Evaluation of the destructive effect of khaya gum on Bacillus subtilis spores during tableting

The destructive effect of khaya gum used as a binding agent in a paracetamol formulation on Bacillus subtilis spores during tableting has been investigated, in comparison with the effects of two standard binders-polyvinylpyrrolidone and gelatin. The destructive effect of khaya gum was generally similar to those of the standard binders. Significant (p < 0.001 in each case) inverse linear relationships of log % survival of the B. subtilis spores with compression pressure and with concentration of binder, were established. The effect of the binding agent was significantly dependent (p < 0.001 in each case) on both compression pressure and the binder concentration. However, there was no significant interaction (p > 0.05) between the destructive effects of compression pressure and binder concentration. The results suggest that khaya gum and the standard binders would be useful in the destruction of microorganisms during tableting.