Hydroxypropylcellulose Concentration Research Articles

Development, Optimization and Characterization of Glimepiride Nanosuspension with Improved Solubility and Dissolution

Current work describes the development of nanoparticulate suspension (NPs) of glimeperide (GLMP) with enhanced solubility and bioavailability. Using the ultrasonication-assisted precipitation method, GLMP-NP was developed and optimized through the use of a three-factor two-level full factorial design methodology. Drug release, size of a particle, and encapsulation efficiency from nanoparticles were considered as dependent variables while the concentration of Hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC SSL), Kollicoat IR, and sonication time were considered as independent variables. According to the study, every independent variable significantly affected the dependent variables (p <0.05). The size of the particle GLMP-NP ranged between 159 (F2) to 505 nm (F8) while EE varied from 32 (F8) to 75% (F2). The DR of the GLMP-NP observed at 10 min ranged between 35 (F8) to 100% (F2). A significant enhancement in dissolution rate was observed in GLMP-NPs (F1-F8) in comparison to pure GLMP. It was discovered that pure GLMP dissolved in 27.25 ± 6.8 μg/mL of double-distilled water, while GLMP-NP exhibited 3.50 to 6.58-fold enhancement in saturation solubility. FTIR and DSC analysis revealed excellent compatibility between GLMP and excipients. XRD study confirmed the amorphous nature of the nanoparticles while SEM analysis revealed a smooth surface. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the substantial improvement in dissolution rate and solubility of pure GLMP when formulated as nanoparticles.

Dielectric relaxation processes observed in hydroxypropyl Cellulose − Ethanol solutions

We performed dielectric measurements of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) − ethanol solutions with various HPC concentrations at various temperatures. A symmetric primary relaxation process reflecting the motion of ethanol molecules was observed in the high-temperature range. Below 250 K, additional relaxation processes appeared on the low-frequency side of the primary process observed at high temperatures. The molecular mechanism of this separation behavior of the relaxation processes can be explained in terms of the fragmentation of the hydrogen bonding network of ethanol molecules caused by the impregnation of HPC molecules into the hydrogen bonding network of the ethanol molecules. Below 250 K, each fragment forms a larger fragment through hydrogen bonding with the HPC molecules, and the motion of these large fragments leads to an additional low-frequency relaxation process. In addition, the obtained dielectric parameters were compared with the spatial scale of the liquid crystal structure obtained by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements.

Competitive interfacial behavior in sodium caseinates-hydroxypropyl cellulose mixed systems

In this work, interactions between hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and sodium caseinates (Na-cas) at the air-water interface were studied. The surface tension, surface rheology, and film compatibility of the mixed protein/polysaccharide system were investigated. Tensiometry experiments showed that HPC is more surface-active than proteins, and is preferentially adsorbed at the interface. This molecule is able to migrate to the interface faster than Na-cas despite its larger size. At low HPC concentration, proteins adsorb first but HPC being more surface-active will eventually substitute them at the interface. The use of the pendant drop tensiometer allowed the real-time monitoring of protein displacement; an immediate decrease in surface tension was observed when HPC was added to a Na-cas solution. The analysis of the compression isotherms of Na-cas/HPC mixed films revealed partial miscibility between the two species within the monolayer; the films were less expanded than expected from the ideal behavior of binary mixtures. The dilatational rheology experiments showed that the presence of a very small amount of HPC had a significant effect on the viscoelastic properties of the interface. This work reported for the first time the competitive adsorption between Na-cas and HPC at the A/W interface.

