E. Lahdenpaa et al., Direct compression with silicified and non-silicified microcrystalline cellulose: study of some properties of powders and tablets, STP PHARM S, 11(2), 2001, pp. 129-135
Microcrystalline celluloses Avicel PH-101, PH-102, PH-200 and a 75/25% mixt
ure of PH-101 and PH-200 were compared with silicified microcrystalline cel
lulose Prosolv SMCC90 as filler-binders for direct compression. A simple mi
xture of Avicel PH-102 and colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil 200) was also
studied. Up to 30% w/w of paracetamol was added in order to properly diffe
rentiate between the excipients. Powder and tablet properties could be attr
ibuted to macro- and microscopic morphologies of the filler-binders. Intera
ction between colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate explained so
me of the differences in tablettability. Silicon dioxide was uniformly dist
ributed in Prosolv SMCC90, whereas in the Avicel PH-102/Aerosil mixture, it
appeared in agglomerates, unevenly distributed, as assessed by energy disp
ersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The differences between Prosolv SMCC90 and
the Avicel PH-102/Aerosil mixture were thought to be related to the distri
bution of colloidal silicon dioxide. In conclusion, Prosolv SMCC90 was foun
d to be worth trying when cohesive, poorly compressible ingredients are for
mulated into direct compressed tablets. A simple Avicel PH-102/Aerosil mixt
ure or Avicel PH-200 could be selected, especially where flowability is of
great importance.