Prediction of physical properties of a novel polysaccharide controlled release system. I

• Published in: International journal of pharmaceutics 1996-02, Vol.128 (1), p.113-122
• Main Authors: Tobyn, Michael J., Staniforth, John N., Baichwal, Anand R., McCall, Troy W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Controlled release; General pharmacology; Hydrophilic matrix; Locust bean gum; Medical sciences; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Tableting; Xanthan gum
• ISSN: 0378-5173; 1873-3476
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-5173(95)04230-X

TIMERx is a novel polysaccharide-based controlled release matrix technology. The matrix consists of the synergistically interacting polysaccharides xanthan gum and locust bean gum in the presence of a third component, often dextrose, and other tertiary components. The physical properties and compression characteristics of this system were studied using conventional characterisation equipment and by the assessment of the tensile strength of compacts produced on an instrumented tablet press. The granulation method had a profound influence on granule properties and compact strength. Dry mixing of the relevant components led to the production of weak compacts. Granulation in a fluid bed granulator produced hollow granules of low bulk density which produced relatively weak compacts. Only high speed mixer granulation produced tablets with the strength required for pharmaceutical processing. Subsequent studies indicated that the nature and concentration of secondary and tertiary components added to the granulation can further influence the nature of granules produced and tablets manufactured from them. The particle size of granules, and the distribution around the mean, also appear to be important. It is concluded that the physical properties of granules and tablet depend on a number of factors not easily delineated using conventional statistics.