Development of smart window using an hydroxypropyl cellulose-acrylamide hydrogel and evaluation of weathering resistance and heat shielding effect

Reducing the amount of electricity used by cooling systems is essential for lowering CO 2 emissions; therefore suppressing increases in room temperature in an environmentally friendly manner requires the development of heat-shielding materials that autonomously control sunlight without the use of electricity. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) has attracted attention as a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) type of temperature-responsive polymer. HPC is a thermochromic material that changes its optical properties in response to changes in external temperature. In this study, acrylamide (AAm) and HPC with various molecular weights were used to prepare HPC-AAm hydrogels, and their optical, heat-shielding, and weathering-resistant properties were evaluated. UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy revealed that the solar transmittance ( αT sol ) of the HPC-AAm hydrogel decreased while its solar reflectance ( αR sol ) increased with increasing HPC concentration above LCST. The αT sol of low-molecular-weight HPC was found to be lower than that of high-molecular-weight HPC. In addition, the temperature inside a box constructed using an HPC-AAm hydrogel window was approximately 10 °C lower than that constructed using glass alone. Furthermore, the optical properties of the HPC-AAm hydrogel were found to hardly deteriorated even when continuously exposed to heat and UV radiation for 150 h. Therefore, the HPC-AAm hydrogel prepared in this study is expected to be useful as a heat-shielding material. • Hydrogels based on hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) acrylamide (AAm) were prepared. • HPC-AAm hydrogels show high αT sol values below the LCST. • αT sol decreases and αR sol increases with increasing HPC loading above the LCST. • The L-HPC-AAm hydrogel led to lower temperatures inside a simulated room. • The HPC-AAm hydrogel is stable when continuously heated and UV irradiated.

Monte-Carlo optical model coupled with Inverse Adding-Doubling for Building Integrated Photovoltaic smart window design and characterisation

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) glazings are promising technologies with the benefits of electricity generation, solar shading and building energy savings. A new approach is to integrate BIPV windows with thermotropic materials such as Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC) hydrogel, which offers adaptive advantages for the systems to respond to time-varying weather conditions but also enhances the PV electricity generation. To design such systems, knowledge of the temperature-dependent scattering properties of the selected thermotropic materials is of significance. In this study, a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) smart window system consisting of a thermotropic membrane synthesised using HPC and gellan gum gelling agent for electricity generation and also solar control has been designed and investigated. An advanced optical model, which combines a Monte-Carlo ray-tracing technique with an Inverse Adding-Doubling (IAD) method, has been developed for characterising the thermotropic membrane in terms of angular scattering distribution under various membrane temperatures and HPC concentrations. Then the developed optical model has been validated by comparison with experimental measurements. Subsequently, the validated optical model has been used to design and optimise the proposed BIPV smart window. The effects of HPC concentration, geometric concentration ratio, thermotropic membrane thickness and glass refractive index on PV power outputs have been evaluated. Finally, a prototype of the BIPV smart window with a 6 wt% HPC membrane has been manufactured and tested under indoor conditions. From the experimental tests, it was found that the total transmittance of the double-pane glass sample with a 6 wt% HPC membrane layer decreases from approximately 90%to 14%, when the membrane temperature increases from 27 °C to 56 °C. The measured short-circuit current for the prototype BIPV smart window is up to 1.15 times higher than that of its counterpart system with a similar PV area but no membrane.

Development of Electrospun Shellac and Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Blended Nanofibers for Drug Carrier Application

The aim of this study was to develop the electrospun shellac (SHL) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) blended nanofibers for drug carrier application. The effects of polymer solution and electrospinning parameters, including SHL-HPC ratio, HPC concentration, applied voltage and flow rate, on the appearance of fibers were investigated. Based on the results, electrospun fiber was not obtained when a solution of HPC alone was employed. However, the fibers would be obviously fabricated as SHL was added to the HPC solution. An increase in the SHL ratio in SHL-HPC blended solution could accordingly lead to a remarkable enhance in the fiber diameter. In addition, the continuous nanofibers with less beads were gradually formulated when the HPC concentration was increased. The electrospinning parameters seemed to be significant. The elevation of infusion rate from 0.5 to 1 mL/h would contribute to the preparation of thick fibers with the diameters enlarging from 666.9 to 843.5 nm. With the applied voltage increasing from 15 to 30 kV during the electrospinning process, the fabrication of small nanofibers with the diameters reducing from 843.5 to 741.6 nm would be conducted. In this study, monolaurin (ML), a broad antimicrobial agent, was encapsulated into the SHL-HPC carrier for the purpose of drug delivery application. Regarding the result, the loaded concentration of ML could not be enhanced by introducing HPC to the SHL fibers.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MUCOADHESIVE BUCCAL TABLETS OF CARVEDILOL

