water-Soluble Drug Using Natural Polymer and Direct Compression Method

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to find an optimum Carrageenan matrix formulation with the desired drug release and physical properties prepared by direct compression. In order to achieve this, matrices containing 10% theophylline, different Carrageenan level, and different excipient were prepared and evaluated. A selected matrix containing 40% Carrageenan and lactose fast flo was tested for dissolution in three different dissolution media (distilled water, 0.1 N HCl, and phosphate buffer pH 7.4). The same formulation was also tested for dissolution at 50 rpm, 100 rpm, and 150 rpm, and using different dissolution apparatus (Apparatus 1 and 2).All matrices showed a decrease in drug release as the polymer level was increased. Only Avicel PH-101 did not show any significant difference between matrices prepared with 30% and 40% polymer. At 10% polymer level, it appears that the type of diluent used controls the drug release. However, at high polymer level, 30% and 40%, it appears that the polymer level controls the drug release. Phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and 0.1 N HCl increase drug release and appear to increase Carrageenan solubility and decrease gel formation. Also, as the rotational speed of the apparatus was increased, the integrity of the gel layer was decreased, and the release of drug was increased. The drug release from Carrageenan matrices appears to follow the diffusion model for inert matrix up to 90 min. After 90 min, the drug release follows a zero-order model.This study demonstrated that matrices using Carrageenan can be successfully prepared by direct compression.

Exploration of cellulose surface-binding properties of acidothermus cellulolyticus Cel5A by site-specific mutagenesis.

Understanding the interactions between cellulases and cellulosic substrates is critical to the development of an efficient artificial cellulase system for conversion of biomass to sugars. We directed specific mutations to the interactive surface of the Acidothermus cellulolyticus EI endoglucanase catalytic domain. The cellulose-binding domain is not translated in these mutants. Amino acid mutations were designed either to change the surface charge of the protein or to modify the potential for hydrogen bonding with cellulose. The relationship between cellulase-to-cellulose (Avicel PH101) binding and hydrolysis activity was determined for various groupings of mutations. While a significant increase in hydrolysis activity was not observed, certain clusters of residues did significantly alter substrate binding and some interesting correlations emerged. In the future, these observations may be used to aid the design of endoglucanases with improved performance on pretreated biomass.

Gastro-resistant microspheres containing ketoprofen

Ketoprofen gastroresistant microspheres were prepared by spray-drying using common pH dependent polymers, such as Eudragit S and L, CAP, CAT and HPMCP. The long ketoprofen recrystallization time was a serious hindrance to the preparation of microspheres having a drug content higher than 35%. Microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry and in vitro dissolution studies, and used for the preparation of tablets. During this step, the compaction ability of the spray-dried powders was measured. While the compressibility of the microspheres containing the enteric cellulosic derivatives are not acceptable and different from those of the microcrystalline cellulose, the compaction properties of ketoprofen/Eudragit L or S microspheres are comparable to those of the Avicel PH 101. In vitro dissolution studies were performed on the microspheres and the tablets. All microspheres showed a good gastroresistance, but some differences among the five polymers in reducing drug release at low pH values are present. Acrylic polymers (Eudragit L or S) are considerably more effective than the cellulosic derivatives CAP and CAT, while the HPMCP profile is in an intermediate position. These differences are erased by the microspheres compression process. In HCl 0.1 N, the percentage of ketoprofen released from the tablets is always close to zero, independently from the polymer used.

Design of Peumus boldus tablets by direct compression using a novel dry plant extract

A solid pharmaceutical dosage formulation using a novel dry plant extract of Peumus boldus MOL. (Monimiaceae) (Pb) is proposed. The botanical evaluation of plant material, through morphological and anatomical diagnosis, is presented. This evaluation permits to identify the herb to be used correctly. The analysis of the most extractive solvent mixture and the attainment of plant extract (fluid and dry) are reported. Several formulations (tablets) containing a novel dry plant extract of Pb and common excipients for direct compression are evaluated. The following formulation: dry plant extract of Pb (170 mg), Avicel PH101 (112 mg), Lactose CD (112) and magnesium stearate (6 mg), compressed at 1000 mPa, showed the best pharmaceutical performance.

