Impact of functional-related characteristics (FRCs) of crospovidone on tablet disintegration performance

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Crospovidone is a key superdisintegrant in tablet formulations.
• Two pharmacopeial grades, Type A (coarser) and Type B (finer), exhibit different particle sizes.
• Particle size differences influence functional related characteristics (FRCs) like hydration and flowability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of crospovidone's functional related characteristics (FRCs) on tablet disintegration time.
• To determine the relative importance of particle size, hydration capacity, and powder flowability on disintegration.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated multiple crospovidone lots for particle size distribution, hydration capacity, and powder flowability.
• Prepared tablets using different crospovidone lots.
• Assessed tablet disintegration time and performed correlation analyses.

Main Results:

• Initial correlations showed interdependence between particle size, hydration capacity, and powder flowability.
• Decoupling particle size revealed it as the most significant factor affecting disintegration time.
• Hydration capacity and powder flowability demonstrated no or limited impact on tablet disintegration.

Conclusions:

• Tablet disintegration time is predominantly governed by the particle size of crospovidone.
• Functional related characteristics beyond particle size have a negligible effect on disintegration performance.