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Biomedical subjects

E Doelker

Publications and source records attributed to E Doelker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Embolization of experimental wide-necked aneurysms with iodine-containing polyvinyl alcohol solubilized in a low-angiotoxicity solvent.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the ready-to-use iodine-containing polyvinyl alcohol (I-PVA) dissolved in the low angiotoxic solvent N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) for embolization of porcine wide-necked aneurysms. METHODS: Fourteen broad-based carotid sidewall aneurysms were surgically constructed in 7 swine. I-PVA (40%) in NMP was injected under temporary balloon occlusion bridging the aneurysm neck. After 4 weeks, follow-up angiography, multisection CT angiography (MSCTA), and 3T MR imaging including MR angiography (MRA) sequences were performed. Afterward, harvested aneurysms were investigated histopathologically. RESULTS: The liquid embolic was well visible under fluoroscopy and displayed a favorable precipitation pattern, allowing for controlled polymer delivery. Ten aneurysms (71%) were initially completely occluded, whereas in 1 aneurysm, a minimal polymer leakage was observed. The other 4 aneurysms (29%) were almost completely occluded. One animal suffered a lethal rebleeding from the anastomosis after uneventful embolization. Aneurysms embolized with I-PVA could be discriminated well from the parent artery without beam-hardening artifacts on MSCTA, and no susceptibility artifacts were encountered on MR imaging. Histologic examination revealed all aneurysms covered with a membrane of fibroblasts and an endothelial cell layer while a moderate intraaneurysmal inflammatory response to the polymer was observed. CONCLUSION: I-PVA dissolved in NMP has proved its effectiveness for the embolization of experimental wide-necked aneurysms. This precipitating liquid embolic offers several interesting features in that it needs no preparation before use and no radiopaque admixtures, the latter allowing for artifact-free evaluation of treated aneurysms with MSCTA and MRA. Moreover, it uses NMP as a solvent, which has only a low angiotoxicity.

Animals↗

Organic solvents as vehicles for precipitating liquid embolics: a comparative angiotoxicity study with superselective injections of swine rete mirabile.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The organic solvent dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO), as a commonly used vehicle for nonadhesive liquid embolics, is not devoid of local angiotoxic effects. We compared microvascular toxicities of superselective infusions of DMSO with potentially more compatible solvents in swine rete mirabile. METHODS: Fourteen swine underwent angiography for superselective catheterization of 28 arteries of the rete while electrocardiography and intra-arterial pressure were continuously monitored. The investigated solvents were DMSO, dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), ethyl lactate, glycofurol 75, N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), and solketal. Control infusion of saline ruled out catheter induced vasospasm in all cases. Each artery of the rete was infused only once with 0.8 mL of one of the solvents over 60 seconds. Acute angiographic and hemodynamic consequences were evaluated. Blood samples were assessed for signs of intravascular hemolysis. Brains and retia were harvested for gross and histopathologic investigation. RESULTS: On the basis of the angiographic data, DMSO induced the most pronounced vasospasm with the longest recovery period of all solvents investigated. Ethyl lactate, glycofurol 75, and solketal elicited less severe vasospasms and accordingly resolved much more quickly. DMI and NMP induced only minimal vasospasms with comparably short duration. No solvent caused significant hemodynamic alterations or hemolysis. Gross inspection of brains showed no abnormalities, whereas histopathologic examination revealed mostly nonspecific findings. One rete exposed to solketal displayed possible causal histotoxic changes. CONCLUSION: DMI and NMP produced far less vasospasm than DMSO. No changes in hemodynamic or hemolytic parameters and no histopathologic findings were observed with infusion of these solvents.

Alkenes↗

Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) protein-loaded nanoparticles prepared by the double emulsion method--processing and formulation issues for enhanced entrapment efficiency.

