Development of Physics-Based Models of the Tablet Coating Process
Funding Agency: Pfizer Inc. PGRD Groton Labs, Groton, USA
Researchers:
The objective of this research is to develop phenomenological models of the tablet coating operation to both identify critical operational variables and guide the operation and optimization of the process. The study involves a combined numerical and experimental effort in which the atomization of tablet coating solutions and the impact of coating droplets with the tablet surface are probed via optical techniques in close coordination with the development of computational models describing these phenomena.
Tablet coating to create a diffusion barrier or a drug delivering layer is used extensively in the manufacture of solid dosage formulations. Current modeling capabilities have serious resulting from the lack of reliable physical models of the process such as the tablet-droplet interaction and secondary droplet breakup mechanisms affecting the atomization of the coating solutions. The development of such models would offer significant opportunities for process optimization and improvement.
Related Papers and Presentations
Atomization of Liquids Relevant to Pharmaceutical Tablet Coating. Experiments and Droplet Size Modelling
Presentation: Liquid Atomization and Sprays for Particle Coating and Encapsulation
A. Aliseda, E.J. Hopfinger, J.C. Lasheras, D. M. Kremer, A. Berchielli and E. K. Connolly. "Atomization of Viscous and non-Newtonian Liquids by a Coaxial,High-Speed Gas Jet. Experiments and Droplet Size Modeling, International Journal of Multiphase Flows. Vol. 34. Issue: 2. pp. 161-175 (2008).
A. Aliseda, A. Berchielli, P. Doshi and J.C. Lasheras. "Spray Atomization Modeling for Tablet Film Coating Process" Chemical Engineering in the Pharmaceutical Industry: R&D to Manufacturing. Chapter 40, pp. 781-798. Edited by David J Am Ende. John Wiley and Sons. New Jersey. (2010).
