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Application of Externally Applied Lower Punch Vibration and its Effects on Tablet Manufacturing

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Abstract

Purpose

In the present study the influence and application of a newly developed external lower punch vibration system for an improved die filling on a running rotary tablet press was investigated.

Methods

Tablets were manufactured at different conditions (with and without vibration) and characterized regarding their direct compressibility and mechanical stability. Thus, two typical pharmaceutical binders for direct compression (Parmcel 102 and Tablettose® 80) were compared with two binders unsuitable for direct compression (Ceolus® KG1000 and GranuLac® 200). The powders were characterized by helium pycnometry, laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and by determination of the powder flow. Furthermore, a novel technique to determine the occurrences of segregation within a tablet after manufacturing was introduced. For this purpose, a powder blend containing one spray-colored type of microcrystalline cellulose (Vivapur® 200) were prepared.

Results

It was shown that under application of externally applied lower punch vibration, the powder flow into the die increased and thus the die filling process was significantly improved. Hence, it was possible to manufacture tablets from powders, which are actually unsuitable for direct compression. In addition, the mechanical stability of the produced tablets was distinctly improved by application of lower punch vibration, whereby the occurrence of segregation was comparatively low.

Conclusion

In summary, lower punch vibration allows a more efficient die filling, whereby the powder flow as well as mechanical stability of the tablets are improved.

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Abbreviations

Lac-1:

GranuLac® 200

Lac-2:

Tablettose® 80

MCC-1:

Ceolus® KG1000

MCC-2:

Parmcel 102

SF:

Solid fraction

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Acknowledgments and Disclosures

The authors would like to thank Lehmann & Voss, Gustav Parmentier, JRS Pharma and Meggle for providing the powder materials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Hamburg, Bundesstr. 45, 20146, Hamburg, Germany

    Alexander Kalies & Claudia S. Leopold

  2. Fette Compacting GmbH, Grabauer Str. 24, 21493, Schwarzenbek, Germany

    Hüseyin Özcoban

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  1. Alexander Kalies
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  2. Hüseyin Özcoban
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  3. Claudia S. Leopold
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Correspondence to Claudia S. Leopold.

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Kalies, A., Özcoban, H. & Leopold, C.S. Application of Externally Applied Lower Punch Vibration and its Effects on Tablet Manufacturing. Pharm Res 36, 173 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-019-2711-7

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