Although extensive research in the field of biodegradable microparticles containing peptide or protein drugs has greatly advanced production know-how, the effects of critical parameters influencing successful drug entrapment have not yet been sufficiently investigated with nano-scaled carriers. This paper deals with the formulation and processing parameters of the w(1)/o/w(2) double emulsion method that can affect nanoparticle size and loading. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) was used as a model protein. Results showed that high FITC-BSA entrapment efficiencies were reached (>80%) when sonication was used for the two emulsification steps of the nanoparticle formation, independently of the mixing durations and intensities. By comparison, the use of a vortex mixer for obtaining the primary w(1)/o emulsion led to a rather poor entrapment efficiency (approximately 25%). Some inherent properties of the poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer, such as, for example, high molecular weight, high hydrophilicity or the presence of free carboxylic end groups, enhanced the drug entrapment efficiency. It was also demonstrated that a low nominal drug loading, a large volume of the inner w1 phase or the choice of methylene chloride instead of ethyl acetate as organic solvent favoured the drug entrapment, with entrapment efficiency values often reaching 100%. However, when using methylene chloride, the mean particle size was substantially increased, due to the presence of larger particles. Mean particle size increased also when the polymer concentration in the organic phase was increased.

Animals↗

Novel injectable urethral bulking agents for the treatment of urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent disorder resulting from weak urethral closure mechanisms. Endoscopic injection of a urethral bulking agent (UBA) under the urethral mucosa increases coaptation, which improves continence. Collagen is an efficient agent, although its effects are limited in time. Other materials still suffer either from a short-lasting effect or migration in distant organs. We evaluated here novel UBAs using an ex vivo model, with respect to criteria of ease of injection, ability to form a high and stable tissue bulking, implant elasticity and tissue reaction. One approach involves solutions of polymers in water-miscible organic solvents that precipitates in situ. In this manner, high and stable bulks were routinely obtained using various commercial polymers. Selected solvents reduced the tissue reaction to the implant. Microsphere suspensions in hydrogels also proved to be efficient UBA, although less stable bulks were obtained. Thermosetting chitosan hydrogels showed promising results with respect to bulk stability and isoelasticity with surrounding tissues. Different strategies have thus been compared and optimised ex vivo. Further experiments are required to compare the ability of these materials to induce a sustained in vivo bulking effect.

Animals↗

Iodine-containing cellulose mixed esters as radiopaque polymers for direct embolization of cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.

The present study deals with the synthesis and characterization of radiopaque polymers which could, when solubilized in an appropriate water-miscible solvent, be useful embolic materials for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. For this purpose cellulose (both microcrystalline and powdered) and partially substituted cellulose acetate (two different viscosity grades) were selected as starting materials to prepare iodine-containing polymers through various synthetic routes. The materials obtained were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, molecular weight, iodine content, radiopacity and solubility in selected injectable organic solvents. The embolic liquids were evaluated for their precipitation behavior in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) mimicking physiological conditions using an in vitro aneurysm model. A sheep model was also used to assess in vivo the radiopacity and precipitation properties of a highly concentrated solution of a cellulose acetate 2,3,4-triiodobenzoate mixed ester. All materials with 4-iodo- and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoyl groups gave sufficient radiopacity to be regarded as possible embolization materials, whereas iododeoxycellulose and iododeoxycellulose acetate were not radiopaque because of their low iodine content. Esters synthesized using cellulose as starting material were not soluble in the selected organic solvents due to the presence of many residual hydroxyl groups, but could be used for other biomedical applications where insoluble radiopaque materials are used. In contrast, solubility of the materials as well as satisfactory precipitation properties were ensured using cellulose acetate as the starting material. In conclusion, cellulose acetate iodobenzoate mixed esters dissolved in diglyme or dimethyl isosorbide (dimethyl sulfoxide is probably less appropriate because of its toxicity and hemolytic properties) could be useful embolic liquids for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

[Crystalline modifications and polymorphism changes during drug manufacture].

