Application of multivariate techniques in the evaluation of melt granulation products

In this work, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were applied as helping tools to extract useful information in the development of formulations and manufacturing processes of melt granulates. Two melt granulation processes that differ in the shear stress applied to the solid bed during melting step were designed. These processes employ equipment frequently used in the local pharmaceutical industry. The selected binders include both hydrophilic and hydrophobic excipients, which were used alone or in binary mixtures. Granulates were characterized regarding their physicomechanical properties, including their compaction behavior. The resulting tablets were also evaluated. The selected multivariate statistical methods proved to be useful in facilitating the interpretation of the collected data and the study of the properties of granulates and tablets, as well as the selection of more efficient production processes.Neste trabalho, foram aplicadas as técnicas de análise de componentes principais e de análise de agrupamentos para extrair informações úteis no desenvolvimento de formulações e de processos de produção de granulados por fusão. Desenharam-se dois processos de granulação por fusão que apresentam diferenças na tensão de cisalhamento aplicada ao leito sólido durante a etapa de fusão. Esses processos empregam equipamentos frequentemente usados na indústria farmacêutica local. Os ligantes escolhidos incluíram excipientes tanto hidrofílicos quanto hidrofóbicos, utilizados de forma individual ou em misturas binárias. Os granulados foram caracterizados quanto às suas propriedades físico-mecânicas, incluindo seu desempenho no processo de compactação. Os comprimidos resultantes também foram avaliados. Os métodos de análise multivariada escolhidos provaram ser úteis para facilitar a interpretação dos dados coletados e o estudo das propriedades dos granulados e dos comprimidos, bem como a seleção de processos de produção mais eficientes

Nutritional composition and safety of Patagonotothenramsayi, a discard species from Patagonian Shelf

9 páginas, 7 tablas, 1 figuraPatagonotothen ramsayi, a nototheniid discard species from the southwest Atlantic, was studied to evaluate its composition, quality and suitability for human consumption. The chemical composition of the flesh revealed that P. ramsayi is a valuable food with protein and fat contents ranging between 16–19% and 0.78–1.34%, respectively. It has a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (30–42%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (12–18%). It is also a potential source of minerals, with important amounts of magnesium, potassium and phosphorous. The microbial quality of P. ramsayi was good and the detection of toxic metals such as Pb, Cd and Hg revealed that there is no intrinsic risk associated with its consumption. Additionally, no parasites with potential public health implications were found in the flesh. Finally, its flesh is white, with a shellfish odour, and has a firm and elastic texture. The present study shows that P. ramsayi is a nutritious species of high value for human consumption.The European Community (CRAFT-1999-71709) and the Xunta de Galicia (PGIDIT04PXIC40201PM) are gratefully acknowledged for financial support.Peer reviewe