Hausner Ratio Research Articles

A systematic comparison of four pharmacopoeial methods for measuring powder flowability

Powder flow is one of the crucial factors affecting several pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Problems due to insufficient powder flow reduce production process efficiency and cause suboptimum product quality. The U.S. Pharmacopoeia has specified four methods to evaluate the flowability of pharmaceutical powders, including angle of repose (AoR), compressibility index (CI) and Hausner ratio (HR), Flow through an orifice, and shear cell. Comparison within and between those methods with 21 powders (covering a wide range of flowability) was performed in this study. Strong correlation was observed between fixed base cone AoR, and fixed height cone AoR (R2 = 0.939). CI and HR values calculated from a tapped density tester (meeting USP standards), manual tapping, and Geopyc® correlated strongly (R2 > 0.9). AoR, CI/HR, minimum diameter for flowing through an orifice (dmin), and shear cell results generally correlate strongly for materials with flowability worse than Avicel® PH102. Both shear cell and CI/HR methods can reliably distinguish powders exhibiting poor flow. For materials with good flow, the ability to distinguish powders follows the order of AoR ≈ CI/HR > shear cell > dmin. The systematic comparison of the four common methods provides useful information to guide the selection of methods for future powder flow characterization. Given the limitations observed in all four methods, we recommend that multiple techniques should be used, when possible, to more holistically characterize the flowability of a wide range of powders.

Controlled Release Lercanidipine Tablets: A Study on Formulation and Evaluation by Wet Granulation

Lercanidipine blocks the entry of extracellular calcium into vascular and cardiac muscle cells, preventing myocardial smooth muscle contraction due to decreased intracellular calcium. This results in the dilation of coronary and systemic arteries, reducing blood pressure. This study aimed to develop and evaluate lercanidipine controlled-release tablets for oral administration using polymers like HPMC K 100M, sodium alginate, and guar gum. Lercanidipine, polymers, and diluents were sieved and mixed for 10 minutes. Granules were formed using isopropyl alcohol, dried at 60°C for one hour, and sieved. The granules were lubricated with colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil-200) and magnesium stearate, blended for 5 minutes, and compressed using a rotary machine (average weight: 500 mg; hardness: 5-6 kg/cm²). Bulk and tapped densities were nearly identical for all formulations. Compressibility index and Hausner ratio ranged from ?18 to 1.09-1.21, indicating good flow properties. Tablet thickness ranged from 5.82 to 5.91 mm, hardness from 5.9 to 6.3 kg/cm², and friability was less than 1.0 %W/W. Drug content was between 98-102%. The controlled-release order from dissolution data was F9 > F7 > F8, showing optimal release with a combination of HPMC and two natural polymers.

Impact of Spray Drying on the Properties of Grape Pomace Extract Powder

Incorporating anthocyanins, valuable natural pigments, into a powder can improve their stability, but exposure to high temperatures during processing can cause them to degrade. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the inlet air temperature during spray drying affects the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the flowability of a grape pomace anthocyanin powder obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction using acidified water as the solvent. An anthocyanin solution containing 13% (w/v) maltodextrin was subjected to spray drying at temperatures ranging from 120 to 170 °C. Tukey’s test was applied to compare the means of the samples. The samples dried at temperatures between 130 and 170 °C were adequate, with a moisture content < 5% and a water activity < 0.3, indicating that the powder was stable. The highest anthocyanin retention (91.94 ± 1.59%) and process yield (50.00 ± 3.06%) were achieved at 140 °C, while higher temperatures resulted in anthocyanin degradation. Furthermore, the powder exhibited poor flowability, indicating cohesive behavior (Hausner ratio > 42.29% and Carr index > 1.73), which is an industrial parameter rarely considered in spray-drying studies. The acidification process was found to promote high anthocyanin retention following high-temperature processing. However, powders obtained from food matrices with low pH and high sugar content may exhibit increased cohesion due to interaction forces. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing grape pomace and green solvents to produce bioactive-rich powders for industrial applications.

