Effect of tabletting compaction pressure on alginate microspheres

Alginate and alginate-hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) microspheres were prepared by the emulsification method. The compaction of microspheres for producing tablet dosage forms raises concerns about possible damage to microsphere walls with subsequent unpredictable dissolution rates. The effect of different compaction pressures on the integrity of the microspheres was investigated. The addition of a diluent, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), was required to make compacts containing alginate and alginate-HPMC microspheres. Compacts containing alginate-HPMC (7:3) microspheres had the highest crushing strength followed by compacts containing alginate-HPMC (9:1) microspheres and alginate microspheres. However, compact crushing strength did not vary significantly with increased compaction pressures over the range of compaction pressures investigated. Differences in the drug release profiles of the original non-compacted and compacted alginate and alginate-HPMC microspheres were slight and not marked. Although dentation and distortion of the microspheres were observed with increasing compaction pressures, the microspheres generally remained intact, with minimal rupture/fracture.