Antonios Zavaliangosa, James Thomas a,b, Elizabeth Moroz a,b, Phuong Bui a, Joseph Wright a
a Drexel University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, PA 19104, USA
b GSK, Drug Substance Development – Material Science, GlaxoSmithKline, PA 19426, USA
Purpose. To summarize our recent studies on sticking detection using a single tablet under multiple compactions.
Methods. The method will be presented together with parametric studies for model formulations of ibuprofen and microcrystalline cellulose as well as acetylsalicylic acid and microcrystalline cellulose with pressure, and compaction speed will be presented. A modification with a punch rotation between strikes will also be presented.
Results. This technique allows for the accumulation of material on the punch without the need for compacting multiple tablets. The ranking of formulations compositions and processing parameters with respect to sticking are identical with traditional tablet compaction. Fundamental mechanisms that allow for this behavior are presented and discussed. The relative rotation of the punch with respect to the die accelerates the accumulation of materials.
Conclusions. The ability to detect sticking and rank formulations and processing conditions with a minimal amount of material is of paramount importance for early R&D efforts. Further studies are ongoing to further explore the applicability of the technique.