Studies on Different Drying Techniques to Utilized it for Powder Properties for Dried Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Fresh dill (Anethum graveolens) was dried using a recirculating tray dryer (RTD) and cross flow dryer (CFD) at 35°C, 40°C and 45°C, respectively to determine the best drying treatment and temperature combination for the preparation of dried dill powder. The dried dill was subjected to a grinding process to obtain powder, its engineering properties and techno-functional properties were analysed. The dill powder displayed significant differences in techno-functional properties and engineering properties. The dill dried at 40°C using CFDT2 resulted in better technofunctional and engineering properties as bulk density - 114.4 kg/m3, tap density - 130.6 kg/m3, Carr Index - 12.40, Hausner Ratio - 1.141, swelling power - 0.29, dispersibility - 27.72, water holding capacity - 14.83, oil holding capacity - 35.65, foaming Capacity - 34.97, foam stability - 1.96, emulsion capacity - 55.14, water solubility index – 0.23 and water absorption index – 0.14, respectively. Compared to samples of RTDT1 (35°C), RTDT2 (40°C) RTDT3 (45°C), the samples CFDT1, and CFDT3 findings showed increasing and decreasing trends which kept on changing with drying technique and temperatures. However, it can be concluded that CFDT2 found better results compared to other samples.

Comparison of two self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems using different solidification techniques for enhanced solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble celecoxib

In this study, we aimed to develop a solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) and a solid self-nanoemulsifying granule system (S-SNEGS) to enhance the solubility and oral bioavailability of celecoxib. This process involved the preparation of a liquid SNEDDS (L-SNEDDS) and its subsequent solidification into a S-SNEDDS and a S-SNEGS. The L-SNEDDS consisted of celecoxib (drug), Captex® 355 (Captex; oil), Tween® 80 (Tween 80; surfactant) and D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS; cosurfactant) in a weight ratio of 3.5:25:60:15 to produce the smallest nanoemulsion droplet size. The S-SNEDDS and S-SNEGS were prepared with L-SNEDDS/Ca-silicate/Avicel PH 101 in a weight ratio of 103.5:50:0 using a spray dryer and 103.5:50:100 using a fluid bed granulator, respectively. We compared the two novel developed systems and celecoxib powder based on their solubility, dissolution rate, physicochemical properties, flow properties and oral bioavailability in rats. S-SNEGS showed a significant improvement in solubility and dissolution rate compared to S-SNEDDS and celecoxib powder. Both systems had been converted from crystalline drug to amorphous form. Furthermore, S-SNEGS exhibited a significantly reduced angle of repose, compressibility index and Hausner ratio than S-SNEDDS, suggesting that S-SNEGS was significantly superior in flow properties. Compared to S-SNEDDS and celecoxib powder, S-SNEGS increased the oral bioavailability (AUC value) in rats by 1.3 and 4.5-fold, respectively. Therefore, S-SNEGS wolud be recommended as a solid self-nanoemulsifying system suitable for poorly water-soluble celecoxib.

Bed Stability Control in Pulsed Fluidized-Bed Agglomeration of Instant Riceberry Powder Using an Image-Processing Technique.

The problematic cohesiveness of food powders can commonly be solved using pulsed fluidized-bed agglomeration. However, progressively larger granules may result in unstable fluidization. The aims of this research study were to investigate fluid bed expansion as affected by particle enlargement and to control its stability using an image-processing technique. Instant riceberry powder (IRP) was agglomerated using varied air pulsation frequencies (1, 2.5, and 4 Hz). Bed expansion captured by image processing revealed that expanded bed height decreased with agglomeration time. The results showed an enlargement of agglomerated IRP, expressed in D10, D50, and D90, with narrower distribution presented by span, and an improvement in bulk and reconstitution properties. The reduced Carr index (22-27%) and Hausner ratio (1.28-1.38) presented fair flowability and intermediate cohesiveness, respectively. Additionally, airflow during agglomerate growth was progressively adjusted using the image-processing method to enhance bed hydrodynamic stability, leading to improved process efficiency and product quality. This proposed approach has potential applications in the food powder manufacturing industry, particularly by enhancing the fluidization of cohesive particles with cracks and channels.