Objective: The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate mucoadhesive buccal tablets of carvedilol to avoid the first-pass metabolism.
 Methods: Mucoadhesive Buccal tablets of carvedilol were prepared by direct compression techniques using a combination of bioadhesive polymers such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and polyethlyelne oxide WSR-1105 (PEO WSR-1105). In order to improve solubility of carvedilol, solid dispersion was prepared using poloxamer 188. A 32 Full factorial design was applied to investigate the combined effect of the two independent variables i.e. concentration of HPC (X1) and concentration of PEO WSR-1105(X2) on the dependent variables, % in vitro drug release at 1 h (Y1), % in vitro drug release at 4 h (Y2), mucoadhesive strength (Y3) and mucoadhesion time (Y4).
 Results: Optimized mucoadhesive buccal tablets shows in vitro drug release of 96.23±2.45 in 8 h, mucoadhesive strength of 18.20±1.44 g, mucoadhesion time 420±2.6 min and surface pH 6.75±0.015. Drug excipients compatibility study by FTIR showed no interaction between drug and excipients.
 Conclusion: From all parameters and experimental design evaluation, it was concluded that the drug release rate decreased with an increase the concentration of HPC and PEO WSR-1105 and mucoadhesion property increased with increase the concentration of PEO WSR-1105. The in vitro release kinetics revealed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model is followed and drug release is by anomalous diffusion.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Film Having Dot Structures for Diffraction Grating.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) dot micro/nanostructures are synthesized by electrochemical polymerization in a concentrated hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) liquid crystal electrolyte solution. Surface observations by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy reveal micro/nanostructures having hemisphere-like dots on the surface of the PEDOT film, which causes light diffraction at ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths. The size of the dots depends on the concentration of the HPC electrolyte solution, decreasing with increasing the HPC concentration. Electrochemical oxidation and reduction causes changes in the color of the PEDOT film and the diffracted light. Moreover, Au coating on the surface of the PEDOT film enhances the diffracted light reflection intensity by more than tenfold compared to the noncoated PEDOT film.

Tuning the Solution-Mediated Concomitant Phase Transformation Outcome of the Piroxicam Monohydrate by Two Hydroxyl-Containing Additives: Hydroxypropyl Cellulose and H2O

Solution-mediated concomitant phase transformation (SMCPT) of the Piroxicam (PCM) monohydrate was found. The PCM monohydrate could simultaneously transform to block Form I and needle Form II in acetone at 31 °C. However, the Form I and the Form II can be selectively grown in the presence of 0.04 mg/mL HPC and 1% H2O, respectively. In addition, the morphology of Form I is changed from block to rod-like or even needle with the increase of the concentration of HPC. Based on these phenomena, the roles of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and H2O in the solution-mediated concomitant phase transformation were studied. The mechanisms of HPC and H2O to affect the process of SMCPT of the PCM monohydrate are different. In the presence of 0.04 mg/mL HPC, the interactions between the HPC molecules and the PCM molecules was the main factor that governed the process of SMCPT of the PCM monohydrate. However, in the presence of 1% H2O, the driving force of SMCPT played the main role. In our work, the outcome of SMCPT could b...

