title: A new method to predict flowability using a microscale fluid bed.
abstract: The purpose of this research was to develop a new method to predict the flow behavior of pharmaceutical powders using a multichamber microscale fluid bed. Different amounts of poorly flowing paracetamol were added to various grades of microcrystalline celluloses and silicified microcrystalline cellulose powders. Magnesium stearate was used as a lubricant. Experimental minimum fluidization velocities (u(mf)) were defined using 2 to 4 g (equal to 10 mL) of material (Video 1). The reference flowability of the powders was determined using a specific flow meter. Also, the weight variation of the compressed powders, using a single-punch press, was measured. When the amount of paracetamol in the excipients was increased, the experimental umf increased and the fluidization behavior grew worse (Video 2). Principal component analysis (PCA) established that the pressure difference over the bed as a function of fluidization velocity could be used to characterize the behavior of powders. The increase in poor fluidization behavior of the powders was in accordance with the increasing amount of paracetamol and with the increasing weight variation of the tablets. Furthermore, the angle of repose and the flow rate of silicified microcrystalline cellulose powders were predicted using a partial least squares (PLS) model. The developed method to predict flowability is a promising approach for use in the preformulation and formulation stages of new drug candidates, for example.
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Technology Division, Department of Pharmacy, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. eetu.rasanen@helsinki.fi
authors.forename: Eetu
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Räsänen
authors.forename: Osmo
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Antikainen
authors.forename: Jouko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yliruusi
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000737:chemistry; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D011208:Powders / Q000737:chemistry*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013229:Stearic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical
chemical_list: D011208:Powders; D013229:Stearic Acids; D000082:Acetaminophen; C031183:stearic acid