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Extrusion-spheronization: process variables and characterization
V R Sinha1, M K Agrawal, A Agarwal
1University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. sinha_vr@rediffmail.com
Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems
|October 6, 2009
Summary
Extrusion-spheronization is a key pelletization technique for drug delivery, offering high drug loading and cost-effectiveness. This review details process variables and quality evaluation methods for optimized multiparticulate systems.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
Background:
- Multiparticulate systems are advanced drug delivery vehicles with evolving applications.
- Pelletization techniques have significantly advanced, with extrusion-spheronization emerging as a leading method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the extrusion-spheronization process for multiparticulate drug delivery.
- To identify operational and formulation variables impacting pellet quality.
- To discuss methods for evaluating final pellet characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Focus on extrusion-spheronization as a pelletization technique.
- Analysis of operational variables: extruder types, screen pressure, screw speed, temperature, moisture content.
- Examination of formulation variables: excipients and drug properties.
- Discussion of pellet quality evaluation methods: size, shape, friability, strength, density, porosity, flow, and texture.
Main Results:
- Extrusion-spheronization enables high active ingredient loading and narrow particle size distribution.
- Process parameters significantly influence pellet quality attributes.
- Coating can enhance site-specific delivery and drug bioavailability.
Conclusions:
- Extrusion-spheronization is a versatile and cost-effective method for producing high-quality multiparticulate drug delivery systems.
- Careful control of operational and formulation parameters is crucial for optimizing pellet characteristics.
- Further research into specialized coating techniques can improve drug targeting and efficacy.
