Compression behaviour and tablet-forming ability of spray-dried amorphous composite particles.

The aim of this study was to investigate the compression behaviour and tablet-forming ability of spray-dried amorphous two- and three-component composite particles. Particles of lactose alone, two-component particles of lactose and PVP, and three-component particles of lactose, PVP and a small amount of polysorbate 80 were prepared by spray-drying. Two qualities of PVP with different molecular weights were used for the preparation of both types of particles. The particles were characterised with respect to permeametry surface area, moisture content, particle and bulk density, glass transition and crystallisation temperature, and heat of crystallisation. The tablet tensile strength of the different particles formed at a series of applied pressures was determined and compression parameters were derived from the Heckel and Kawakita equations. The presence of PVP gave particles that were less prone to deform permanently during compression while the presence of surfactant gave particles that were less able to form tablets. In conclusion, the compression behaviour and tablet-forming ability of spray-dried amorphous lactose can be modulated by the addition of stabilising polymers or surfactants to the spray feed solution.