@article{Rojas_Correa_2017, title={ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTION VARIABLES ON THE PELLETIZATION PROPERTIES OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE II (MCCII)}, volume={9}, url={https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ijpps/article/view/20580}, DOI={10.22159/ijpps.2017v9i10.20580}, abstractNote={<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To study microcrystalline cellulose II (MCCII) as new pelletization aid using the extrusion/spheronization technology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The effect of the spheronization rate and spheronization time was assessed by a response surface design. The shape descriptors and physical properties of pellets were taken as response variables. Approximately, 30 g of MCCII were hydrated, passed through a # 20 mesh sieve and spheronizated at frequencies of 6, 9 and 12 Hz and residence times of 15, 240 and 480 s in 9 experimental runs. In a separate experimental set, moisture levels of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125% were employed at the optimal operating conditions of 6 Hz and 480 s. A microscopy analysis was used to evaluate the shape descriptors. Pellets properties such as compressibility, friability, porosity, strength, flow rate and mass were also evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pellets having a small size and a high value of shape descriptors related to morphology were obtained employing a spheronization rate and spheronization time of 6Hz and 480s and 100% wetting level. The spheronization time increased pellet densification but decreased the total porosity. Pellet mass was also favoured by using high spheronization rates. A high moisture level (>100%) rendered pellets having a large size, mass, low porosity and good yield. Conversely, pellet size decreased as sample load increased, whereas porosity and compressibility increased as sample load augmented.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MCCII offers the potential for use as an alternative pelletization agent rendering pellets having a good flowability, high mechanical strength and low friability at the optimal operational conditions.</p>}, number={10}, journal={International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences}, author={Rojas, John and Correa, David}, year={2017}, month={Oct.}, pages={73–80} }