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Updated: May 30, 2026
09:59
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) Microscopy Visualizes Pharmaceutical Tablets During Dissolution
Published on: July 4, 2014
Linking dissolution to disintegration in immediate release tablets using image analysis and a population balance
David Wilson1, Stephen Wren, Gavin Reynolds
1Formulation Science, Pharmaceutical Development, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK. david.wilson4@astrazeneca.com
Pharmaceutical Research
|August 12, 2011
Summary
A new method tracks tablet particle release during dissolution, improving understanding of immediate-release formulations. This approach models tablet erosion rates, linking crushing force to dissolution behavior.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Physical Pharmacy
Background:
- Understanding tablet disintegration and dissolution is crucial for immediate-release formulations.
- Standard methodologies exist but lack detailed particle-level insights during the process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel technique for monitoring particle number and size during tablet dissolution.
- To integrate this technique with a population balance model for improved understanding of disintegration and dissolution phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Tablets were characterized using standard USP methods (crushing force, disintegration time, dissolution).
- A QicPic particle imaging device was coupled with a USP dissolution vessel to measure particle generation.
- A population balance model was employed, manipulating tablet erosion rate to fit experimental data.
Main Results:
- Tablets with varying crushing forces exhibited distinct dissolution behaviors.
- Differences in dissolution were attributed to varied particle release rates into the dissolution media.
- The developed model successfully described tablet dissolution and disintegration via an erosion rate parameter.
Conclusions:
- A novel approach was established to describe tablet dissolution based on particle release rates.
- The study successfully modeled these behaviors using a tablet erosion rate.
- This provides a more comprehensive understanding of immediate-release tablet performance.
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