Spheronization, or Maramuerization, is a rapid and flexible process where pharmaceutical products are made into small spheres, or spheroids. Spheronized products are relatively dense, of a uniform in size and shape and have defined surface characteristics. The flow characteristics of spheres makes them suitable for transportation by most systems found in the pharmaceutical industry. Spheres provide the lowest surface area to volume ratio and thus pharmaceutical compounds can be coated with a minimum of coating material.
The advantages of Spheronization are described here …
Advantages of Spheronizing Pharmaceutical Compounds
1.Optimum Flow and Handling Characteristics:
The flow characteristics of spheres makes them suitable for transportation by most systems found in the pharmaceutical industry, including vacuum transfer.
2.More Reporduceable Packing Into Small Containers:
The packing of small sphere into small containers, such as hard gelatine capsules, or larger packages is much more convenient than other dry forms such as powders or granules.
Eliminate quality problems with variable dosage due to packaging problems with powder.
3.Minimum Surface Area/Volume Ratio:
Spheres provide the lowest surface area to volume ratio and thus pharmaceutical compounds can be coated with a minimum of coating material. Important for effective release of some drugs.
Spheres are a dense material that can easily be coated with a minimum of coating material
4. Optimum Shape for Coating and for Controlled Release:
Coating can provide controlled, targeted release at different locations within the body. Important for effective release of some drugs.
5. Easy mixing of non-compatible products:
Spherical particles are easily mixed
Smooth spheres are an ideal base on which to apply a coating.
Minimum coating time and coating material used.
6. Elimination of Dust:
The elimination of dust removes the hazards and problems associated with material in this form.
Contamination is reduced.
The amount of fines and dust will be reduced during transport and handling.
7. Improved Hardness and Friability:
Dependant upon adhesive forces and surface characteristics.
Spheronization increases the hardness and reduces friability of granules.
8. Improved Packing of Beds and Columns:
In some chemical processes porous beds or packed columns are used as chemicals reactors and catalysts
Spherical surfaces allow the reproduction of beds with always the same volume of void spaces
Modeling and calculations are easier when the products flow around symmetrical bodies