Thermal characterization of antimicrobial drug ornidazole and its compatibility in a solid pharmaceutical product

The ornidazole drug substance presents melt at approximately 90 °C (∆T = 85–98 °C), which is critical for its use on pharmaceutical manufacturing process. This work aimed the thermal characterization of ornidazole raw-material synthesized by three different manufacturers from India, China, and Italy, using the thermoanalytical techniques of DTA, DSC, and TG, besides the verification of its stability and compatibility as a solid pharmaceutical product by the analysis of its binary mixtures (BM) with excipients and a tablet formulation. The characterization includes the thermal decomposition kinetic investigation by Ozawa model using Arrhenius equation and drug purity determination by Van’t Hoff equation. The DSC purity determination and precision were compared with results from UV–Vis spectrophotometric and liquid chromatography, showing an adequate correlation before being recommended as a general method for purity assay. The drug raw-materials presented similar quality and zero-order kinetic behavior, besides showing differences on thermal stability. The drug presented compatibility with the tested excipients since the BM studied presented melting at the same temperature range as the drug and a decomposition temperature similar to the drug for two of the BM, and at a higher temperature for the others three of the BM evaluated, which presented excipients with higher molecular structure, capable of spatial coating on the small drug molecule promoting a physical interaction pharmaceutical acceptable. The tablet was processed by wet granulation and compressed under normal conditions of pressure and temperature, maintaining the physical properties of solid drug approving the manufacturing process used. In this study, the thermal analysis was used with success as an alternative method to characterize, quantify, and perform a preformulation study.     

Determination of optimal formulation for extrusion granulation by compression test of wet kneaded mass

The purpose of this study is to propose the application of a compression test to the determination of an optimal formulation for extrusion granulation. The electric current during extrusion was measured and the characteristics of the wet kneaded mass in the compression test were analyzed under various operating conditions, with different types of extruders and several formulations of kneaded mass. It was found that addition of a binder (HPC-L) to pharmaceutical powders lowered the load of a high-compressing type extruder, since the binder reduced the friction among the wet mass during extrusion. Also, the support stress was found to be proportional to the compression pressure without a binder, although an inflection point appeared on the support stress curve when a binder was present. This inflection point suggested large water retention of the wet kneaded mass, at which the medium of pressure was changed from a discontinuous solid powder to a continuous liquid, and large water retention contributed to the low friction of the wet mass. The friction of the wet kneaded mass and the aptitude of the formulation for extrusion were understood by using the compression test. The compression test is a very useful procedure at the first stage of a formulation study.     

Near infrared spectroscopy in the study of polymorphic transformations

The potential of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for the characterization of polymorphs in the active principle of a commercial formulation prior to and after the manufacturing process was assessed. Polymorphism in active principles is extremely significant to the pharmaceutical industry. Polymorphic changes during the production of commercial pharmaceutical formulations can alter some properties of the resulting end-products. Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) methodology was used to obtain the “pure” NIR spectrum for the active principle without the need to pretreat samples. This methodology exposed the polymorphic transformation of Dexketoprofen Trometamol (DKP) in both laboratory and production samples obtained by wet granulation. No polymorphic transformation, however, was observed in samples obtained by direct compaction. These results were confirmed using by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Pure crystalline polymorphs of DKP were available in the laboratory but amorphous form was not, nevertheless the developed methodology allows the identification of amorphous and crystal forms in spite of the lack of pure DKP.     

Prediction of granule physical property by a novel compression energy of wet powder

Wet granulation is a very important process and a reliable evaluation method for formulation study; thus it requires appropriate process control. In this study, a novel and effective method that involves a compression test of wet powder is proposed. Here, the compression energy, which could predict the capability of the wet powder for extrusion granulation as well as the physical properties of the final products, is used as a novel characteristic of wet powder. The compression energy was defined as the energy consumption derived from the compression speed and the transmission loss during the compression test. Lactose monohydrate was mixed with various additives such as hydroxypropylcellulose in the mass ratio of 0-10%. Various amounts of water were fed into the mixtures, which were kneaded in a planetary motion mixer to prepare the kneaded wet powders. The characteristics of these powders were evaluated by the compression energy. The kneaded wet powders were then extruded through an extrusion granulator, the electrical loads of the granulator during the operation were analyzed as the extrusion energy, and the physical properties of extruded granules were investigated. As a result, the granule strength and granule size distribution showed a good correlation with the compression energy. A good correlation was also observed between the compression energy of the kneaded wet powder and the extrusion energy regardless of the different additives and water contents. It was concluded that the compression energy of the wet powder could be used for the formulation study and the process control of wet granulation.     