Comprehensive analysis of ultrasonically atomized 316L stainless steel powder using adjusted additive manufacturing suitability factor

This study focuses on the 316L stainless steel powder produced by using an innovative ultrasonic atomization (UA) method. The production process was optimized at electrical currents with 120 A and vibration amplitude with 80% proving the most effective for maximizing productivity. The study extensively evaluated particle size and shape, bulk and tapped densities, Hausner's ratio, and Carr index, finding the UA steel powder to possess high sphericity, minimal satellite particles, and excellent flowability, qualities crucial for additive manufacturing (AM). A new approach for calculating the additive manufacturing suitability factor was developed, incorporating custom weighting factors for rheological parameters to reduce the influence of parameters with high uncertainty or statistical insignificance, thus improving accuracy. When compared using this method, the UA powder demonstrated superiority over its commercial counterparts by approximately 1% and 10%, underscoring its promise for AM applications.

Additive manufacturing of porous ceramic structures by indirect powder bed fusion with laser beam using a novel polyamide/alumina-based feedstock

Porous alumina structures were developed by indirect Powder Bed Fusion with Laser Beam (PBF-LB), employing a novel feedstock (composite granules) based on alumina (Al2O3), bio-renewable polyamide 612 (PA612), and micron-sized graphite (MG) using a commercial PBF-LB machine that operates with a low-power visible light diode laser. Regular and slightly rounded composite granules were prepared via the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) using 0.05 vol% of PA612, 40/60 vol% of Al2O3/PA612 and 6.25 wt% of MG, and then characterized via density measurements, Hausner's ratio, SEM-EDS, particle size distribution, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and TGA. Experimental conditions to be used in the PBF-LB process were determined in order to obtain high-quality green porous structures with a controlled geometry. After the heating treatments, sintered components with good structural integrity, a high open porosity associated with interconnected pores in the struts, and a ceramic matrix with microsized-equiaxial grains were obtained. The evaluation of the mechanical properties was performed by diametral compression testing. In order to improve these properties, a vacuum infiltration process involving a low-concentration alumina-ethanol suspension was used on pre-sintered discs. As a consequence of the infiltration process, the discs showed improved mechanical properties after sintering without the porosity having been significantly affected.

Drying effects on physicochemical and functional properties of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) ink powder

This study investigated the physicochemical, functional, and organoleptic properties of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) ink powder prepared by freeze drying and hot air tray drying. Key proximate and physicochemical properties were measured to assess differences due to drying method. In addition, organoleptic tests were conducted on cuttlefish ink powder incorporated into spaghetti sauce. Freeze-dried powders had slightly higher moisture (9.86 %) than tray-dried powders (7.65 %) and more ash (15.04 versus 13.19 %). Both samples had ∼43 % protein, a light-brown to black color and a pH of 5.5–5.6 when rehydrated. There were no differences in loose or tapped density and Hausner ratios of 1.30–1.35 suggest the powders had ‘passable’ flow. Overall protein solubility varied with pH and freeze-dried materials generally had greater solubility. FT-IR showed no differences in peaks derived from organic components. FE-SEM showed both samples had spherical granules that formed 100–200 nm clusters; however, the surface texture of tray-dried powders was rougher than the freeze-dried samples. Consumer tests showed higher overall likability for spaghetti sauce with fresh ink compared to dried ink powders. Differences were attributed more to texture than to flavor or appearance. Cuttlefish ink can be utilized in the food industry, particularly as a natural flavor, food coloring or additive.

