Physico-mechanical and dissolution behaviours of ibuprofen crystals crystallized in the presence of various additives

Background and the purpose of the study: The success of any direct-tableting procedure is strongly affected by the quality of the crystals used in the process. Ibuprofen is a poorly compactible drug with a high tendency for capping. In order to use ibuprofen in direct compression formulations, physico-mechanical properties of ibuprofen should be improved considerably. The aim of the present investigation was to employ crystallization techniques in order to improve the physicomechanical properties of ibuprofen for direct compression. Methods: The experimental methods involved the preparation of ibuprofen crystals by solvent change technique. Ibuprofen was dissolved in ethanol and crystallized out with water in the absence or presence of various hydrophilic additives (PEG 6000, 8000, Brij 98P and polyvinyl alcohol 22000, PVA 22000) with different concentrations. The physico-mechanical properties of the ibuprofen crystals were studied in terms of flow, density, tensile strength and dissolution behaviour. Morphology of ibuprofen crystals was studied by scanning electron microscopic (SEM). Solid state of the recrystallized particles was also investigated using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and FT-IR. Results: Ibuprofen samples crystallized in the presence of PEG 6000 and 8000 and PVA showed remarkable increase in the tensile strengths of the directly compressed tablets, while some other additives, i.e. Brij 98P did not produce improved ibuprofen crystals. Ibuprofen powders made from particles obtained in the presence of PVA and Brij 98P showed similar dissolution profiles to the commercial ibuprofen particles. DSC and FT-IR results ruled out any significant interaction between ibuprofen and additives except for the samples crystallized in the presence of PEG 8000. Conclusion: The crystal habit of ibuprofen can be altered successfully by the crystallization technique which was developed in this study. The crystals developed in the presence of certain additives can be recommended for direct compression

Sustainablility of Agricultural Transformation Agenda: The Place of Rice Farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Self-sufficiency in rice production and processing has eluded Nigeria for a long time despite continuous efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria towards its realization. Chains of activities in the Nigerian rice production and processing industry are largely executed manually and on small scale level. Thus, the issues of value chain aspects that would have improved the profitability of the rice industry have only just been taken into consideration as part of the Presidential Initiative – Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).This study examines the prospect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda amongst rice farmers in Ogun State where rice production is a growing industry in attempt to achieve food sustainability in line with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda. Well-structured and validated questionnaires are used to survey and report the activities and processes carried out by the rice farmers in target area. However, part of the result of the survey indicated that the level of awareness of Agricultural Transformation Agenda is still very low in the study area. There is need for a conscious and concerted effort to be made by relative Government Agencies to create greater awareness about ATA for the rice farmers and others involved in empowering the growth of the rice industry, otherwise the vision and motives of Agricultural Transformation Agenda may remain just an academic exercise. Other Government Agricultural Policy, for example the Fadama and/or Ogun State Agricultural Development (OGADEP )  were well accepted and their impact is greatly significant in the study area which is a clear indication that ATA strategies like the above-named policies would be well adopted by the rice farmers as well as those related participants like the processing and marketing aspects of the industry if the gospel of Agricultural Transformation Agenda is effectively preached to the rice farmers in the study area.   Key words: Rice industry, Small holder farms, Family labour, Agricultural Transformation Agenda, Government Agricultural Policy, Ogun State, Nigeria