Preparation and evaluation of sustained release carbamazepine matrix tablets using Eudragit RS 100 and Tragacanth

Carbamazepine is a widely prescribed anticonvulsant antiepileptic drug which shows variable absorption and variable bioavailability. It is advisable to prep. it in sustained release dosage form to improve patient compliance and to perform const. blood level with min. side effects. Problems may be encountered with carbamazepine tablets prepd. by wet granulation if the granules are not thoroughly dried before processing. Therefore, the present study deals with the application of direct compression technique to prep. sustained release carbamazepine matrix tablets. Different levels (0 to 25 % wt.​/wt.) of Eudragit RS 100 and Tragacanth were tested to select the best level of matrix forming material that provides the most release prolonging effect, by direct compression technique using Avicel PH 102 and anhyd. lactose as directly compressible vehicles. Directly compressed matrix tablets of carbamazepine were found to be complied with the USP​/NF 23 requirements for the uniformity of wt., diam., and acceptable mech. properties with respect to tensile strength and friability. Examn. of the release characteristics of the drug from the directly compressed tablets as well as the detn. of the release mechanism were carried out. It was found that, as the percentage of the polymer (either Eudragit or Tragacanth) in all formulations increased from 3.125​% to 18.75​% or 25​% wt.​/wt., the drug release decreased significantly. Involvement of Eudragit RS 100 in the directly compressed matrix tablets gave more sustaining release of carbamazepine than inclusion of Tragacanth in both acidic medium (pH 1.2) and phosphate buffer medium (pH 6.8)​. This was due to the difference between the physicochem. properties of natural polymer Tragacanth and synthetic polymer Eudragit. Comparatively, the formula of carbamazepine tablet contg. 25 % wt.​/wt. Tragacanth showed similar release behavior to that of the com. Tegretol tablets. The calcd. exponential release exponents (n values) indicated that release behavior of carbamazepine matrix tablets was anomalous (non-​Fickian) diffusion kinetics.

Compression, compaction, and disintegration properties of low crystallinity celluloses produced using different agitation rates during their regeneration from phosphoric acid solutions.

The tabletting characteristics of low crystallinity celluloses (LCPC)-LCPC-700, LCPC-2000, and LCPC-4000-prepared using agitation rates of 700, 2000, and 4000 rpm, respectively, during their regeneration from phosphoric acid, were evaluated and compared with those of Avicel PH-102 and Avicel PH-302. The mean deformation pressure values calculated from the linear region of the Athy-Heckel curves indicated LCPC-4000 to be the most ductile material. The area under the Athy-Heckel curve for LCPC-4000 was 330 MPa, whereas LCPC-700 and LCPC-2000 showed a corresponding value similar to that of Avicel PH-102 and Avicel PH-302 (192-232 MPa). The tensile strength of LCPC and Avicel compacts increased linearly with increasing applied pressures. A comparison of the area under the tensile strength-compression pressure curves indicated that LCPC-4000 formed the strongest tablets. The strengths of LCPC-700 and LCPC-2000 compacts, in contrast, were slightly lower than that of Avicel PH-302 and Avicel PH-102, respectively. The compacts of both LCPC-4000 and Avicel PH-102 were intact in water for 6 hours, whereas LCPC-2000 and Avicel PH-302 compacts disintegrated in 4 minutes and 2 minutes, respectively. In conclusion, LCPC-4000 was the most ductile material and exhibited the highest compression and compaction characteristics. The corresponding properties of LCPC-700 and LCPC-2000, in contrast, were comparable to that of Avicel PH-102 or Avicel PH-302.

Preformulation Studies on the S-Isomer of Oxybutynin Hydrochloride, an Improved Chemical Entity (ICE™)