Optimization and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal films loaded with resveratrol

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin from grapes, has shown several therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects. There is a need to develop novel methods for delivery of resveratrol since it poses problems such as high first pass metabolism and therefore low oral bioavailability. Drug delivery through buccal mucosa offers novel approach in circumventing hepatic metabolism and providing controlled drug release with a wide scope for application for local or systemic deliveries. The present investigation deals with optimization and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal films of resveratrol. The mucoadhesive buccal films of resveratrol were prepared by solvent casting method using polymer Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and Ethyl cellulose (EC). Optimization was achieved using 32 full factorial design whereby the effect of HPC (X1) and EC (X2) concentrations on mucoadhesive strength (Y1), swelling (Y2) and in vitro drug release (Y3) profile were analyzed. The resulting films were characterized for weight uniformity, thickness, folding endurance, drug content, surface pH, swelling, mucoadhesive strength and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation comprised of 2% (w/v) HPC and 1% (w/v) EC, exhibited satisfactory mucodhesive strength, swelling and optimum drug release upto 8 h. Histopathology of buccal mucosa treated with optimized buccal films exhibited no signs of mucosal damage.

Transmittance and Reflectance Studies of Thermotropic Material for a Novel Building Integrated Concentrating Photovoltaic (BICPV) ‘Smart Window’ System

A novel Building Integrated Concentrating Photovoltaic (BICPV) Smart Window has been designed and developed as a next generation intelligent window system. In response to climatic conditions, the smart window varies solar light transmission into the building for provision of light and heat with the reflection of light to the photovoltaic (PV) for electricity generation. This unique function is realised using an integrated thermotropic layer in conjunction with embedded PVs. As commercial PVs are readily available, the success of this novel BICPV design depends solely on the performance of the thermotropic material. This study aimed to develop a suitable reflective thermotropic layer for the proposed smart Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) system. A Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) polymer was tested for its applicability as a potential reflective thermotropic material for this purpose. HPC concentration was systematically varied from 1 wt. % to 6 wt. % in aqueous solution so as to provide insight into the relationship between transmittance/reflectance properties, the concentration of the thermotropic material and their dependence upon the environmental temperature. The degree of hysteresis of light transmittance upon subjecting HPC to heating and cooling cycles was also investigated. Specifically, for the HPC liquid samples the measured threshold temperature/transition temperature (Ts) was observed to be approximately 40 °C for 6 wt. % HPC, increasing to approximately 44 °C for 1 wt. % HPC. No hysteresis was observed upon heating and cooling HPC samples. Reflectance below the Ts was recorded at ~10%, increasing up to ~70% above the Ts for 6 wt. % HPC. Finally, a HPC-based hydrogel membrane sample was developed and exhibited good thermotropic activity therefore demonstrating its suitability for use within the BICPV smart window. This study corroborates that HPC is a suitable thermotropic material in the application of next generation BICPV smart window systems.

Effect of polymer concentration and thermal history on the inverse thermogelation of hydroxypropylcellulose aqueous solutions

We report on the inverse thermogelation of aqueous solutions of high molecular weight HydroxyPropylCellulose (HPC). The gelation process is investigated at different polymer concentrations, in the range 4÷16% (w/w). For each concentration, different heating rates are considered, in order to explore the effects on the sol-gel transition. Our findings corroborate the scenario proposed in literature for the thermoreversible gelation of cellulose derivatives, according to which the sol-gel transition is governed by an interplay of liquid-liquid phase separation and gelation. Gelation occurs in the polymer-rich phase via enhanced hydrophobic interactions between polymer chains at high temperature. At low heating rates, the phase separation proceeds significantly before the gelation occurs, creating more coarsened phases. As a consequence, the polymer network is less percolated and results in a weaker gel. Such an effect is more evident in less concentrated solutions characterized by a shorter terminal relaxation time, that is, faster polymer diffusion. As HPC concentration and heating rates are increased, the dissipative capacity of the final gel, expressed by the value of the phase angle at high temperatures, becomes nearly independent on polymer concentration and heating rate. However, the absolute values of the viscoelastic moduli of the formed gel increase with both HPC concentration and heating rate. The temperature window where transition occurs slightly narrows down with increasing concentration.

