MICROWAVE GENERATED MULTIFUNCTIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENT DERIVED FROM MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE–STARCH MICROPARTICULATE COMPOSITES: STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION

Kushare Sachin Shivaji* and Dr. Gattani S. G.

ABSTRACT

The choice of excipients remains a critical factor in pharmaceutical formulations. Manufacturing and characterization of a novel multifunctional pharmaceutical excipient using Microwave Induced Diffusion Technique (MIND) and its effect on flow, packing and compression properties were evaluated. Microcrystalline cellulose–corn starch composites (MCCS) have been specially prepared by mixing colloidal dispersions of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with corn starch (CS) employing the microwave for exercise as multifunctional excipients with direct compression and enhanced disintegration abilities. The I-optimal design was used with parts of starch and microcrystalline as independent variables. The evaluation of agglomerates was done in terms of fines and Carr‘s index. The tablets manufactured were assessed for their friability, tensile strength and disintegration time. Full and refined models were developed and studied using Regression analysis. The exercise of a composite index was established for the choice of the foremost acceptable batch. These optimized composites were evaluated in terms of the particle size distribution, granular friability, dilution potential study, Kawakita‘s equation and Heckel analysis and a Paracetamol was used as model drug for the preparation of tablets. Results demonstrates that microwave generated MCCS composites possesses better properties than native MCC and CS. Based on Carr‘s index, friability, tensile strength, disintegration time and composite index, the batch (O1) containing Corn Starch (30%), Microcrystalline cellulose (70 %) was selected as the optimum. The present study emphasizes the point that the microwave drying technique may be embraced for the economic progression of a multifunctional directly compressible excipient in inclination to the spray-drying technique.

Keywords: Microwave, Microcrystalline cellulose, Corn starch, Microcrystalline cellulose–Corn starch composites, direct compression, Co-processing, Multifunctional excipient.