Twin-screw granulation – a systematic analysis of process parameters

Twin-screw granulation has a significant advantage over traditional granulation methods leading to the possibility of continuous manufacturing. Although this technology has drawn attention in recent years, the general understanding of the process is limited. This study gives a brief overview of the most important process parameters and their influence on product quality. Experimental results from a benchtop granulator and an in-line particle size measurement have been analysed. From this basic study conclusions can be drawn how to tailor the particle size distribution in twin-screw granulation. The most crucial parameters are the liquid-to-solid ratio and the filling level of the screws

A novel methodology to study polymodal particle size distributions produced during continuous wet granulation

It is important during powder granulation to obtain particles of a homogeneous size especially in critical situations such as pharmaceutical manufacture. To date, homogeneity of particle size distribution has been defined by the use of the d50 combined with the span of the particle size distribution, which has been found ineffective for polymodal particle size distributions. This work focuses on demonstrating the limitations of the span parameter to quantify homogeneity and proposes a novel improved metric based on the transformation of a typical particle size distribution curve into a homogeneity factor which can vary from 0 to 100%. The potential of this method as a characterisation tool has been demonstrated through its application to the production of granules using two different materials. The workspace of an 11 mm twin screw granulator was defined for two common excipients (?-lactose monohydrate and microcrystalline cellulose). Homogeneity of the obtained granules varied dramatically from 0 to 95 % in the same workspace, allowing identification of critical process parameters (e.g. feed rate, liquid/solid ratio, torque velocities). In addition it defined the operational conditions required to produce the most homogeneous product within the range 5 ?m – 2.2 mm from both materials

Prevalence of active trachoma and its associated factors among 1-9 years of age children from model and non-model kebeles in Dangila district, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is the leading infectious disease that leads to blindness worldwide, especially in developing countries. Though Ethiopia had targeted a trachoma elimination program by 2020, the problem worsens, particularly in the Amhara Region. Even though sustained intervention measures are undertaken across the region, it is unclear why trachoma is still a significant public health problem. So, this study assessed the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among 1-9 years of age children from model and non-model kebeles in Dangila district Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 20th September 2019 to 29th October 2019. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to reach 704 children from model and non-model kebeles. Samples were allocated proportionally to model and non-model kebeles. A structured and pretested data collection tool and observational checklist was used to manage the necessary data. Data were coded and entered in Epidata version 4.6, and further analysis was done using SPSS version 20 software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with active trachoma. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR), p-value, and respected Confidence Interval (CI) were used to report the findings. RESULTS: Seven hundred four children were included in this study, with a response rate of 97.8%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma was 6% (95% CI: 4.5, 8.1). The prevalence of active trachoma among non-model and model Kebele was not significantly different. Still, the prevalence of active trachoma among children from model Kebele were [4.5%, (95% CI: 2.4%, 7.1%)] relatively lower compared with non-model kebeles, [7.6%, 95% CI: (4.9%, 10.9%)]. Moreover, not using latrine (AOR = 4.29, 95% CI: 1.96, 9.34), fly-eye contact (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.11, 6.03), presence of sleep in eyes (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.47), presence of ocular discharge (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.30, 6.00), presence of nasal discharges (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.90) and washing faces with soap (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.69) were found significantly associated with the prevalence of active trachoma among children 1-9 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of active trachoma in the model and non-model kebeles was high and did not show a statistical difference. Attention to be given to latrine utilization, washing face with soap, and other personal hygiene activities

Tablets prepared by single-step granulation/tabletting : interparticulate binding mechanism and stability

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Formulation and evaluation of Ketoconazole polymeric films for topical application

The objective of the current paper was to prepare and evaluate various polymeric films for fungal infection treatment and its impact on volunteer patients. Different Eudragit polymeric films containing Ketoconazole as antifungal drug were prepared by solvent casting technique. The prepared films were tested for their physico-mechanical properties as tensile strength, physical endurance, elasticity, water vapor permeation and water loss. The release of ketoconazole from the prepared medicated films was examined. It is involved 20 volunteers suffering from legs fungal infection. Ten of the patients used the films and a follow up study was carried out for 14 days, in comparison with other patients who applied ketoconazole medicated ointment, cream gel and Emulgel. The results revealed that films prepared with Eudragit RL 100 containing glyceryl triacetate produced maximum release of ketoconazole both In vitro and In vivo as compared with other topical dosage forms as ointment, cream, gel and Emulgel. Moreover, the films constitute a simple and convenient method for treatment of various fungal infections. As conclusion, the use of antifungal drugs such as Ketoconazole incorporated in polymeric films, the output results provided promised evidence in the treatment of dermatophytosi

The relationship between elasticity of polymeric gels and the in vitro release of medicaments

Gels are semi-solid dosage forms that comprise small amount of solids dispersed in relatively large amount of liquid but still having solid-like structure. Rheological properties of gels may affect the release of proposed medicaments from the polymeric gels. The objective of this research was to find the relationship between the elasticity of polymeric gels and the in vitro release of Ketoconazole anti-fungal drug from different types of gel structures. Five types of gel bases were prepared, glycerin of starch, gelatin-glycerin, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, Carbopol 934 and Eudragit L100. The rheological properties of gels were determined using Rheometer. Whereas the in vitro release of ketoconazole from the mentioned gel bases were determined using Franz Diffusion Cell. The results obtained showed that the higher the elasticity of the gel the more release of the drug