Non-invasive and rapid analysis for observation of internal structure of press-coated tablet using X-ray computed tomography.
BACKGROUND
Since the internal structure of a tablet can be measured without destruction of the sample by X-ray computed tomography (CT), it could be applied to quality control of tablets during the manufacturing process.


OBJECTIVE
A novel, fast, noninvasive tablet observation method was developed to evaluate the internal structure of commercial press-coated tablets by using X-ray CT.


METHODS
Thirty-two CT image slices of four kinds of commercial press-coated tablets (tablets A, B, C, and D) were measured 300 m interval between edges of the tablet by using an X-ray CT. The thinnest layer thickness of the tablets and distance between centers of gravity (DCG) of tables were calculated.


RESULTS
The order of the TLT of the tablets was tablet B > tablet C > tablet D > tablet A. The result indicated that the order of DCG was tablet A > tablet D > tablet C > tablet B. Noninvasive observation of the internal structure of commercial, press-coated tablets by X-ray CT has been demonstrated to be useful in quality control of production.


CONCLUSIONS
The internal structure of press-coated tablets could be observed without pretreatment, without destruction, and very rapidly by X-ray CT.
Tokudome
Yoshihiro
Y
Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University Nishi-Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Ohshima
Hiroyuki
H
Otsuka
Makoto
M
D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D011786:Quality Control; D013607:Tablets; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D013607:Tablets