Properties Of Granules Research Articles

Epigallocatechin gallate modification of physicochemical, structural and functional properties of egg yolk granules

The aim of this study was to prepare protein-polyphenol covalent complexes by treating egg yolk granules (EYG) with alkali in the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and characterize the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of these covalent complexes. Results revealed that the optimal covalent binding occurred when the concentration of EGCG reached 0.15% (w/w), resulting in a grafting rate of 1.51 ± 0.03%. As the amount of EGCG increased, corresponding increases were observed in the particle size and ζ-potential of the complexes, thereby enhancing their stability. Furthermore, our analysis using fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and SDS-PAGE collectively demonstrated the formation of a covalent complex between EYG and EGCG. Notably, the covalent complexes exhibited improved antioxidant activity and emulsifying properties. Overall, this study establishes a theoretical framework for the future practical application of EYG, emphasizing the potential of EGCG to modify its structural and functional characteristics.

Investigating the Effects of Mixing Dynamics on Twin-Screw Granule Quality Attributes via the Development of a Physics-Based Process Map.

Twin-screw granulation (TSG) is an emerging continuous wet granulation technique that has not been widely applied in the industry due to a poor mechanistic understanding of the process. This study focuses on improving this mechanistic understanding by analyzing the effects of the mixing dynamics on the granule quality attributes (PSD, content uniformity, and microstructure). Mixing is an important dynamic process that simultaneously occurs along with the granulation rate mechanisms during the wet granulation process. An improved mechanistic understanding was achieved by identifying and quantifying the physically relevant intermediate parameters that affect the mixing dynamics in TSG, and then their effects on the granule attributes were analyzed by investigating their effects on the granulation rate mechanisms. The fill level, granule liquid saturation, extent of nucleation, and powder wettability were found to be the key physically relevant intermediate parameters that affect the mixing inside the twin-screw granulator. An improved geometrical model for the fill level was developed and validated against existing experimental data. Finally, a process map was developed to depict the effects of mixing on the temporal and spatial evolution of the materials inside the twin-screw granulator. This process map illustrates the mechanism of nucleation and the growth of the granules based on the fundamental material properties of the primary powders (solubility and wettability), liquid binders (viscosity), and mixing dynamics present in the system. Furthermore, it was shown that the process map can be used to predict the granule product quality based on the granule growth mechanism.

Real-Time Cone-Growth Model for Determination of Pharmaceutical Powder Flow Properties.

The flow properties of pellets or granules are crucial for further processing drug dosage forms. Optimal compression or filling of multiparticulate dosage forms into capsules is influenced by forces between discrete particles, which could be partially characterized by flow properties. Several techniques have been developed to examine flowability, including static and dynamic methods applying empirical studies and up-to-date chaos theory; however, the newest methods seem only to be powerful with the supplementation of empirical principles. Our experiments try to refine both the technique of analysis and the methods, by finding new, alternative ways. Our approach to the flowability measurements was to set up a dynamic time-dependent model that combined empirical observations and chaos theory on a geometrical basis, thus finding new characteristics regarding the flow properties of pellets and granules that could be relevant for drug developers. Our findings indicate that sphericity and particle size are the most significant factors influencing the flowability of pharmaceutical multiparticular preparations. Furthermore, this study confirms that integrating chaos theory and empirical observations in a time-dependent dynamic model provides a comprehensive understanding of particle flow behavior, pivotal for optimizing manufacturing processes.

Effect of pre-treatment on physicochemical, microstructural and pasting properties of pearl millet and cowpea

The effects of soaking, germination and fermentation on physicochemical, microstructural and pasting properties of improved and drought-tolerant Mozambican varieties of pearl millet and cowpea were investigated.Total starch content in both germinated pearl millet (GPM, 67.2 % of DM) and germinated cowpea (GCP, 47.4 % of DM) was found to be affected by germination, which consequently affected the amylose content of GPM and GCP. Morphological and pasting properties of pearl millet starch granules were altered by germination, with numerous holes and broken starch granules developing, leading to a drastic reduction in final viscosity (4 mPa.s). Cowpea starch granule structure was not markedly affected by pre-treatment, but peak (310 mPa.s) and final viscosity (196 mPa.s) were decreased by germination. Cowpea flour had smaller particle size distribution than pearl millet, but no significant differences in the flour were observed after pre-treatment (soaking, germination, fermentation). Therefore, these simple, low-cost and culturally acceptable treatments can be used to alter technical functionality and improve the nutritional benefits of flour, e.g. different pre-treatments of pearl millet and cowpea could be used to develop food products with high energy density and acceptable sensory profile such as porridge for undernourished children in low and middle-income countries.