Application of Foam Mat Drying for the Production of Tempoyak Powder

The production of tempoyak powder is a significant attempt to preserve tempoyak. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the proper amount of albumin and maltodextrin to produce tempoyak powder using foam mat drying. This study was divided into two stages, namely producing tempoyak powder by foam mat drying method and determining the characteristics. In the production, egg albumin was used as foaming agent in three concentrations, namely 10%, 15%, and 20%, as well as maltodextrin as a filler in 0% and 5%. Chemical and physical characteristics, such as proximate test, pH, total titrated acid, bulk and tap density, Carr Index (CI), and Hausner Ratio (HR) were investigated. The result showed that moisture content of tempoyak powder ranged from 10.22 to 13.34%. Tempoyak powder with 20% albumin but no maltodextrin had the lowest moisture content. Furthermore, the addition of albumin without maltodextrin increased foam overrun, accelerating drying process and powdered tempoyak with lower moisture concentration. The addition of maltodextrin decreased foam tempoyak overrun, causing drying process to be slower. Tempoyak powder had protein content ranging from 8.71 to 13.12%, and with 20% albumin and no maltodextrin, the highest protein level of 13.12% was obtained. Fat content ranged from 6.99 to 8.15%, with the highest observed in tempoyak powder with 20% albumin and no maltodextrin. The addition of albumin as foaming agent increased protein and fat content. Furthermore, the total titrated acid in powdered tempoyak products was not significantly different from fresh tempoyak. The result suggested that the acid content does not considerably reduce while drying. Tempoyak powders had CI and HR values that ranged from good to excellent, showing good flowability and cohesiveness.

Design Formulation and Evaluation of Anti Migraine Mouth Dissolving Tablets Using Different Super Disintegrants

The main objective of this research was to create and evaluate the efficacy of orally disintegrating tablets containing sumatriptan succinate at a dosage of 25 milligrammes, a medicine commonly prescribed for the treatment of migraines. The tablets are made using the direct compression method. In order to achieve best results, the formulations were enriched with microcrystalline cellulose of varying composition (Avicel PH 102), mannitol as a diluent, crospovidone, croscaramellose, and sodium starch glycollate as superdisintegrants. Carbomer (carbopol 940), Sodium CMC, and Sodium Alginate were among the other excipients that were used. When used at varying doses, these excipients act as disintegrants. In addition, magnesium stearate was used as a substance to reduce friction, while talc was used as a substance to improve flow. We assessed each of the excipients to ascertain their compatibility with the model drug. The findings revealed no occurrence of any physical or chemical interaction. Before compression, the preformulation features of the tablet blend were examined. The criteria considered were bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, and hausner ratio. An assessment was carried out on central tablets to ascertain their dimensions, firmness, tendency to crumble, variability in weight, rate of disintegration, and uniformity of drug content properties. Furthermore, an investigation was conducted to examine the impact of these variables on the release of the drug. The drug release studies were performed in vitro using the USP dissolving apparatus-II (paddle type) with a phosphate buffer solution at a pH of 6.8. The experiments were conducted at a speed of 50 revolutions per minute at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, with a standard deviation of 5 degrees Celsius. The sampling was conducted at consistent intervals of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes. After each withdrawal, an equivalent volume of dissolving medium was replaced with the sample. The ultraviolet (UV) method is employed to evaluate the cumulative quantity of medications that have been discharged at different time intervals. Based on the evaluation results, the F-3 trial formulation, which included 6% crospovidone, was selected as the superior formulation among the superdisintegrants. Conversely, the F-10 trial formulation, which included 2% carbopol 940p, was selected as the superior formulation compared to other basic disintegrants.

Effect of process parameter on the flowability of nanocrystalline CoNiCrAlY powder synthesized by mechanical milling

The present study concerns understanding the effect of process parameters on the characteristics and flowability of nanocrystalline CoNiCrAlY powder synthesized by mechanical milling. Mechanical milling has been conducted in a planetary ball mill with tungsten carbide (WC) ball, with ball to powder ratio of 10:1 at 300 rpm speed, using 1% stearic acid and toluene as process control agent (PCA) with time varying from 10 h to 36 h. The synthesized nanocrystalline powder were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction technique, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Subsequently, flowability in terms of Hausner ratio was assessed by Tap Density Tester. Average particle size of the powder was found to decrease from 33 μm to 22 μm after 10 h of milling and further increases to 43 μm and 38 μm after 25 and 36 h of milling, respectively, in stearic acid medium. However, in toluene medium particle size continuously decreases from 33 μm to 9.7 μm with increasing milling time. The particle morphology changes from spherical to platelet shape at low milling hours in both of the media. After 25 h of milling, the shape of the particles is nearly spherical for stearic acid and irregular for toluene used as a PCA. Crystallize size was found to decrease with increasing milling time from 147 nm to 7.7 nm and to 6.4 nm in stearic acid and toluene media, respectively. There was presence of γ, γʹ, β, hcp-Co, Al2O3 and AlOOH phases on the powder particles milled in both the medium. The measured Hausner ratio of the powders was found to vary from 1.18 to 1.32 in stearic acid medium, and was found to increase with increasing milling time. On the other hand, in toluene media flowability decreases (Hausner ratio increases from 1.33 to 1.44) with increasing milling time.