(S)-Oxybutynin HCl (S-OXY) is a white crystalline solid powder with an acicular particle morphology. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms revealed one characteristic endotherm at 116.2°C. On rescanning a sample heated to 120°C, no thermal events were distinguished in the temperature range 25°C to 150°C. Weight loss curves determined by thermogravimetric analysis showed a continuous, gradual weight loss of about 0.15% over the temperature range 30°C to 110°C, followed by a change in slope and more rapid weight loss beginning at 150°C. Observation by hot-stage microscopy confirmed the melting endotherm observed by DSC. Equilibrium moisture uptake studies indicated low water vapor uptake at low relative humidities (< 52.8%). At relative humidities of 75.3% and 84.3%, S-OXY first deliquesced and then converted to a lower melting point crystal form. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data supported the DSC findings. S-OXY underwent degradation by ester hydrolysis at alkaline pHs. The kinetics of this reaction were studied at 25°C in carbonate-bicarbonate buffers. Observed rate constants of 0.008 h−1 and 0.0552 h−1 were determined at pH 9.69 and 10.25, respectively. The pKa of S-OXY was 7.75. The aqueous solubility of S-OXY was described as a function of pH and the free-base solubility. The mean partition coefficient log P was 3.33 using 1-octanol. The surface tensions of aqueous solutions of S-OXY decreased with increasing concentration, but no concentration-independent region was observed, indicating that S-OXY does not form micelles in aqueous solution. The dissolution rate of S-OXY from a compressed disk in 0.1 N HCl was rapid, whereas it was considerably slower at pH 7.4. Addition of 1% hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) at pH 7.4 significantly improved the dissolution rate. S-OXY displayed very poor flow properties when compared to standard pharmaceutical excipients. XRPD results indicated that S-OXY exhibited a loss in crystallinity following ball milling. Hiestand tableting indices indicated that S-OXY has good bonding properties and forms strong compacts, but is likely to be susceptible to capping on ejection from the die. This indicated the need for a plastically deformable excipient such as Avicel PH-101 in tablet formulations.

Evaluation of Bioadhesive Glipizide Spheres and Compacts from Spheres Prepared by Extruder/Marumerizer Technique

The objective of this study was to attempt to deliver glipizide from spheres and compacts containing the natural polymer Carrageenan (Gelcarin, GP 812) and prepared by extruder/marumerizer technique. A second objective was to evaluate the mucoadhesive strength of the bioadhesive spheres onto the mucus membrane of rabbit. The effects of polymer, drug level, and type of spheronizing material were evaluated. All sphere formulations were compacted into tablets using a rotary Manesty B-3B machine equipped with 12/32 flat face tooling. Results show drug release from spheres and compacts decreased as the level of Carrageenan was increased. However, as the level of drug was increased drug release also increased. Spheres containing Avicel PH-101 gave higher drug release than spheres of the same composition but prepared with Avicel RC-581. In general, the drug release from tablets was higher than its corresponding spheres and drug release from spheres and tablets containing Carrageenan was higher than control spheres and tablets of the same composition but without Carrageenan. Tablet formulations compacted from spheres containing Avicel RC-581 gave higher release rate constants than tablet formulations of the same composition but prepared with Avicel PH-101. The bioadhesion study showed that mucoadhesion strength between spheres and mucus membrane of the rabbit depends on the levels of polymer, drug, and type of spheronizing material. Developed bioadhesive spheres and tablets increase the solubility of glipizide which may increase its bioavailability and also increased the adherence of the bioadhesive systems to the mucous membrane so that once daily dose can be administered.

Prediction of Drug Content and Hardness of Intact Tablets Using Artificial Neural Network and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

The purpose of this study was to predict drug content and hardness of intact tablets using artificial neural networks (ANN) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Tablets for the drug content study were compressed from mixtures of Avicel® PH-101, 0.5% magnesium stearate, and varying concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% w/w) of theophylline. Tablets for the hardness study were compressed from mixtures of Avicel PH-101 and 0.5% magnesium stearate at varying compression forces ranging from 0.4 to 1 ton. An Intact Analyzer™ was used to obtain near infrared spectra from the tablets with varying drug contents, whereas a Rapid Content Analyzer™ (RCA) was used to obtain spectral data from the tablets with varying hardness. Two sets of tablets from each batch (i.e., tablets with varying drug content and hardness) were randomly selected. One set of tablets was used to generate appropriate calibration models, while the other set was used as the unknown (test) set. A total of 10 ANN calibration models (5 each with 10 and 160 inputs at appropriate wavelengths) and five separate 4-factor partial least squares (PLS) calibration models were generated to predict drug contents of the test tablets from the spectral data. For the prediction of tablet hardness, two ANN calibration models (one each with 10 and 160 inputs) and two 4-factor PLS calibration models were generated and used to predict the hardness of test tablets. The PLS calibration models were generated using Vision® software. Prediction of drug contents of test tablets using the ANN calibration models generated with 10 inputs was significantly better than the prediction obtained with the ANN calibration models with 160 inputs. For tablets with low drug concentrations (less than or equal to 2%w/w), prediction of drug content was better with either of the two ANN calibration models than with the PLS calibration models. However, prediction of drug contents of tablets with greater than or equal to 5% w/w drug was better with the PLS calibration models than with the ANN calibration models. Prediction of tablet hardness was better with the ANN calibration models generated with either 10 or 160 inputs than with the PLS calibration models. This work demonstrated that a well-trained ANN model is a powerful alternative technique for analysis of NIRS data. Moreover, the technique could be used in instances when the conventional modeling of data does not work adequately.