Selected physicochemical and morphological properties of Gamma‐Irradiated tapioca flour, rice flour, and pea flours

SummaryThe effects of gamma irradiation on selected physicochemical and morphological properties of tapioca, rice, and pea flours were studied. Treatments by gamma irradiation at different doses (0, 2.5, 5.5, and 7 kGy) caused changes in structure and physicochemical properties of starch granules of those flours. Generally, the solubility of tapioca, rice, and pea flour significantly increased (100.69%, 116.72%, and 15.18%, respectively) whereas swelling power (19.61%, 10.16%, and 25.08%), pasting parameters (peak viscosity, trough viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown, and setback), enthalpy of gelatinisation (34.26%, 83.54%, and 84.80%) and syneresis (68.21%, 58.79%, and 26.91%) significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) as the dose of irradiation increased. Irradiation affected the pasting temperature and syneresis of pea flour more than those of tapioca and rice flours. Gamma irradiation did not change starch granule surface of the flours. This study demonstrated that the gamma‐irradiated flours had significant changes in physicochemical properties depending on the radiation dose; these changes will affect their uses in food formulations.

Formulation and Development of Novel Sulfasalazine Bilayer Tablets for The Treatment of Arthritis Associated With IBD: In-vitro and In-vivo Investigations

Sulfasalazine needs frequent daily dosing and the administration of numerous tablets per day pose challenges to patient compliance, contributing to increased adverse effects and difficulties in disease control. These inconveniences result in less effective treatment for arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease i.e. ulcerative colitis etc. To improve drug bioavailability, a delayed-release mechanism that releases the drug at the colon is necessary. To develop and optimize colon-targeted controlled release bilayer tablets coated with pH-dependent polymers. The bilayer tablets containing the immediate release part and sustained release part were developed. The tablets were coated with enteric-coated with Eudragit® S-100 and l-100 to achieve release in the colon. Granule properties and tablets were evaluated. The physicochemical parameters of the tablets were evaluated including, stability study, and drug release in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2), pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 phosphate buffer for 2, 1, and up to 24 h respectively. Radiographic imaging and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies were also done in Rabbits. The bilayer tablets containing immediate and sustained release were successfully developed for the colon targeting. The granule properties were found within the acceptable range indicating good flow properties. The physicochemical properties of the tablets were also found acceptable. The tablets did not show release in 0.1 N HCl and 6.8 phosphate buffer but drug release was found under control in the 7.4 pH buffer. Sulfasalazine coated bilayer tablets were found stable and no significant changes were observed in the stability studies. Based on the X-ray studies, the formulated tablet remained discernible in the stomach, small intestine, and colon for a duration of up to 24 h. Finally, by the 32nd hour, the tablet was no longer visible in the X-ray examination, leading to the conclusion of complete drug release. The drug concentration in plasma remained within the therapeutic range for up to 24 h in vivo. These novel formulations present substantial advantages, providing prolonged targeted drug release and reducing systemic adverse effects. The results suggest promising potential for treating arthritis in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, offering a solution to current delivery systems.

Characterization of granular micronutrient premixes for food fortification

AbstractGranular micronutrient premixes have been used to fortify salt and proven to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies. Expansion of the micronutrient premix technology to other food vehicles requires characterization of the granules to establish a basic understanding of the material. The objective of this study is to determine the physical and chemical properties of micronutrient premixes, and examine these parameters in relation to the attrition of the granules. The physical properties examined were particle shape, density, and compressive strength; and chemical compositions of the granule surfaces and cross sections were mapped using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Currently, premix granules coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and fully hydrogenated soybean oil to a minimum coating thickness of 25 μm is sufficient for resisting attrition under the processing conditions of double‐fortified salt. Micronutrient premix granules can be made more resistant to attrition under harsher processing conditions through reduction in particle size, increase in sphericity, and increase in the coating thickness.Practical ApplicationsTwo billion people worldwide suffer from the deficiency at least one micronutrient, which burdens an individual's health and quality of life. Fortification of staple foods is a proven cost‐effective approach to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies. Micronutrient premix granules used to fortify salt have had great success in reducing iron‐deficient anemia. Premix granules must remain intact until they reach the consumer for the micronutrients to be absorbed by the body. Currently, existing formulations of premix can resist breakage under the processing and handling conditions of salt production. However, premix granules have not been tested under elevated temperatures and compression, so their integrity under such conditions remains to be shown. This study reports on the properties of micronutrient premix granules to establish a baseline understanding for the expansion of their use. Our results show that existing premix granules can be made smaller, rounder, and with a thicker coating to withstand harsher processing conditions.

