COMPARISON OF RECENT TECHNIQUES TO CHARACTERIZE THE CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR OF FATTY SUPPOSITORY BASES

The time course of crystallization of hard fat suppository bases has b een studied by isothermal DSC, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy , oscillation rheometry, and thermorheography. The crystallization of hard fats was found to be a biphasic process, where the content of par tial glycerides and the extent of supercooling determine the formation of crystal nuclei while the final solidification level depends upon t he crystallization temperature. The principles of different techniques and results are compared considering potential applications in proces s surveillance and quality control. The methods employed could also he lp to enhance pharmacopoeial specifications.