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Published on: May 3, 2024
Effect of drying on extruded pellets based on kappa-carrageenan
Markus Thommes1, Wolfgang Blaschek, Peter Kleinebudde
1Institute of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany. markus.thommes@uni-duesseldorf.de
Summary
Kappa-carrageenan shows promise as a pelletisation aid. Drying conditions significantly impact pellet properties, with higher temperatures and longer durations decreasing dissolution, strength, and disintegration times.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Kappa-carrageenan is a novel pelletisation aid for wet extrusion/spheronisation.
- It presents a potential alternative to microcrystalline cellulose in various pharmaceutical formulations.
- Its high water-binding capacity necessitates careful study of the drying process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the influence of drying conditions on kappa-carrageenan pellet properties.
- To understand how temperature and duration affect pellet characteristics.
- To explore the role of ionic interactions in pellet behavior.
Main Methods:
- Pellets with varying formulations were prepared using wet extrusion/spheronisation.
- Drying was performed using fluid bed, circulation, and vacuum ovens.
- Pellet properties, including mean dissolution time, tensile strength, and disintegration time, were characterized.
Main Results:
- Increased drying temperature and duration led to reduced mean dissolution time, tensile strength, and disintegration time.
- Degradation of kappa-carrageenan was observed above 70°C, contributing to these changes.
- Ionic interactions between dicalciumphosphate and kappa-carrageenan influenced drug release.
Conclusions:
- Drying parameters critically affect the physical and release properties of kappa-carrageenan pellets.
- Careful control of drying temperature is essential to avoid degradation and optimize pellet performance.
- Understanding ionic interactions is key to tailoring drug release profiles.