Analysis of the release process of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride from ethylcellulose matrix granules V. Release properties of ethylcellulose layered matrix granules

In the pharmaceutical preparation of a controlled release drug, it is very important and necessary to understand the release properties. In previous papers, a combination of the square-root time law and cube-root law equations was confirmed to be a useful equation for qualitative treatment. It was also confirmed that the combination equation could analyze the release properties of layered granules as well as matrix granules. The drug release property from layered granules is different from that of matrix granules. A time lag occurs before release, and the entire release property of layered granules was analyzed using the combination of the square-root time law and cube-root law equations. It is considered that the analysis method is very useful and efficient for both matrix and layered granules. Comparing the granulation methods, it is easier to control the manufacturing process by tumbling granulation (method B) than by tumbling-fluidized bed granulation (method C). Ethylcellulose (EC) layered granulation by a fluidized bed granulator might be convenient for the preparation of controlled release dosage forms as compared with a tumbling granulator, because the layered granules prepared by the fluidized bed granulator can granulate and dry at the same time. The time required for drying by the fluidized bed granulator is shorter than that by the tumbling granulator, so the fluidized bed granulator is convenient for preparation of granules in handling and shorter processing time than the tumbling granulator. It was also suggested that the EC layered granules prepared by the fluidized bed granulator were suitable for a controlled release system as well as the EC matrix granules.     

Assessment of processing and polymorphic form effect on the powder and tableting properties of microcrystalline celluloses I and II

Microcrystalline cellulose I (MCCI) is an excipient used as a diluent, disintegrant, glidant and binder for the production of pharmaceutical tablets. In this work, microcrystalline cellulose II (MCCII) was obtained from cotton fibers by basic treatment with 7.5 N NaOH followed by an acid hydrolysis. MCCI and MCCII materials were processed by wet granulation, dry granulation and spray drying. Either the polymorphic form or processing had no effects on the particle morphology or particle size. However, MCCII powders had a higher porosity, less packing tendency, degree of crystallinity, degree of polymerization and density, but a faster disintegration than MCCI. The tensile strength of MCCI was highly affected by the wet and dry granulation processes. Most of the resulting powder and tableting properties were dependent on the polymorphic form of cellulose, rather than on the processing employed.     

多囊卵巢综合征相关雄性激素的液相色谱-串联质谱检测

建立了液相色谱-串联质谱(LC-MS/MS)检测血清中硫酸脱氢表雄酮(DHEAS)、雄烯二酮(A4)、睾酮(T)、17-羟基孕酮(17-OHP)、双氢睾酮(DHT)5种激素的分析方法。血清样本经蛋白沉淀后,采用固相萃取,经Agela Venusil MP C18色谱柱(3.0 mm×50 mm,3μm)分离,以含0.1%甲酸的甲醇和含0.02%甲酸的水为流动相进行梯度洗脱。使用正-负离子多反应监测模式进行数据采集。结果表明,5种激素在各自质量浓度范围内线性关系良好(r2>0.995),回收率为96.0%~105%,各激素的批内精密度和批间精密度均小于10%,DHEAS、A4、T、17-OHP、DHT的定量下限(LOQ)分别为5.00、0.05、0.05、0.025、0.025 ng/mL。该方法快速、准确、灵敏,适用于临床对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者血清雄性激素水平的检测。     

中药粉体物理指纹图谱研究进展

中药(TCM)粉体是中药口服固体制剂的重要中间体或产品,粉体的物理性质不仅影响制剂成型,而且直接或间接影响产品质量.中药粉体种类众多、尺度各异,采用物理指纹图谱可从物理状态层面整体评价中药粉体质量,并可将其作为对中药粉体含量测定或HPLC指纹图谱评价的补充,这为中药粉体全面质量控制提供了新的工具和思路.该文系统梳理了中...     

Formulation study for orally disintegrating tablet using partly pregelatinized starch binder

In this study, we aimed to design orally disintegrating tablets by employing a formulation design approach that enables the production of such tablets in the same facilities used for the production of solid dosage forms on an industrial scale. First, we examined the relationships between the types of binders used in the tablets and the properties of orally disintegrating tablets prepared by the wet granulation method. Results revealed that partly pregelatinized starch is a relatively suitable binder for orally disintegrating tablets as it also serves as a disintegrant. Next, we employed a central composite design for 2 factors, namely, corn starch and partly pregelatinized starch, in order to design granules suited for orally disintegrating tablets composed of D-mannitol, corn starch or partly pregelatinized starch. The effects of these 2 factors on 3 types of responses, namely, 50% granule size, compressing index and disintegrating index, were analyzed with a software package, and responses to changes in the factors were predicted. This study investigated the effects of binder type and binder content in orally disintegrating tablets, and provided evidence that the binder exerts a strong influence on tablet properties, and is therefore an important component of orally disintegrating tablets.     

