Non-destructive visualization of internal structural changes in humidified magnesium oxide tablets using X-ray...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Internal tablet structure is crucial for formulation, physical properties, and safe use.
• X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a powerful non-invasive technique for analyzing internal structures.
• The impact of humidity on tablet internal structure, particularly for magnesium oxide (MgO), is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using X-ray CT for non-destructive evaluation of humidified MgO tablets.
• To assess the internal structural changes in MgO tablets induced by humidity and subsequent storage.

Main Methods:

• Magnesium oxide (MgO) tablets were exposed to 40°C and 75% humidity for 7 days.
• Tablet weight was measured before and after humidification.
• Internal structures were analyzed using X-ray computed tomography (CT) over 90 days of room temperature storage.

Main Results:

• MgO tablets showed significant weight gain due to moisture absorption.
• Internal structure analysis via X-ray CT revealed reduced skewness immediately post-humidification.
• Structural changes, specifically reduced skewness, persisted throughout the 90-day storage period at room temperature.

Conclusions:

• X-ray CT is a valuable tool for the detailed, non-destructive, 3D evaluation of internal structural changes in MgO tablets.
• Humidity significantly alters the internal structure of MgO tablets, with lasting effects observed even after storage.
• This study demonstrates the utility of X-ray CT in understanding the impact of environmental factors on pharmaceutical tablet integrity.