Influence of wet granulation and lubrication on the powder and tableting properties of codried product of microcrystalline cellulose with β-cyclodextrin

The individual influence of wet granulation and lubrication on the powder and tableting properties of codried product of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was examined in this study. Avicel PH 101 and 301 were included for comparison. The codried product, Avicel PH 101 and 301 were granulated with water, and the granules were milled to retain three different size fractions: 37–60 μm, 60–150 μm, and 150–420 μm. The original Avicels and codried product were lubricated with magnesium stearate in three different percentages (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0%). The results showed that the powder flowability and disintegration of codried product and Avicels were significantly improved after wet granulation. However, the compactibility of codried product and Avicels decreased with increasing particle size. Nevertheless, the compactibility of the codried excipient after granulation was still better than the non-granulated Avicel PH 101 and 301. On the other hand, codried product and Avicels were sensitive to lubrication and resulted in decreasing compactibility and increasing disintegration. Because of the rounder shape of particles, the codried excipient was more sensitive to magnesium stearate and produced weaker tablets than did Avicels.

Flash pyrolysis of cellulose for production of anhydro-oligomers

Evidence is presented showing that it should be possible to depolymerize a purified cellulose to produce anhydro-oligosaccharides containing small numbers of glucosidic units if suitable reaction conditions are chosen. Experiments were carried out in a stream of nitrogen in a downflow cocurrent tubular reactor with a high temperature wall. Two sizes of particles of Avicel pH102 were used and two sizes of reactor tube with wall temperatures from 850 to 1200°C and residence times from 35 to 75 ms. From the solid residue of the reaction, a water soluble fraction was recovered which contained anhydrosugars. Yields of soluble solids of up to 44% of the cellulose fed were obtained in a small diameter tube, and up to 34% in a larger diameter reactor. Only a narrow window of reaction conditions exists which is optimal for maximum yields. Carbohydrate analyses showed significant yields of anhydro-oligosaccharides from G 2 to G 7, the limit of resolution for the HPLC column used. Normally, these compounds made up ∼50% of the soluble solids fraction. Substantial amounts of material >G 7 were also produced but could not be identified. Tests were also done with pretreated Avicel, but only one method gave improved results (slow preheating) Given the probable high unit value of anhydro-ologosaccharides, it would appear that this method of flash pyrolysis may be worth further exploitation.

Wavelength selection and optimization of pattern recognition methods using the genetic algorithm

A genetic algorithm (GA) method for wavelength selection and optimization of near-infrared (NIR) pattern recognition methods was developed to reduce misclassification errors of similar materials. Our goal was to automate completely the process of producing pattern recognition models, consequently, we felt it was important to include pre-processing options, the number of principal components and wavelength selection in the chromosomes. The SIMCA residual variance analysis and the Mahalanobis distance methods were used to classify samples of three different types of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH101, PH102, and RC581) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Without GA optimization, approximately 15% of Avicel PH101 and PH102 test samples were misclassified since their NIR spectra are very similar. The GA was used to optimize pattern recognition performance on training sets using a figure of merit designed to maximize correct classification of acceptable samples and minimize classification of unacceptable samples or samples of dissimilar materials. After GA optimization of pattern recognition parameters, 100% correct classification of a validation set was achieved using both the residual variance analysis and the Mahalanobis distance methods .

