EFFECT OF THE DRYING METHOD ON THE MECHANICAL AND DRUG-RELEASE PROPERTIES OF PELLETS PREPARED BY EXTRUSION-SPHERONIZATION

Many pelletization processing variables are capable of influencing the fundamental properties of pellets. This study was designed to elucidate the effect of the drying technique on the mechanical and skeletal properties of spheronized particles. Although much has been reported on the effect of the formulation and processing variables associated with extrusion and spheronization, little attention has been paid to the nature and length of the subsequent drying process. Pellets were prepared containing either 80%w/w ibuprofen or 80%w/w lactose with 20%w/w microcrystalline cellulose. The resulting spherical pellets were dried either by tray drying or fluidized-bed drying. This work has revealed that the drying technique has a quantifiable effect on the diametral crushing strength and elasticity of the pellets, their in-vitro drug release and a qualitative effect on the surface characteristics of ibuprofen pellets.