Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:10
Transport Properties of Ibuprofen Encapsulated in Cyclodextrin Nanosponge Hydrogels: A Proton HR-MAS NMR Spectroscopy Study
Published on: August 15, 2016
Improving flow properties of ibuprofen by fluidized bed particle thin-coating
Henrik Ehlers1, Heikki Räikkönen, Osmo Antikainen
1Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), University of Helsinki, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland. henrik.ehlers@helsinki.fi
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|November 18, 2008
Summary
Thin polymer coating on ibuprofen particles improved powder flow without altering particle size or morphology. This particle thin-coating (PTC) offers an alternative to granulation for enhancing processing properties.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Improving powder flow is crucial for efficient pharmaceutical processing.
- Granulation is a common method, but alternatives are sought to simplify processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate thin polymer coating as an alternative to granulation for enhancing ibuprofen powder flow.
- To investigate the effect of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) coating on ibuprofen particle properties.
Main Methods:
- Ibuprofen particles were coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using a top-spray fluid bed granulator.
- Inlet air temperature and spray rate were key process variables.
- Powder flow rate was measured using a specialized flow meter.
- Particle size, size distribution, and circularity were analyzed via optical microscopy and image analysis.
Main Results:
- Treated ibuprofen powders exhibited significantly improved flow rates.
- No discernible changes in particle size, size distribution, or circularity were observed post-coating.
- The enhancement in flow properties was attributed to the HPMC surface modification.
Conclusions:
- Fluidized bed particle thin-coating (PTC) effectively enhances ibuprofen powder flow properties.
- PTC is a viable alternative to granulation, improving processability without altering particle characteristics.
- Surface modification with trace amounts of HPMC is key to improved powder flow.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Pharmaceutical Parameters
Solid dosage forms such as tablets and capsules undergo rigorous manufacturing processes to ensure stability and effectiveness. Their dissolution and absorption properties are influenced significantly by the choice of excipients (inactive ingredients that serve various roles in the formulation), and the methodology applied during production. The manufacturing parameters, such as compression force and granulation techniques, significantly affect dissolution rates. Elevated compression forces...
01:05Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...
01:23Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
Dissolution kinetics, an essential aspect of oral drug delivery, is significantly influenced by the drug's particle size. According to the Noyes-Whitney dissolution model, the dissolution rate correlates directly with the drug's surface area. The larger the surface area, the higher the drug's solubility in water, leading to a faster drug dissolution rate. Reducing particle size increases the effective surface area, enhancing the dissolution process. Micronization and nanosizing are employed to...
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt secretion,...
01:22Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Physicochemical Parameters
The physicochemical characteristics of drugs play a crucial role in formulating stable and bioavailable drug products. The solubility of a drug, governed by the varying pH along the GI tract and its dissociation constant (pKa), is pivotal in determining its ionization state and absorption rate. Notably, weak acids and bases remain unionized and are absorbed more rapidly.
Enhanced drug absorption can be achieved by reducing particle sizes and increasing surface areas, thereby facilitating...
Enhanced drug absorption can be achieved by reducing particle sizes and increasing surface areas, thereby facilitating...
01:16Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Solubility Enhancement
Bioavailability is a critical factor in determining a drug's effectiveness. It refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is, as a result, able to have an active effect. Enhancing bioavailability is essential for drugs with poor solubility, as it can significantly impact their therapeutic efficacy. Various methods are employed to increase the solubility of drugs, thereby enhancing their bioavailability.Micronization and nanonization are...