Visualization of drug translocation in the nasal cavity and pharmacokinetic analysis on nasal drug absorption using positron emission tomography in the rat

We performed positron emission tomography (PET) using 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of nasal drug absorption in the rat. The dosing solution of [18F]FDG was varied in volume (ranging from 5 to 25μl) and viscosity (using 0% to 3% concentrations of hydroxypropylcellulose). We modeled the pharmacokinetic parameters regarding the nasal cavity and pharynx using mass balance equations, and evaluated the values that were obtained by fitting concentration–time profiles using WinNonlin® software. The regional nasal permeability was also estimated using the active surface area derived from the PET images. The translocation of [18F]FDG from the nasal cavity was visualized using PET. Analysis of the PET imaging data revealed that the pharmacokinetic parameters were independent of the dosing solution volume; however, the viscosity increased the absorption rate constant and decreased the mucociliary clearance rate constant. Nasal permeability was initially higher but subsequently decreased until the end of the study, indicating regional differences in permeability in the nasal cavity. We concluded that the visualization of drug translocation in the nasal cavity in the rat using PET enables quantitative analysis of nasal drug absorption, thereby facilitating the development of nasal formulations for human use.

Synthesis of surfactant-free hydroxypropylcellulose nanogel and its dual-responsive properties

Surfactant-free hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) nanogels were synthesized by using thermo-sensitive HPC as a template to form HPC/PMAA nanoscale complex. The formation mechanism was owing to the interpolymer hydrogen bonding between HPC and PMAA induced phase transition of HPC in aqueous media. The average size of the resulting HPC nanogels ranges from about 98 to 241nm. It was found that the average size of HPC nanogels changed little with increasing polymerization temperature below 26°C, whereas it greatly increased above 26°C. When the concentration of HPC was increased from 0.1 to 0.9wt.%, the diameter of nanogels decreased firstly and then increased. Besides, an increasing crosslinker BIS concentration led to a reduced size of HPC nanogels, and the nanogels had the narrowest size distribution when its concentration was 0.1wt.%. In addition to intrinsic thermo-sensitivity, HPC nanogels also display pH-induced phase transition due to pH-responsive PMAA contained in HPC nanogels. Surfactant-free, dual-responsive HPC nanogels would have promising applications in biotechnology and nanomedicine.

Gastroretentive extended-release floating granules prepared using a novel fluidized hot melt granulation (FHMG) technique.

The objective of this work was to investigate the feasibility of using a novel granulation technique, namely, fluidized hot melt granulation (FHMG), to prepare gastroretentive extended-release floating granules. In this study we have utilized FHMG, a solvent free process in which granulation is achieved with the aid of low melting point materials, using Compritol 888 ATO and Gelucire 50/13 as meltable binders, in place of conventional liquid binders. The physicochemical properties, morphology, floating properties, and drug release of the manufactured granules were investigated. Granules prepared by this method were spherical in shape and showed good flowability. The floating granules exhibited sustained release exceeding 10 h. Granule buoyancy (floating time and strength) and drug release properties were significantly influenced by formulation variables such as excipient type and concentration, and the physical characteristics (particle size, hydrophilicity) of the excipients. Drug release rate was increased by increasing the concentration of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and Gelucire 50/13, or by decreasing the particle size of HPC. Floating strength was improved through the incorporation of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Furthermore, floating strength was influenced by the concentration of HPC within the formulation. Granules prepared in this way show good physical characteristics, floating ability, and drug release properties when placed in simulated gastric fluid. Moreover, the drug release and floating properties can be controlled by modification of the ratio or physical characteristics of the excipients used in the formulation.

Influence of pH and HPC concentration on the synthesis of zinc oxide photocatalyst particle from zinc-dust waste by hydrothermal treatment

This work aimed to use the waste zinc-dust from a hot-dip galvanizing plant for the synthesis of nanosized ZnO photocatalyst powder via hydrothermal treatment. ZnO particles with different morphologies and sizes were obtained by varying the solution pH (8–12) and the amount of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) dispersant (0–0.15% (w/v)) under hydrothermal treatment at 170°C for 8h. The influence of the preparation conditions on the properties of resultant ZnO particles were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, laser light scattering and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses. The solution pH affected the crystallinity, particle morphology and specific surface area of the obtained ZnO, which in turn influenced its photocatalytic activity. The addition of the optimum amount of HPC (0.1% (w/v)) in the starting solution acted as a dispersant to reduce ZnO particle agglomeration but had the opposite effect at higher levels. Moreover, ZnO nanorods with various aspect ratios and a diameter and length range of 20–70nm and 100–400nm, respectively, were obtained depending on the amount of added HPC. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO powder was improved by the addition of the optimal amount of HPC, and correlated to the particle dispersion and specific surface area.

