Evaluation of A High-Speed Pelletization Process and Equipment

Abstract

A single step high-speed centrifugal pelletization procedure is described. Pellets of three model drugs of varying solubilities were prepared and characterized. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the external layer which is composed of binder and drug is very porous relative to the nonpareil seed core material. Bulk density measurements also confirmed the loose structural makeup of the drug layer. Preparation of pellets from small non-pareil seeds provided particles that have high drug content and are amenable to high dose formulations. Common wet granulation binders such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and gelatin exhibited good binding capacities and generated excellent pellets.