title: Direct compression properties of melt-extruded isomalt.
abstract: Isomalt, a sugar alcohol, was melt-extruded prior to compression in order to improve its tabletting properties. After fusion, crystalline isomalt was transformed into an amorphous form as shown by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The tabletting properties of amorphous isomalt were dramatically improved. Mixtures formulated with paracetamol (50%) and extruded isomalt yielded hard tablets. However, extruded isomalt powder showed agglomeration problems due to recrystallization of the amorphous phase into a stable crystalline form in the presence of atmospheric moisture. The evolution of the moisture content correlated well with the compressibility data. The tablets made of extruded isomalt powder had a lower friability in comparison to the tablets formulated with non-extruded isomalt powder. Their disintegration was fast and a rapid dissolution rate was recorded. Extruded isomalt displayed excellent tabletting properties; however, further experiments should be conducted to delay or even prevent recrystallization of amorphous isomalt.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ndindayino
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Henrist
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kiekens
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van den Mooter
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vervaet
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Remon
mesh_terms: D002326:Cariogenic Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D019245:Compressive Strength; D004187:Disaccharides / Q000737:chemistry*; D004355:Drug Stability; D006813:Humidity; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D011208:Powders; D012995:Solubility; D013402:Sugar Alcohols / Q000737:chemistry*; D013607:Tablets; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D002326:Cariogenic Agents; D004187:Disaccharides; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D011208:Powders; D013402:Sugar Alcohols; D013607:Tablets; C016640:Palatinit