RNA structure modulates emergent material properties of model neuronal granules

RNA structure modulates emergent material properties of model neuronal granules

A small adaptor protein controls packaging and mechanical properties of mucin granules

A small adaptor protein controls packaging and mechanical properties of mucin granules

The Effect of Fermentation Time on The Quality of Mocaf (Modified Cassava Flour) with Raw Material Bokor Genotype Cassava

Cassava genotype Bokor has a fairly high content of beta carotene, which is beneficial for health and can also support the development of the functional food industry. MOCAF (Modified Cassava Flour) is a product made from cassava flour which is processed by modifying cassava cells through fermentation. This study aims to analyze the effect of long fermentation time on the characteristics of MOCAF from beta-carotene-rich cassava genotype Bokor. In this study, three variations of fermentation time were used, namely 15 hours, 24 hours and 40 hours. The research results showed that the time of fermentation affected the physicochemical properties of MOCAF. NIR analysis showed that the fermentation time affected the chemical composition of MOCAF. At 40 hours (last time of fermentation), there was a decrease in fat content with a value of 1.59% and an increase in water, protein and fibre content with a value of 13.71%, 3.94% and 2.28%, respectively. Proximate analysis showed that there was an effect of the length of fermentation time on the MOCAF content, namely at 40 hours, there was an increase in water content with a value of 10.10%, a decrease in dry matter, ash, protein, fat, fibre with a value of 89.90%, 0.60%, 0.78% respectively, 0.45%, and 1.29%. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis shows the effect of fermentation time on the morphological properties of MOCAF starch granules. The longer the fermentation time, the more perforated or damaged the surface of the starch granules. Keywords: Fermentation time, MOCAF flour, NIR (Near Infrared), Proximate, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)

Determining the Impact of Roller Compaction Processing Conditions on Granulate and API Properties: Impact of Formulation API Load.

Previous work demonstrated that roller compaction of a 40%w/w theophylline-loaded formulation resulted in granulate consisting of un-compacted fractions which were shown to constitute between 34 and 48%v/v of the granulate dependent on processing conditions. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) primary particle size within the un-compacted fraction was also shown to have undergone notable size reduction. The aim of the current work was to test the hypothesis that the observations may be more indicative of the relative compactability of the API due to the formulation being above the percolation threshold. This was done by assessing the impact of varied API loads in the formulation on the non-granulated fraction of the final granulate and the extent of attrition of API particles within the non-granulated fraction. The influence of processing conditions for all formulations was also investigated. The results verify that the observations, both of this study and the previous work, are not a consequence of exceeding the percolation threshold. The volume of un-compacted material within the granulate samples was observed to range between 34.7 and 65.5% depending on the API load and roll pressure, whilst the API attrition was equivalent across all conditions.

Quantitative analysis of the effects of multi-component formulation parameters on granule and tablet properties via a combined population balance and statistical predictive model

In pharmaceutical drug product manufacturing, the use of multi-component mixtures in the formulation is a common practice. However, the introduction of each material alters the powder blend properties and affects the granule growth mechanisms in a wet granulation process. In this study, we quantified the effects of varying formulation parameters on granule growth rate, expressed by the liquid amount required for granulation to reach completion, and on granule and tablet quality attributes. Process models, including population balance and statistical models, were developed to represent the granulation, milling, and tableting process, and predict relevant granule and tablet properties. Overall, prediction of granule properties had an accuracy of above 80% and the prediction of different tablet properties ranged from an R2 of 0.68 to 0.9. These models are computationally efficient and can be simulated serially to predict the performance of different multi-component formulations by using the pre-blend properties as model inputs.

Spectral Analysis of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells in Healthy and AMD Eyes.