Effect of Particle Size on Physical Properties of Rambutan Seed Powder

Rambutan seed powder is derived from the crushing of dried seed of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) and it is promisingly used as an incorporating powder into food product. However, there is limited information on the effects of particle size on the handling and processing of rambutan seed powder in the industry. Therefore, a study was performed to determine the effects of particle sizes on physical properties of rambutan seeds powder. The physical properties measured moisture content, bulk and tapped density, as well as flowability characteristics. In this work, the powders were classified based on their mean diameter (d50) that ranged between less than 250 μm, between 250 μm and 750 μm and more than 750 μm. The fine rambutan seed powder (RSP) with particle 250 μm to 750 μm exhibited the best powder characteristics as it holds lowest moisture content, 5.42% and fair and passable flow properties, with Hausner ratio of 1.26 ± 1.20. The results indicated a significant impact of particle size on the cohesivity, where smaller particle size tended to decrease flowability and caused caking and agglomeration, which led to undesirable quality of food product.

New Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets for the Controlled Released of Chlorzoxazone.

The modified release of active substances such as chlorzoxazone from matrix tablets, based on Kollidon®SR and chitosan, depends both on the drug solubility in the dissolution medium and on the matrix composition. The aim of this study is to obtain some new oral matrix tablet formulations, based on Kollidon®SR and chitosan, in order to optimize the low-dose oral bioavailability of chlorzoxazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug of class II Biopharmaceutical Classification System. Nine types of chlorzoxazone matrix tablets were obtained using the direct compression method by varying the components ratio as 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 chlorzoxazone/excipients, 20-40 w/w % Kollidon®SR, 3-7 w/w % chitosan while the auxiliary substances: Aerosil® 1 w/w %, magnesium stearate 0.5 w/w % and Avicel® up to 100 w/w % were kept in constant concentrations. Pharmaco-technical characterization of the tablets included the analysis of flowability and compressibility properties (flow time, friction coefficient, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, and Carr index), and pharmaco-chemical characteristics (such as mass and dose uniformity, thickness, diameter, mechanical strength, friability, softening degree, and in vitro release profiles). Based on the obtained results, only three matrix tablet formulations (F1b, F2b, and F3b, containing 30 w/w % KOL and 5 w/w % CHT, were selected and further tested. These formulations were studied in detail by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The three formulations were comparatively studied regarding the release kinetics of active substances using in vitro release testing. The results were analyzed by fitting into four representative mathematical models for the modified-release oral formulations. In vitro kinetic study revealed a complex mechanism of release occurring in two steps of drug release, the first step (0-2 h) and the second (2-36 h). Two factors were calculated to assess the release profile of chlorzoxazone: f1-the similarity factor, and f2-the factor difference. The results have shown that both Kollidon®SR and chitosan may be used as matrix-forming agents when combined with chlorzoxazone. The three formulations showed optima pharmaco-technical properties and in vitro kinetic behavior; therefore, they have tremendous potential to be used in oral pharmaceutical products for the controlled delivery of chlorzoxazone. In vitro dissolution tests revealed a faster drug release for the F2b sample.

