Abstract

RECENT ADVANCES IN PELLETS AND PELLETIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR ORAL SUSTAINED RELEASE DRUG DELIVERY

Shivani M. Upadhyay*, Sahilhusen I. Jethara, Dr. Kanu R. Patel, Dr. Mukesh R. Patel 

Abstract

Multiparticulate drug delivery systems are discrete particles that make up a multiple unit system. Although pellets have been used in the pharmaceutical industry for more than four decades, with the advent of controlled release technology, that the full impact of the inherent advantages of pellets over single unit dosage forms have been realized, not only has focused on refining and optimizing existing pelletization techniques, but also focused on the development of novel approaches and procedures for manufacturing of pellets. Pellets are especially suitable for achieving sustained release oral formulations with a low risk of dose dumping, flexibility of blending to attain different release patterns as well as reproducible and short gastric residence time. The present review outlines the manufacturing approaches and evaluation of pellets. Pelletization is a novel drug delivery system that converts fine powder particles into pellets and it is useful in order to develop a site specific drug delivery system. The manufacturing techniques include layering, cryopelletization, freeze pelletization, extrusion spheronization and hot melt extrusion have been discussed. Amongst various techniques, extrusion/spheronization is the most widely utilized technique due to its high efficiency and simple and fast processing. Characterization of pellets is discussed with reference to the particle size distribution, surface area, porosity, density, hardness, friability and tensile strength of pellets.

Keywords: Multiperticulates, Drug delivery, Pellets, Pelletization technique, Sustained release.