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells show strong autofluorescence (AF). Here, we characterize the AF spectra of individual RPE cells in healthy eyes and those affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and investigate associations between AF spectral response and the number of intracellular AF granules per cell. RPE-Bruch's membrane flatmounts of 22 human donor eyes, including seven AMD-affected eyes (early AMD, three; geographic atrophy, one; neovascular, three) and 15 unaffected macula (<51years, eight; >80years, seven), were imaged at the fovea, perifovea, and near-periphery using confocal AF microscopy (excitation 488nm), and emission spectra were recorded (500-710nm). RPE cells were manually segmented with computer assistance and stratified by disease status, and emission spectra were analyzed using cubic spline transforms. Intracellular granules were manually counted and classified. Linear mixed models were used to investigate associations between spectra and the number of intracellular granules. Spectra of 5549 RPE cells were recorded. The spectra of RPE cells in healthy eyes showed similar emission curves that peaked at 580nm for fovea and perifovea and at 575 and 580nm for near-periphery. RPE spectral curves in AMD eyes differed significantly, being blue shifted by 10nm toward shorter wavelengths. No significant association coefficients were found between wavelengths and granule counts. This large series of RPE cell emission spectra at precisely predefined retinal locations showed a hypsochromic spectral shift in AMD. Combining different microscopy techniques, our work has identified cellular RPE spectral AF and subcellular granule properties that will inform future in vivo investigations using single-cell imaging.

Effect of Flash Calcined Powders on the Properties of Spherical Alumina Granules

Three types of flash calcined powders with different specific surfaces and phases were selected to make alumina granules. The granulation was performed in a pan granulator as the spherical form. The hydrothermal and calcination conditions were applied to the granules. Physical, chemical and microstructural studies were applied to the hydrated and calcined granules. This study focussed on the thermal historical effects of the initial powders derived from bauxite on the granules. The least physical changes and the highest specific surface area were obtained for the granules prepared with flash calcined powder at 650°C. The hydrated granules can have boehmite, gamma and bayerite phases with rod, porous and plate morphologies, respectively. The presence of rod boehmite phase increases the strength of hydrated granules and plays an important role in the final strength. In the calcination stage, the phases transformed into the transition alumina and gamma phases with the growth of nanometer-sized crystals.

Development and optimization of guaifenesin sustained release mini-tablets for adult and geriatric patients.

Aim: The main aim of this study was to formulate and optimize sustained release mini-tablets of guaifenesin.Materials & methods: Guaifenesin granules were successfully prepared using different blend ratios of carnauba wax to drug by melt granulation method. The properties of granules were further modified by combining them with ethyl cellulose. The obtained granules were then mixed and compressed into mini-tablets using a tablet press machine. The resulting mini-tablets were characterized in terms of weight, thickness, hardness, drug content and in vitro drug release.Results: Mini-tablets with 1:6 carnauba wax to drug ratio showed superior physicochemical characteristics, releasing about 100.03% of guaifenesin over 8h. Ethyl cellulose offers a great potential to accurately control drug release from mini-tablets.Conclusion: The prepared mini-tablets seem to be a very promising alternative to guaifenesin conventional formulations and can be used in adults and elderly people.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF EFFERVESCENT GRANULE OF WHITE TEMU RHIZOME EXTRACT (Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe.) AS ANTIOXIDANT

More than 9,606 plant species have medicinal properties, but only around 3-4% of these have been cultivated commercially and used in traditional medicine in Indonesia. One of the natural ingredients believed to have properties is the white temu rhizome. White Curcuma rhizomes are usually processed into food and drinks. White ginger rhizome has antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are secondary metabolites found in herbal plants and have pharmacological activities that can minimize free radicals. Several studies have shown that white ginger rhizomes have antioxidant activities that can remove free radicals. This research aims to formulate an effervescent granule preparation. for white temu rhizome extract (Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe) using the wet granulation method, which meets the requirements for the physical properties of granules and has antioxidant activity. Several formulae were selected from various combinations. Next, an evaluation was performed to determine the physical properties and activities of the formulated granules. The evaluation results showed that all formulations met the requirements of the physical properties of the granules. Qualitative antioxidant activity testing using TLC plates showed positive antioxidant results in the extract and effervescent granule preparation of white curcuma rhizome extract and in quantitative testing it was found that the IC50 value of white curcuma rhizome extract was in the strong category and in the effervescent granule preparation of white curcuma rhizome extract, the granules were found to be in the strong category. Keywords: Effervescent Granule, Extracts, White Temu Rhizome (Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe), Antioxidants

