Assessing compressibility and compactibility of powder formulations with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional powder compressibility and compactibility assessment relies on destructive methods.
• These methods involve measuring tensile strength and relative density of compacted powders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a non-destructive Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) method for powder compressibility and compactibility.
• To compare NIRS results with traditional destructive methods.

Main Methods:

• Investigated 12 diverse powder formulations.
• Produced two tablet batches per formulation: one for destructive testing (tensile strength, relative density) and one for NIRS analysis.
• Applied chemometric analysis and mathematical equations to compare data from both methods.

Main Results:

• High similarity observed between NIRS and traditional methods for compressibility and compactibility.
• Noted significant differences in equation factor outcomes when using the Leuenberger equation.

Conclusions:

• NIRS provides a reliable, non-destructive alternative for assessing powder properties.
• The NIRS approach is suitable for inline quality monitoring in pharmaceutical manufacturing.