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The behavior of different carrageenans in pelletization by extrusion/spheronization
Markus Thommes1, Peter Kleinebudde
1Institute of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany. markus.thommes@uni-duesseldorf.de
Pharmaceutical Development and Technology
|February 27, 2008
Summary
Kappa-carrageenan shows promise as a pelletization aid, outperforming microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Specific kappa-carrageenan types yielded high-quality pellets with 80% hydrochlorothiazide, demonstrating consistent properties across varying water content.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a common pelletization aid but has limitations like poor disintegration and active adsorption.
- Kappa-carrageenan offers a novel alternative with potential to overcome MCC's disadvantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pelletization performance of different carrageenan types (iota-, kappa-, lambda-) from various suppliers.
- To evaluate kappa-carrageenan's efficacy as a pelletization aid, particularly with high drug loads.
Main Methods:
- Pelletization via extrusion/spheronization was employed.
- Five kappa-, one iota-, and one lambda-carrageenan were tested.
- Pellets were manufactured with 80% hydrochlorothiazide and dicalcium phosphate as filler.
Main Results:
- Kappa-carrageenans exhibited superior pelletization behavior compared to other types.
- Four out of five kappa-carrageenans produced pellets with acceptable shape, size, and distribution.
- Pellets maintained consistent properties across a wide water content range (90-105%).
- Dicalcium phosphate influenced the pelletization process and final pellet characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Kappa-carrageenan is a viable and effective pelletization aid for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Specific kappa-carrageenan variants demonstrate excellent performance, even with high drug loading.
- Further research into carrageenan-based formulations is warranted to optimize drug delivery systems.
