Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
06:01
Frugal Imaging Technique of Capillary Flow Through Three-Dimensional Polymeric Printing Powders
Published on: October 4, 2022
Flowability of surface modified pharmaceutical granules: A comparative experimental and numerical study
Ann-Sofie Persson1, Göran Alderborn, Göran Frenning
1Uppsala University, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, P.O. Box 580, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
Summary
Surface modification of microcrystalline cellulose granules impacts their flowability. Simulations revealed distinct flow behaviors for cohesive versus non-cohesive granules, highlighting the importance of rolling friction for accurate modeling.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Powder Technology
Background:
- Flowability of granular materials is crucial in pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
- Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is widely used, but its flow properties can be challenging.
- Surface modification techniques are employed to improve powder characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of surface modification on the flowability of microcrystalline cellulose granules.
- To compare experimental measurements with discrete element method (DEM) simulations.
- To understand the influence of friction and cohesion on granular flow behavior.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurements of hopper discharge rate, angle of repose, and Carr's index.
- Three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulations.
- Modeling included variations in sliding friction, rolling friction, and cohesion.
Main Results:
- Surface modification significantly altered the sliding friction coefficient and flow behavior.
- DEM simulations showed distinct flow patterns for cohesive (clusters) and non-cohesive (individual particles) granules.
- Rolling friction and cohesion similarly affected simulated discharge rates, aligning with experimental data and the Beverloo equation.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification effectively influences MCC granule flowability.
- DEM simulations are valuable for predicting granular flow, but incorporating rolling friction is critical for accuracy with non-cohesive materials.
- Cohesion alone can form stable heaps, but accurate modeling requires considering rolling friction for non-cohesive systems.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Changes in polymorphic forms can significantly influence the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Although the FDA defines pharmaceutical equivalence based on having the same active ingredient, dosage form, and route of administration, it does not automatically disqualify products with different polymorphic forms. This means two products with different polymorphs can still be deemed pharmaceutically equivalent. However, polymorphic differences can affect properties like wettability,...
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...
01:28Factors 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...
01:18Formulation and Manufacturing Process: Physical Attributes of Generic Tablets and Capsules
Bioequivalence in generic drugs, such as tablets and capsules, refers to their pharmaceutical equivalence to the brand-name counterparts. However, for therapeutic equivalence, manufacturers must also consider physical attributes like size, shape, and weight (FDA Guidance for Industry, December 2003). Discrepancies in these aspects could impact patient compliance and cause medication errors. For instance, swallowing difficulties, often experienced with larger tablets or capsules, can lead to...
01:14Drug Dissolution: Requirements and Profile Comparison
The acceptance criteria for dissolution profile data are anchored in Q values, representing the percentage of drug dissolved within a specified period. This assessment unfolds in three stages:First Stage: The test passes if all six drug dosage units are equal to or greater than Q plus 5%; otherwise, the sample proceeds to the second stage.Second Stage: The average of twelve units must be equal to or greater than Q, with no unit falling below Q - 15% to pass; if not, it progresses to the final...
01:22Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Drug Release Characteristics
Drug release from modified-release dosage forms is designed to achieve specific therapeutic effects by controlling the rate and extent of drug release. The classification of these drug release systems is based on key pharmacokinetic assumptions: drug disposition follows first-order kinetics, drug release is the rate-limiting step in absorption, and the released drug is rapidly and completely absorbed.There are four major models of drug release patterns. The first model is the slow zero-order...