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 elucida te the effect of the drying technique on the mechanical and skeletal p roperties of spheronized particles. Although much has been reported on the effect of the formulation and processing variables associated wit h extrusion and spheronization, little attention has been paid to the nature and length of the subsequent drying process. Pellets were prepa red containing either 80%w/w ibuprofen or 80%w/w lactose with 20%w/w m icrocrystalline 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 c rushing strength and elasticity of the pellets, their in-vitro drug re lease and a qualitative effect on the surface characteristics of ibupr ofen pellets.