Modified cellulose II powder: preparation, characterization, and tableting properties.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Technology

Background:

• Cellulose II powder (UICEL-A/102) derived from Avicel PH-102 exhibits desirable disintegration properties.
• Improving binder characteristics of cellulose materials is crucial for pharmaceutical formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reaction of UICEL-A/102 with glutaraldehyde to enhance binder properties.
• To assess if binder improvements adversely affect the rapid disintegration characteristic of the cellulose powder.

Main Methods:

• UICEL-A/102 was reacted with glutaraldehyde in 0.01 N HCl at a 1:0.6 weight ratio and 100°C for 8.5 hours.
• Characterization included degree of polymerization, crystallinity, density, porosity, yield pressure, crushing strength, tensile strength, and Heckel analysis.
• Moisture sorption isotherms and disintegration times were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The resulting product, UICEL-XL, exhibited lower polymerization, higher crystallinity, lower densities, and higher porosity compared to UICEL-A/102.
• UICEL-XL demonstrated increased compressibility and compactability, indicated by lower yield pressure and higher strengths.
• Elasticity was reduced in UICEL-XL, while moisture sorption and disintegration remained comparable to UICEL-A/102.

Conclusions:

• Glutaraldehyde treatment successfully improved the binder properties of cellulose II powder.
• UICEL-XL functions as an effective disintegrant while possessing enhanced binder capabilities.
• The modified cellulose powder offers a dual benefit for pharmaceutical applications.