Fractionation of unsubstituted cellulose from solutions in either Ni-tren or (N,N-dimethylacetamide + LiCl)

Starting from solutions of unsubstituted cellulose (Avicel PH101, Mw = 30.1 kg/mol and Mw/Mn = 3 or Solucell 500, Mw = 230 kg/mol, Mw/Mn = 2.8) in either Ni-tren (0.8 M aqueous solution of the dihydroxotris(2-aminoethly)amine nickel(II) complex) or in a mixed solvent DMAc+LiCl (consisting of N,N-dimethylacetamide plus lithium chloride) it was investigated whether the segregation of a second phase caused by the addition of suitable precipitants leads to polymer fractionation. With Ni-tren the long chains accumulate in the precipitate formed upon the addition of sulfuric acid; as the pH falls below ≈ 9, the solution is free of cellulose. Nevertheless this route option for fractionation must be ruled out because of a pronounced chain scission taking place in that solvent. For (DMAc + LiCl) the best low molecular weight precipitant that could be found was acetone; it allows the fractionation of the lower molecular weight Avicel but fails for Solucell as a result of the high viscosities of its solutions in the presence of acetone. It was therefore investigated whether that deficiency could be overcome by the use of high molecular precipitants. In these experiments poly-(methyl methacrylate), incompatible with cellulose, was used to cause phase separation. The results demonstrate the suitability of this system for discontinuous experiments even in the case of the higher molecular weight Solucell.

Fractionation of unsubstituted cellulose from solutions in either Ni-tren or (N,N-dimethylacetamide + LiCl)

Starting from solutions of unsubstituted cellulose (Avicel PH101, Mw = 30.1 kg/mol and Mw/Mn = 3 or Solucell 500, Mw = 230 kg/mol, Mw/Mn = 2.8) in either Ni-tren (0.8 M aqueous solution of the dihydroxotris(2-aminoethly)amine nickel(II) complex) or in a mixed solvent DMAc+LiCl (consisting of N,N-dimethylacetamide plus lithium chloride) it was investigated whether the segregation of a second phase caused by the addition of suitable precipitants leads to polymer fractionation. With Ni-tren the long chains accumulate in the precipitate formed upon the addition of sulfuric acid; as the pH falls below ≈ 9, the solution is free of cellulose. Nevertheless this route option for fractionation must be ruled out because of a pronounced chain scission taking place in that solvent. For (DMAc + LiCl) the best low molecular weight precipitant that could be found was acetone; it allows the fractionation of the lower molecular weight Avicel but fails for Solucell as a result of the high viscosities of its solutions in the presence of acetone. It was therefore investigated whether that deficiency could be overcome by the use of high molecular precipitants. In these experiments poly-(methyl methacrylate), incompatible with cellulose, was used to cause phase separation. The results demonstrate the suitability of this system for discontinuous experiments even in the case of the higher molecular weight Solucell.

Development of disintegrating multiple-unit tablets on a high-speed rotary tablet press

Enteric coated bisacodyl pellets were compressed into divisible disintegrating tablets on a high speed rotary tablet press and investigated for pellet damages. The degree of pellet damages was examined via the bisacodyl dissolution during the acid treatment of' the drug release test for enteric coated articles according to USP 23. The damages depended on the type of filler-binder used and settings of the tablet press. Avicel PH 101 proved to be the most suitable filler-binder, effecting homogeneous distribution of the pellets within the tablets, as could be shown by image analysis of coloured pellets. The speed of the tablet press had noo influence on the pellet damages using Avicel PH 101 as a filler-binder, however, tablets containing 70% (w/w) of coated pellets did not fulfil the requirements of USP 23, despite optimum elasticity and coating thickness of a new Eudragit FS 30 D coating. Reducing the proportion of pellets to 60% per tablet, less than 10% of bisacodyl were released within 2 h during acid treatment thus fulfilling the requirements of the USP 23.

Three-dimensional modeling to determine properties of tableting materials on rotary machines using a rotary tableting machine simulator

A new three-dimensional modeling technique of tableting data has been used for data measured with a rotary tableting machine simulator. The use of the tableting machine simulator is helpful in this case because a scale up or a change of equipment is easily possible. The model substances used were hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC 15.000), microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH 101), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (Emcompress) and theophylline monohydrate, four very differently deforming substances. Tablets were produced by simulating a Manesty Betapress with 100 rev./min. The materials were tableted to five graded maximum relative densities (ρ rel, max) of 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and 0.95. A twisted plane was fitted to the measured data and three parameters: d, the time-plasticity: e, the pressure plasticity and ω, the elastic decompression, resulted for each material at the given ρ rel, max according to the three-dimensional tableting technique. The results show different parameter-plots for the tableting materials, allowing to differentiate between the tableting characteristics of various substances. Three-dimensional modeling of data from rotary machines is shown to be a valuable tool not only for material characterization on eccentric machines but on rotary tableting machines as well.