Influence of Fast Neutron Irradiation on the Optical Properties of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/ Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Blends

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) (100/0, 80/20, 50/50, 20/80 and 0/100 wt/wt%) blend films are prepared by solution casting method and subjected to fast neutrons irradiation for fluence 1 x 10 n/cm. The effects of different HPC concentrations on the optical properties such as: near infrared, absorbance and transmittance spectra in the region 250–2500 nm of the prepared films are studied before and after irradiation with fast neutrons. The absorption coefficient and the extinction coefficient for the prepared films have been calculated. The transmittance spectra are used for the determination of the optical tristimulus transmittance values. The obtained results illustrate that the increase in the concentration of HPC with PVA and/or irradiation with fast neutrons changed the chemical bonds and hence changed the molecular configuration of PVA indicating that there are charge transfers complexes arose in the polymer blend matrices. Original Research Article British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 4(30): 4316-4327, 2014 4317

A combined microhydrodynamics–polymer adsorption analysis for elucidation of the roles of stabilizers in wet stirred media milling

Although polymers and surfactants are commonly used as stabilizers to impart physical stability to the suspensions produced by wet stirred media milling of poorly water-soluble drugs, scant information is available in pharmaceutical literature regarding their impact on the breakage kinetics. We present a combined microhydrodynamics-polymer adsorption analysis to elucidate the roles of stabilizers with a focus on the kinetics. Griseofulvin (GF), a model poorly water-soluble drug, was milled at various concentrations of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) in the presence-absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Particle sizing, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and rheometry were used to determine the breakage kinetics, adsorption isotherm, and apparent viscosity, which were then used to analyze the aggregation state of the milled suspensions and the microhydrodynamics. In the absence of SDS, an increase in HPC concentration slowed the particle aggregation leading to faster apparent breakage. On the other hand, due to a synergistic stabilizing action of HPC with SDS, lower HPC concentration was needed to stabilize the suspensions, and an optimum HPC concentration for the fastest apparent breakage was identified. The microhydrodynamic analysis quantified, for the first time, the viscous dampening effect of polymers, while only the combined analysis could explain the observed optimum.

STUDIES IN FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT OF IMMEDIATE RELEASE ITRACONAZOLE GRANULES

The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate immediate release itraconazole granules and comprehensive studies of the same. The intraconazole granles is prepared using fluid bed processer with different concentration of HPC (Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose). The physicochemical compatibility of the drug and the excipients studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The prepared granules were physically evaluated with size, shape, surface roughness, density, moisture content, assay and drug release etc. The in vitro drug release profile from granules shows that all the formulation release more than 89% drug within 1 hr. Optimized formulations were found to have HPC concentration 10% of total weight of granules to maximize high-quality surface, desired release, and size distribution within the range. These results indicate that granules containing 10 % HPC of total weight of granules give better quality of intraconazole granules for immediate release.

An investigation of the influence of process and formulation variables on mechanical properties of high shear granules using design of experiment

Being able to predict the properties of granules from the knowledge of the process and formulation variables is what most industries are striving for. This research uses experimental design to investigate the effect of process variables and formulation variables on mechanical properties of pharmaceutical granules manufactured from a classical blend of lactose and starch using hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as the binder. The process parameters investigated were granulation time and impeller speed whilst the formulation variables were starch-to-lactose ratio and HPC concentration. The granule properties investigated include granule packing coefficient and granule strength. The effect of some components of the formulation on mechanical properties would also depend on the process variables used in granulation process. This implies that by subjecting the same formulation to different process conditions results in products with different properties.