Phenolics: Nonclassical Routes to Solid and Liquid Binders

A nonconventional route for the manufacture of liquid or solid, one-step phenolic resins is discussed in this paper. Base-catalyzed condensation occurs in dispersed particles suspended in water as the continuous phase. Protective colloid type and concentration are major factors in determining particle size and, therefore, the ability to obtain either nonsettling dispersions or particulate solids that can be recovered and handled as powders. The technology is applicable to a variety of phenolic and aldehydic starting materials. In contrast to conventional manufacturing procedures, the current technology affords efficient process control and great latitude in selection of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and functionality.     

Characterisation of salts of drug substances

The properties of the solid-state of drug substances are critical factors that determine the choice of an appropriate salt form for the development of the pharmaceutical formulation. The most relevant properties may affect the therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, bioavailability, pharmaceutical processing and stability. The salt form must fulfil the needs of the targeted formulation, be suitable for full-scale production and its solid-state properties maintained batchwise as well as over time. Comparison of the solid-state properties of different salt candidates may be quite complicated if each salt candidate exist as different solid phases: polymorphs, solvates or amorphous forms. Thermal analysis, microcalorimetry and combined techniques, X-ray diffraction, solubility, intrinsic dissolution, sorption-desorption and stability studies are basic techniques for the characterisation of the salt candidates. Some examples show the role of the salt form as well as the polymorphic form in the characteristics of the solid-state. Thermal analysis and combined techniques are efficient for the detection of unexpected phase transitions and for the comparison of the suitability of the salt candidates prepared for salt selection. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Analysis of molecular interactions in solid dosage forms; challenge to molecular pharmaceutics

The molecular states of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in pharmaceutical dosage forms strongly affect the properties and quality of a drug. Various important fundamental physicochemical studies were reviewed from the standpoint of molecular pharmaceutics. Mechanochemical effects were evaluated in mixtures of APIs and pharmaceutical additives. Amorphization, complex formation and nanoparticle formation are observed after grinding process depending on the combination of APIs and pharmaceutical additives. Sealed-heating method and mesoporous materials have been used to investigate drug molecular interactions in dosage forms. Molecular states have been investigated using powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, IR, solid state fluorometry, and NMR.     

Compatibility study between chitosan and pharmaceutical excipients used in solid dosage forms

Microcrystalline cellulose is an excipient widely used in solid dosage forms as adsorbent, suspending agent, diluent, and disintegrant, depending on the percentage employed in the formulation. The structural similarity between cellulose and chitosan and the ecological advantage in the manufacturing process of chitosan have justified and reinforced the study of this polysaccharide as a novel pharmaceutical excipient. Nevertheless, it still does not appear to be present as constituent in any marketed medicine due to the absence of regulatory hurdles to standardize its physicochemical and functional specifications as well as its compatibility with other formulation ingredients. The physical compatibilities between chitosan and the most excipients used in solid dosage forms, such as diluents (microcrystalline cellulose, starch, lactose monohydrate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, and calcium carbonate), disintegrants (sodium starch glycolate, and croscarmellose sodium), and glidants (magnesium stearate, talc, sodium lauryl sulfate, and colloidal silicon dioxide), were studied by thermal analysis and FT-IR. In order to facilitate the IR spectra interpretations, an ad hoc algorithm was used to generate theoretical spectra to be compared with the respective experimental ones. Chitosan proved to be physically compatible with microcrystalline cellulose, starch, lactose, sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, talc, colloidal silicon dioxide, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Moreover, chitosan raises the thermal stability of cellulose from 310 to 330 °C. Once the amino groups of chitosan were able to form coordination complexes with divalent cations of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium stearate, they were considered incompatible with chitosan.     

Thermotropic phase behaviour of mixed liposomes of archaeal diether and conventional diester lipids

During preformulation studies of pharmaceutical solid dosage forms, thermal analysis techniques are very useful to detect physical or chemical incompatibilities between the drug and adjuvants of interest that might interfere with efficacy and safety of the final drug product. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) are useful tools for this purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermoanalytical behavior of olanzapine (OLZ) when mixed with several excipients commonly used in solid dosage forms such as microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), lactose, magnesium stearate, and povidone. Following DSC and TG analyses, powder X-ray diffraction tests were carried out. Thermoanalytical methods showed evidence of interaction between OLZ and magnesium stearate, lactose, and povidone. These results can be useful during the selection of excipients for pharmaceutical formulation development.     

