title: Evaluation of coat uniformity and taste-masking efficiency of irregular-shaped drug particles coated in a modified tangential spray fluidized bed processor.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the feasibility of coating irregular-shaped drug particles in a modified tangential spray fluidized bed processor (FS processor) and evaluate the coated particles for their coat uniformity and taste-masking efficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Paracetamol particles were coated to 20%, w/w weight gain using a taste-masking polymer insoluble in neutral and basic pH but soluble in acidic pH. In-process samples (5, 10 and 15%, w/w coat) and the resultant coated particles (20%, w/w coat) were collected to monitor the changes in their physicochemical attributes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After coating to 20%, w/w coat weight gain, the usable yield was 81% with minimal agglomeration (< 5%). Some aerodynamic modifications to particle shape and surface morphology were observed for the in-process samples with 5 and 10% coat compared with the uncoated particles. A 15%, w/w coat was optimal for inhibiting drug release in salivary pH with subsequent fast dissolution in simulated gastric pH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The FS processor shows promise for direct coating of irregular-shaped drug particles with wide size distribution. The coated particles with 15% coat were sufficiently taste masked and could be useful for further application in orally disintegrating tablet platforms.
authors.affiliation: a National University of Singapore, GEA-NUS Pharmaceutical Processing Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy , 18 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore, Singapore +65 6516 3870 ; +65 6779 1554 ; phalcv@nus.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: a National University of Singapore, GEA-NUS Pharmaceutical Processing Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy , 18 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore, Singapore +65 6516 3870 ; +65 6779 1554 ; phalcv@nus.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Paul Wan Sia
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Heng
authors.affiliation: a National University of Singapore, GEA-NUS Pharmaceutical Processing Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy , 18 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore, Singapore +65 6516 3870 ; +65 6779 1554 ; phalcv@nus.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Celine Valeria
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Liew
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000737:chemistry*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000737:chemistry*; D004339:Drug Compounding; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter; D012995:Solubility; D013607:Tablets; D013649:Taste
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D052638:Particulate Matter; D013607:Tablets; D000082:Acetaminophen
keywords: coat uniformity; coating; drug particles; fluidized bed; swirling airflow; taste masking