How characteristic of drugs

may affect the processability

and quality attributes of the
formulation
Particle Properties
• Particle properties are mportant in dosage form fabrication and
performance.
• Particle size, distribution and shape can affect bulk properties,
processability, stability and appearance of the end product.

  • Fine particles with a very high surface-to-mass ratio are more

adhesive/cohesive than coarser particles.
• Particles size 250 µm = free flowing, and flow problems are
Particle likely to occur as size falls below 100 µm.
• Improve flowability can be done by altering the particle size
Size
distribution.
• Uniform particle size distribution = good powder
formulation.
 • Powders with similar sizes but different shapes can have
significantly different flow properties.
• More spherical particles have better flow properties than
Particle more irregular particles.
Shape • Smooth-surfaced particles slide more easily (better flow
properties) and have lower tendency to interlock than rough
surface particles.

Figure 1. Friction
Particles with a smoother surface will generally
have a lower frictional interaction and flow
more easily than those that are rougher,
assuming all other features are identical.
Figure 2. Mechanical Interlocking
Particles of a certain shape can
mechanically interlock and resist
flow.
 • Particles with higher density are generally less
Particle adhesive/cohesive than less dense particles of the same size
Density and shape.

Figure 3. Example of particle Shapes

References
1. Clayton J. An introduction to powder characterization. In: Handbook
of Pharmaceutical Wet Granulation: Theory and Practice in a Quality
by Design Paradigm. Elsevier; 2018. p. 569–613.
2. Morris JB, Tisi DA, Tan DCT, Worthington JH. Development and
palatability assessment of norvir® (Ritonavir) 100 mg powder for
pediatric population. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(7):1–11.
3. Aulton, M. and Taylor, K., 2004. Aulton's Pharmaceutics: The Design
And Manufacture Of Medicines. 4th ed. Elsevier Health Sciences.