Optimization of Hypericum Perforatum Microencapsulation Process by Spray Drying Method

Hypericum perforatum (HP) contains valuable and beneficial bioactive compounds that have been used to treat or prevent several illnesses. Encapsulation technology offers protection of the active compounds and facilitates to expose of the biologically active compounds in a controlled mechanism. Microcapsulation of the hydroalcoholic gum arabic and maltodextrin have hot been used as wall materials in the encapsulation of HP extract. Therefore, the optimum microencapsulation parameters of Hypericum perforatum (HP) hydroalcoholic extract were determined using response surface methodology (RSM) for the evaluation of HP extract. Three levels of three independent variables were screened using the one-way ANOVA. Five responses were monitored, including total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), carr index (CI), hausner ratio (HR), and solubility. Optimum drying conditions for Hypericum perforatum microcapsules (HPMs) were determined: 180 °C for inlet air temperature, 1.04/1 for ratio of maltodextrin to gum arabic (w/w), and 1.98/1 for coating to core material ratio (w/w). TPC, antioxidant activity, CI, HR, and solubility values were specified as 316.531 (mg/g GAE), 81.912%, 6.074, 1.066, and 35.017%, respectively, under the optimized conditions. The major compounds of Hypericum perforatum (hypericin and pseudohypericin) extract were determined as 4.19 μg/g microcapsule and 15.09 μg/g microcapsule, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that the mean particle diameter of the HPMs was 20.36 µm. Based on these results, microencapsulation of HPMs by spray drying is a viable technique which protects the bioactive compounds of HP leaves, facilitating its application in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.Graphical

FORMULATION AND STABILITY EVALUATION OF ANTI-OBESITY NUTRACEUITCAL BLEND OF WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.), PROPOLIS ETHANOLIC EXTRACT AND CRPIC3

Objective: This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the stability profile of an anti-obesity nutraceutical combination in different dosage forms. Methods: Active and inactive ingredients were formulated into pharmaceutical dosage forms. The quality parameters of the dosage forms were determined, followed by accelerated stability testing (40±2 °C and 75±5% Relative Humidity (RH)) for 180 d was completed to evaluate their physical, chemical and microbiological attributes throughout the storage period. Results: Pre-formulation parameters of the powder blend of active and inactive ingredients for each dosage form showed a satisfactory flowability with Hausner's ratio falling between 1.16 and 1.18, average angle of repose between 22.29° and 22.90° and acceptable compressibility with Carr’s index below 25%. Tablets assessments were acceptable with a mean friability value of 0.21±0.03%, hardness of 4.12±0.09 kg/cm2. The average disintegration time of 5 min 10 sec for tablets and 4 min and 30 sec for capsules. The accelerated stability study revealed that tablet dosage forms are stable for longer period that can reach up to 180 d (24 mo real-time), while sachets and capsules are stable for a period of 135 d (18 mo real-time). Conclusion: The anti-obesity blend of White Kidney Bean Extract (WKBE), Propolis Ethanolic Extract (PEE) and CrPic3 can be successfully formulated in acceptable and convenient dosage forms that can be stable for 18-24 mo.

Effect of microencapsulation on physical properties of powder developed from blended oils rich in PUFA.

Microencapsulation of oil samples such as flaxseed oil, blended oils such as flaxseed-sesame oil and flaxseed-rice bran oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was carried out through spray drying technique. During this study, emulsions were prepared and homogenized at 1000rpm to prepare the stable emulsion. About 8% (w/w) of oils were encapsulated with maltodextrin as wall material and Tween 20 as an emulsifier, yielding a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) microencapsulated oil powder. The physical properties of powders were calculated based on the bulk density and tapped density observations. Apart from these, Carr's index (C) and Hausner's ratio evaluated to study the flow properties of microencapsulated powders ranged between 30 and 39 for Carr's index and 1.40-1.64 for Hausner ratio, respectively. The results of moisture content stated that oil-encapsulated powders exhibited higher shelf life due to lower moisture content values of 2-4%. Encapsulation efficiency of 73%, 60%, and 80% was achieved for flaxseed oil powder, flaxseed-sesame oil powder, and flaxseed-rice bran oil powder, respectively. Powders high in PUFA such as omega-3 and omega-6 are beneficial for addressing variety of health issues, that can be used most convenient way to receive important nutrients in our period of health issues.

