GRANULATION PROCESS CONTRIBUTION TO SCLEROGLUCAN HYDROPHILIC MATRIX FORMULATION

To make the best use of the viscosifying properties of a natural polym er Scleroglucan, investigation was made into compression ability and t he polymer concentration required to form hydrophilic matrix tablets. In a previous work, in which direct compression was studied, 20 to 30% of Scleroglucan concentration was required to form a matrix resistant to disintegration. A high level of energy was used during compression . In this present work, feasibility of the wet granulation process was verified using the same components as for direct compression. A fract ional experimental design was adopted to identify the optimal formulat ion for preparing tablets. An increase in particle cohesion due to gra nulation, decreases both energy during compression and the Sclerogluca n concentrations required to form tablets resistant to disintegration.