Co-processing acetaminophen with nanocellulose to enhance tabletability

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a standard pharmaceutical filler for enhancing tabletability.
• Nanocellulose, a high-surface-area material, was explored as a potential alternative filler for acetaminophen (APAP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nanocellulose as a filler excipient for improving acetaminophen tabletability.
• To investigate methods for effectively incorporating nanocellulose into APAP formulations.

Main Methods:

• Conventional dry blending of nanocellulose with APAP was compared to a co-processing approach using a twin-screw extruder.
• Microscopy was used to analyze the interaction between nanocellulose and APAP particles.

Main Results:

• Nanocellulose was ineffective as a conventional filler due to aggregation issues.
• Co-processing via a twin-screw extruder effectively coated APAP particles with nanocellulose.
• Low concentrations (up to 1.10% w/w) of co-processed nanocellulose significantly improved APAP tabletability.

Conclusions:

• Nanocellulose can serve as a highly effective functional additive for enhancing tabletability when processed appropriately.
• Co-processing transforms nanocellulose into a potent excipient for pharmaceutical formulations, enabling direct tableting of APAP.