Characteristics of granule solidification in gas atomization of molten beryllium

Experimental and analytical studies on gas atomization of the molten beryllium and the production of beryllium granules are presented. The impact of various factors, including the choice of gas (nitrogen or helium), the cooling gas flow rate (ranging from 300 to 650 m/s), melt temperature, and droplet size (&lt;500 µm), on the cooling rate and granule properties, is demonstrated. It has been determined that the solidification of beryllium granules can occur through two distinct mechanisms depending on the atomization process. These mechanisms include crystallization and amorphization (glass transition). When beryllium melt is atomized with nitrogen, granules with diameters less than 100 µm solidify via the amorphization mechanism (glass transition), while those with diameters exceeding 300 µm solidify through crystallization. In such cases, a portion of granules with sizes ranging from 100 to 300 µm undergoes a mixed mechanism solidification. In this process, the surface becomes amorphous, while the central part crystallizes, resulting in the formation of a “shell” on the surface, marking the transition from the glass transition mechanism to the crystallization mechanism. The thickness of this “shell” depends on the granule diameter, measuring 10–15 µm for 300 µm granules and 20–25 µm for 100 µm granules. The findings from this research align well with the hypothesis of a glass-crystalline mechanism of beryllium granule solidification, which leads to their separation at the interfacial boundary. Such solidification through a mixed mechanism results in the creation of a removable “crust” on the granule, which is typically more contaminated with impurities. Understanding this effect opens up possibilities for practical applications in the production of specialized materials from beryllium. The ability to separate the “crust” from the “core” provides the conditions for obtaining specialized sintered beryllium grades suitable for use in nuclear reactors and foil production, where a beryllium microstructure with “clean” boundaries is essential.

Effect of the drying type on the properties of granules and tablets produced by high shear wet granulation

Although high shear mixers can represent a single-pot process, separate drying equipment is commonly employed. Limited literature exists on the use of a heating jacket coupled with a vacuum pump typically used in a single-pot setup, so this study compares the drying effects of a single-pot setup (DSP) and ventilated oven (DVO) on the properties of granules and tablets. Granules containing three actives of varying water solubility were produced and characterised. The results showed that DSP reduced the drying time and produced smaller, irregular, and weaker granules with different compression mechanisms. The tablets were produced and characterised. All tablets passed the uniformity test. Compression differences had no impact on tablet properties for poorly water-soluble actives, but altered properties for highly soluble actives due to increased active migration and crystallization on the granule surface. In conclusion, while DSP offers advantages, careful consideration of the drying technique is essential during product development.

Comprehensive Characterization of Micronized Wholemeal Flours: Investigating Technological Properties across Various Grains.

With a suitable milling system, it is achievable to produce wholegrain flours that match the granulation and technological properties of refined flours while maintaining a complete nutritional profile. This process also minimizes the generation of additional industrial waste. This study aimed to characterize wholemeal flours with a fine granulation size of less than 160 µm: wheat (MWF), rye (MRF), spelt (MSF), barley (MBF), buckwheat (MBWF), and sorghum (MSGF). For comparison, the plain wheat flour type 530 (T530) was analyzed. The flours were assessed in terms of their chemical compositions and alpha amylase activities (the Falling Number assay), pasting properties (amylograph and a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA)), water absorption using a farinograph, and technological quality based on their water (WRC) and sodium carbonate solvent retention capacity (SRC) profiles. Among the micronized wholemeal flours, wheat flour (MWF) exhibited the highest nutritional value, greatest water absorption, and highest final gelatinization temperature, but had the lowest energy value, carbohydrate content, water SRC, and sodium carbonate SRC. Wholemeal rye flour (MRF) displayed the lowest nutrient content and the highest amylolytic activity, water absorption, and sodium carbonate SRC. The plain wheat flour type 530 (T530) had the lowest water absorption. Special buckwheat flour (MBWF) showed the highest energy value due to its elevated carbohydrate content, along with the lowest sugar and TDF contents, amylolytic activity, and pasting temperature.

Strength Formation and Failure Mechanism Analysis of Cement-Stabilized Laterite Granules Based on Numerical Simulation

The poor grading and significant differences in the mechanical properties of laterite granules in West Africa limit the application of this typical material in road structures. In this paper, the poorly graded laterite granule was blended with fine sand and stabilized with cement to improve the strength of laterite granules. An innovative combination of laboratory tests and numerical simulation analysis using the numerical simulation software PFC2D 5.0 was used to investigate the cement-stabilized laterite granule’s strength formation and failure mechanisms. Laboratory test results show that when the sand content is 40%, the grading curve is close to the maximum theoretical density lines (MTDLs), and the unconfined compressive strength of cement-stabilized laterite granules increased by 35.2% as the cement dosage increased from 2.5% to 5.0%. Numerical simulation tests show that the strength failure of cement-stabilized laterite granules is shear. The failure surface is tilted and through with the axial direction, and the compressive and tensile stresses between the particles cause the failure of the specimen. The simulation test results are close to the laboratory test results, and the deviation rate is less than 10%. It can guide the optimal grading design and strength prediction of cement-stabilized laterite granular materials and provides a basis for reducing laboratory tests and accurate design for such research in the future.