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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Tree Core Analysis with X-ray Computed Tomography
Published on: September 22, 2023
Non-invasive and rapid analysis for observation of internal structure of press-coated tablet using X-ray computed
Yoshihiro Tokudome1, Hiroyuki Ohshima, Makoto Otsuka
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University Nishi-Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
Since the internal structure of a tablet can be measured without destruction of the sample by X-ray computed tomography (CT), it could be applied to quality control of tablets during the manufacturing process.
Aim:
A novel, fast, noninvasive tablet observation method was developed to evaluate the internal structure of commercial press-coated tablets by using X-ray CT.
Method:
Thirty-two CT image slices of four kinds of commercial press-coated tablets (tablets A, B, C, and D) were measured 300 m interval between edges of the tablet by using an X-ray CT. The thinnest layer thickness of the tablets and distance between centers of gravity (DCG) of tables were calculated.
Results:
The order of the TLT of the tablets was tablet B > tablet C > tablet D > tablet A. The result indicated that the order of DCG was tablet A > tablet D > tablet C > tablet B. Noninvasive observation of the internal structure of commercial, press-coated tablets by X-ray CT has been demonstrated to be useful in quality control of production.
Conclusion:
The internal structure of press-coated tablets could be observed without pretreatment, without destruction, and very rapidly by X-ray CT.
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