Preformulation: Effect of Moisture Content on Microcrystalline Cellulose (Avicel PH-302) and Its Consequences on Packing Performances

• Published in: Drug development and industrial pharmacy Vol. 25; no. 10; pp. 1137 - 1142
• Main Authors: Nicolas, V., Chambin, O., Andrès, C., Rochat-Gonthier, M.-H., Pourcelot, Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Informa UK Ltd 01.01.1999; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cellulose - chemistry; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Excipients - chemistry; General pharmacology; Kinetics; Medical sciences; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Plastics - chemistry; Powders; Rheology; Stress, Mechanical; Tablets; Water - chemistry; Microcrystalline material; Compression; Particle size; Pharmaceutical technology; Cellulose; Humidity; Water content; Dosage form; Tablet; Density; Physicochemical properties
• ISSN: 0363-9045; 1520-5762
• DOI: 10.1081/DDC-100102280

This study evaluates the influence of moisture content on the packing performances of a new grade of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) (Avicel PH-302) either by classical method or by an unconventional compression technique (constant volume reduction of powder bed). An increase in moisture content decreases the apparent density of the powder bed, resulting from interparticulate friction enhancement. This modification of apparent density seems to be the main effect caused by the presence of humidity, which explains the variations of compression properties, like an increase of powder plasticity generally observed in the experimental conditions.