An efficient, one-pot acylation of cellulose under homogeneous reaction conditions

Cellulose samples from cotton linters, sisal, and sugar cane bagasse have been successively acylated (acetate, propionate, butyrate, and acetate/butyrate) under homogeneous reaction conditions, in LiCl/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), by the following procedure: (i) cellulose and LiCl are heated under reduced pressure, at 110°C; (ii) cellulose is dissolved in LiCl/DMAC by heating at 155°C, followed by cooling to 40°C; (iii) the solubilized polymer is acylated at 60°C for 18 h. Attractive features of this one-pot procedure include: easy control and high reproducibility of the degree of substitution; elimination of base catalyst; negligible degradation of the natural polymer; and recovery/recycling of high purity DMAC and acid anhydride. Reaction conditions employed for the present celluloses are different from those previously used for Avicel PH 101 microcrystalline cellulose because their fibrous nature, higher indices of crystallinity and higher molecular weights retard their dissolution and decrease their rates of acylation by acid anhydrides.

An efficient, one-pot acylation of cellulose under homogeneous reaction conditions

Cellulose samples from cotton linters, sisal, and sugar cane bagasse have been successively acylated (acetate, propionate, butyrate, and acetate/butyrate) under homogeneous reaction conditions, in LiCl/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), by the following procedure: (i) cellulose and LiCl are heated under reduced pressure, at 110°C; (ii) cellulose is dissolved in LiCl/DMAC by heating at 155°C, followed by cooling to 40°C; (iii) the solubilized polymer is acylated at 60°C for 18 h. Attractive features of this one-pot procedure include: easy control and high reproducibility of the degree of substitution; elimination of base catalyst; negligible degradation of the natural polymer; and recovery/recycling of high purity DMAC and acid anhydride. Reaction conditions employed for the present celluloses are different from those previously used for Avicel PH 101 microcrystalline cellulose because their fibrous nature, higher indices of crystallinity and higher molecular weights retard their dissolution and decrease their rates of acylation by acid anhydrides.

A new theoretical approach to tablet strength of a binary mixture consisting of a well and a poorly compactable substance

The objective of this study was to analyse the tensile strength of a well and a poorly compactable substance in a tablet mixture. Recent developments in the theory of percolation were taken into account and two power laws are proposed, one for the tensile strength as a function of the relative density of the mixture, and the other for the relationship between the strength and compaction pressure. Both equations are assumed to be valid in a comparatively low pressure range. A universal testing instrument Zwick UPM 1478 was used for the manufacture and testing of the compacts. Mixtures of Avicel PH101 and paracetamol at different ratios were chosen as model systems. The experimental results showed that the proposed model equations fitted the experimental data reasonably well for all mixture ratios. It was observed that the critical solid fraction of the mixture, i.e. the strength percolation threshold, increased with rising amounts of the drug. We investigated the strength threshold not only in terms of the solid fraction, but also in terms of the mass fraction (excipient percolation threshold). It is assumed that a tablet can only be produced with a certain minimal amount of the well compactable substance that is needed to build a percolating cluster in the tablet. An interpretation is therefore provided for the dilution capacity of a direct tableting excipient with a poorly compactable drug. The dilution capacity was experimentally determined according to the method of Minchom and Armstrong (Br. Pharm. Conf. (1987) 69 pp.). Our experimental estimate of 79.9% drug is in perfect agreement with our proposed theoretical calculation of 79.7%. These estimates are, however, much higher than the one reported in a recent study (Y. Habib, L. Augsburger, G. Reier, Th. Wheatley, R. Shangraw, Dilution potential: a new perspective, Pharm. Dev. Tech. 1 (2) (1996) 205–212) where the dilution capacity of the same mixture was investigated. This discrepancy can be explained based on the different pressure ranges and extrapolation techniques that were used. As a conclusion, concepts of the percolation theory can successfully be applied to the kind of mixture studied in this paper. It is conceivable that the theoretical tools presented can also be applied to mixtures of more than two substances if they consist of a single well compactable excipient and several poorly compactable components. Such mixtures are relevant for the development of direct compressible tableting formulations.