Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Frugal Imaging Technique of Capillary Flow Through Three-Dimensional Polymeric Printing Powders
Published on: October 4, 2022
Multifractal Characterization of Pharmaceutical Hot-Melt Extrudates
Camille Adler1,2, Alexandra Teleki3, Martin Kuentz4
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Gründenstrasse 40, 4132, Muttenz, Switzerland.
Purpose:
Multifractal geometry has become a powerful tool to describe complex structures in many fields. Our first aim was to combine imaging and multifractal analysis to better understand the microstructure of pharmaceutical extrudates. A second objective was to study erosion/dispersion behavior of the formulations because it would condition release of any drug.
Methods:
Different formulations containing a lipid, a polymer and different silica based inorganic carriers were produced by hot-melt extrusion at various screw speeds. Multifractal analysis was based on scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy images. This microstructural analysis was complemented with dynamic optical imaging of formulation erosion/dispersion behavior.
Results:
Multifractal analysis indicated that inorganic carrier type and concentration as well as the screw speed affected the microstructure of the extrudates. The aqueous erosion/dispersion study showed that only the type and concentration of inorganic carrier were important.
Conclusions:
The use of microstructural and dispersion analysis appeared to be complementary to better characterize and understand complex formulations obtained by hot-melt extrusion.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Drug Dissolution: Requirements and Profile Comparison
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Pharmaceutical Parameters