Formulation and Evaluation of Microspheres Containing Mefenamic Acid by Inotropic Gelation Method

Drugs with a narrow absorption window in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) will have poor absorption. For these drugs, gastro retentive drug delivery system offers the advantage in prolonging the gastric emptying time. Losartan potassium is prescribed to treat hypertension. The current study was projected to prepare a Losartan potassium gastro retentive drug delivery system (GRDDS) of floating tablets was planned to enhance the gastric residence time, thus prolong the drug release. Losartan potassium effervescent floating tablets were prepared by utilizing the direct impression method, using polymers such as HPMCk15, xanthan gum, microcrystalline cellulose, and Sodium carbonate, with lubricants such as magnesium stearate and talc. In the present study, sodium bicarbonate was incorporated as a gas generating agent. And combination of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid was found to achieve optimum in vitro buoyancy. Total eight formulations were designed and evaluated for pre-compression parameters known as angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Hausner's ratio, compressibility index, and post -compression parameters are uniformity of weight variation, hardness, thickness, friability, floating lag time, and in vitro dissolution investigation and FTIR along with DSC is carried out

Use of automation, dynamic image analysis, and process analytical technologies to enable data rich particle engineering efforts at the Drug Substance / Drug Product interface: A case study using Lovastatin

Automation plays a vital role in reducing development time in the pharmaceutical industry, both for drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP). Many aspects of crystallization development (solubility, kinetics, solid form characterization, concentration) have been positively impacted by automation; both in hardware and data processing, in the last two decades. However, wet milling, a critical unit operation used to manipulate particle properties in a crystallization process, has been non-conducive for automation. This study discusses efforts towards automation of wet milling, coupled with off-the-shelf automation tools for faster execution of physical property design workflows. The hardware and software configuration used, along with challenges and prospects to achieve milling automation are discussed. Lovastatin was used as a model compound to demonstrate the capabilities of the automated platform to achieve morphology and size manipulation. Five different batches of lovastatin were produced using different combinations of milling and thermal cycling. Milling followed by thermal cycling led to formation of rougher, fused particles with a lower aspect ratio compared to those produced by thermal cycling followed by milling. In-situ particle video microscopy was used to decipher that the initial increase in particle size during thermal cycling was driven by a fusion of primary particles followed by growth. Key material property descriptors such as bulk/tap density, flow function coefficient, surface area, and particle size by laser diffraction were collected using traditional means while particle size, aspect ratio and smoothness were also measured using image analysis. Lastly, principal component analysis (dimensionality reduction) was performed to determine the key property relationships impacting flowability. It was found that fines as measured by d10 (10th percentile of the volumetric size distribution) and Hausner ratio had a high positive and negative correlation, respectively with flowability. The on demand milling platform combined with data rich trials using PAT is estimated to accelerate process development for particle engineering and reduce the drug substance delivery time to drug product team.

Optimization of oat protein and gum Arabic microcapsules containing juniper essential oil using Response Surface Methodology

In this study, we explored the feasibility of using oat soluble protein and gum Arabic as wall materials for microencapsulation via complex coacervation of juniper dissolved in wheat germ oil EO. The process was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), varying mixing ratios (20–80%) and pH levels (2−6), followed by freeze-drying of the coacervates. Physicochemical properties of the resulting powders, including solubility, hygroscopicity, moisture content, color, particle size distribution, and bulk and tapped density, were assessed. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) was determined through surface and total oil content calculations, supported by FT-IR spectroscopy. Characterization involved e-nose sensor analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The study findings revealed encapsulation efficiencies (EE) ranging from 23.38 % to 26.58%, accompanied by low bulk and tapped densities (0.11–0.17 g/cm3 and 0.20–0.28 g/cm3, respectively), as well as elevated Carr Index values (36.92–46.34) and Hausner ratios (1.59–1.86). Moisture content varied between 0.07 % and 0.93 % across the samples. Additionally, the research demonstrated that employing oat protein and gum Arabic as wall materials enables the production of microcapsules with thermal stability exceeding 100 ℃, facilitating their potential application in the food industry.