Influence of Operational Variables on Properties of Piroxicam Pellets Prepared by Extrusion-Spheronization: A Technical Note

Extrusion-spheronization is the most commonly used method for pellet production.1 Suitable excipients and fillers can be used to produce pellets with the desired characteristics.2 Spherical pellets possess many advantages, including a low surface area–to-volume ratio, good flow properties, and uniformity in packing.3 This ideal shape of pellets makes them excellent substrates for coating as desired for aesthetic purposes or to control the release of active ingredients.4 Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is the most commonly used excipient in extrusion-spheronization. It leads to the formation of round spheres with desirable characteristics.5 During spheronization, the moisture entrapped in the MCC microfibrils adds plasticity to the extrudates and helps to round the short extrudates into spherical pellets.

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Journal: 
AAPS PharmSciTech , Volume 8, Issue 1, 2007