Analytical pervaporation: An advantageous alternative to headspace and purge-and-trap techniques

Summary An overview of the principles and general applications of analytical pervaporation is presented. The different designs of both the analytical pervaporation module and the continuous manifolds to which the pervaporator is connected are discussed. The versatility of this non-chromatographic continuous separation technique for circumventing some of the shortcomings encountered in the automation of the overall analytical process is shown. Examples of methods developed for samples (both liquid and solid) in the environmental, food and beverage, and clinical and pharmaceutical fields are shown. The potential of pervaporation as an alternative to static and dynamic well-established approaches such as headspace and purge-and-trap sampling prior to gas-chromatographic separation is demonstrated. Examples of this approach involving both solid and liquid samples are discussed.     

High-pressure studies of pharmaceutical compounds and energetic materials

The effects of high pressure on pharmaceutical compounds and energetic materials can have important implications for both the properties and performance of these important classes of material. Pharmaceutical compounds are frequently subjected to pressure during processing and formulation, causing interconversion between solid forms that may affect properties such as solubility and bio-availability. Energetic materials experience extremes of both pressure and temperature under conditions of detonation and deflagration, causing changes in properties such as sensitivity to shock and chemical reactivity. This tutorial review outlines the various methods used to study these materials at high pressure, describes how pressure can be used to explore polymorphism, and provides examples of compounds that have been studied at high pressure.     

Some physical properties of tabletted seed of Garcinia kola (HECKEL)

The formulation of Garcinia kola seeds into tablet dosage form and evaluation of some physical properties of the tablets are presented. A chemical assay was conducted on the dry, powdered seeds as well as the crude aqueous extract of the seeds. The dry powdered seeds contain 0.003% of flavonoids while the crude extract contained 0.007% of flavonoids based on rutin used as the standard. The powdered material (50 mg) and crude extract (10 mg) were formulated into tablets using the wet granulation method. Named binders were evaluated in these formulations. The various tablet parameters were evaluated, namely: weight variation, thickness and diameter, hardness, friability, disintegration time, dissolution profile and content uniformity. The results indicated that the tablets had good disintegration time, dissolution and hardness/friability profiles. Tablets formulated with starch had the best disintegration properties but were consequently very friable. Tablets formulated from 10 mg of the crude extract needed a larger proportion of diluents, which affected the tablet properties.     

Design of In-Line Emulsification Processes for Water-in-Oil Emulsions

The fabrication of water-in-oil emulsions is a process with widespread applications in formulation engineering. The most common process approach is to use a stirred vessel provided with a high speed dispersing impeller or a rotor-stator head and operated in batch or semi-batch mode. The mean drop size and the drop size distribution are usually correlated by the properties of the surfactants and the specific mechanical energy dissipated by the mixer among others. The present paper addresses an application in the oil industry: the large-scale manufacturing of a fine water-in-oil emulsion. Instead of using a tank-based operation, the idea is to create the emulsion in line and operate the process in a continuous mode. Several commercial in-line dispersing technologies are available and the purpose is here to determine the process and dispersing technology parameters that make possible the fabrication of a stable emulsion. Likewise in stirred tank, it is shown that apart from the energy dissipation rate, the kinetics properties of the surfactants and the process configuration also play a major role in obtaining a stable emulsion.     

Development of formulation, manufacturing technology, and standardization of solid pharmaceutical dosage form of Dilept, a novel atypical neuroleptic

The optimum formulation, manufacturing technology, and analytical techniques were developed for an atypical neuroleptic Dilept in a solid dosage form (tablets). It has been shown that the direct compression of a tableting mass with a 1 : 9 ratio of substance to ludipress will be the optimum method for manufacturing these tablets. The proposed procedures for identifying and determining the impurity content and dosage uniformity, as well as for quantitatively determining the substance content in a tablet, are based on the HPLC method. UV spectrophotometry is recommended as a method for the quantitative assessment of the therapeutic substance released from tablets during the dissolution test. Using the accelerated aging test, it has been shown that the quality of tablets during a period equivalent to a two-year shelf life under natural storage conditions is preserved.     

Study of the Effect of the Interaction Between Kaolin and Surfactant Blend (AOS: APG C12) on the Solubility,Dispersibility, and Wetting Property of the Pesticide Granule

The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture in particular herbicides is a serious environmental threat. There is an urgent need to develop pesticide formulation that combines optimum bioactivity and minimum dosage. In the present article an attempt has been made to design granular formulation of one of the most commonly used herbicide, atrazine (AT). This potent herbicide along with kaolin as the carrier and suitable clay modifiers can be thought as one of the potential way of formulation keeping in view the desired dosage and bioavailability of the same. The process of granule formulation was carried out using the principle of rapid mix granulation. These granule formulations were then compared with the other formulation where the clay was not modified with the help of parameters such as dissolution rate, dispersion stability and wetting time. The study reveals a very positive effect of clay modifications on granules in terms of above mentioned quality parameters.