Physical Characterization of two Types of Microcrystalline Cellulose and Feasibility of Microspheres by Extrusion/Spheronization

Abstract

The influence of the physical properties of two types of commercial microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel^R PH 101 and Microcel^R MC 101) on the feasibility of minigranules production using an extrusion/spheronization process has been studied. Both raw materials were compared using IR. spectrometry (molecular level), X-Ray Diffraction, DSC, TGA, morphology, texture and particle size distribution (particle level), and specific surface-area and density (bulk level). The differences observed during the step of mass moistening and on the spheroids obtained (particle size distribution, hardness) demonstrate that the variations in the physical characteristics of the excipients have an impact on the technology of manufacture of spherical granules, as well as on their specifications.