More than half of the pharmaceutical compounds exhibit polymorphism or pseudopolymorphism, e.g., they exist as more than one crystalline structure (true polymorphs, hydrates, solvates) or as more or less amorphous products. As such, they show at the solid state different physicochemical properties (melting point, transition point, plasticity, solubility, hygroscopicity, chemical reactivity), which in turn may affect the technological and biopharmaceutical properties of active ingredients or excipients (compactibility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, pharmacological activity, stability). When considering a chemically well-defined compound, one may find one or another crystalline state or polymorphic form according to the source or batch considered. One may also observe changes in technological or biopharmaceutical properties that are due to polymorphic transformations arising from the mechanical or heat treatment or from the environmental conditions (solvent-mediated reactions, desolvation) undergone by the product or the dosage form. The present article presents the fundamental aspects related to the above-mentioned phenomena and reviews both classical and recent examples from the literature reporting transformations during milling or grinding, tabletting, preparation of drug suspensions, granulation, dissolution or release tests, stability trials, spray drying, freeze-drying or preparation of adsorbates or complexes.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

A case study of preservation of semi-solid preparations using the European Pharmacopoeia test: comparative efficacy of antimicrobial agents in zinc gelatin.

The present study was undertaken with the aim of finding an alternative preservative system to methyl parahydroxybenzoate in zinc gelatin, which was described in the monographs of the Swiss Pharmacopoeia (until Ph. Helv. 8) and in previous editions of the German Pharmacopoeia (until DAB 7). This antimicrobial agent has now been withdrawn in the DAB, because of its potential allergy risks. As for the USP and DAB-DDR zinc gelatin preparations, they have always been devoid of any preservative agent, probably relying on the mild antimicrobial activity of zinc. A literature survey did not reveal if such an aqueous preparation containing the water-insoluble zinc oxide shows efficacious antimicrobial activity by itself. Thus, a comparative evaluation of differently preserved zinc gelatin preparations was performed using a test for the efficacy of antimicrobial preservation that has been modified with regard to the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) test to take into account the solid state of the preparations and the bactericidal effect of the zinc. Three zinc gelatin preparations were checked, either: (i), without any agent; or (ii), with 0.1% methyl parahydroxybenzoate; or (iii), with 0.5% phenoxyethanol, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent almost devoid of allergy risks. The three preparations behave quite differently, in particular with respect to fungi. All three preparations passed the modified EP test as far as bacteria are concerned. Even zinc gelatin without preservative is very effective, not only because of the mild antimicrobial activity of zinc (the soluble fraction of zinc oxide in the liquid phase of zinc gelatin was determined to be 13 microg/ml), but most probably because of the low water activity of the preparation (measured as around 0.81), as shown by the absence of growth of a zinc-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Zinc gelatin preserved with methyl parahydroxybenzoate has a weak, although satisfactory, activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Regarding fungi, gelatin without an antimicrobial agent and that preserved with methyl parahydroxybenzoate meet the requirements for efficacy against Candida albicans, but are only bacteriostatic against Aspergillus niger. As for zinc gelatin preserved with phenoxyethanol, it displays the best activity against C. albicans and, above all, appears to be the only formulation exhibiting fungicidal activity against A. niger. It is therefore recommended to preserve zinc gelatin with this antimicrobial agent, as recently adopted in Supplement 2000 of the Swiss Pharmacopoeia.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

pH-Dependent dissolving nano- and microparticles for improved peroral delivery of a highly lipophilic compound in dogs.

RR01, a new highly lipophilic drug showing extremely low water solubility and poor oral bioavailability, has been incorporated into pH-dependent dissolving particles made of a poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylacrylate) copolymer. The physicochemical properties of the particles were determined using laser-light-scattering techniques, scanning electron microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and x-ray powder diffraction. Suspension of the free drug in a solution of hydroxypropylcellulose (reference formulation) and aqueous dispersions of pH-sensitive RR01-loaded nanoparticles or microparticles were administered orally to Beagle dogs according to a 2-block Latin square design (n = 6). Plasma samples were obtained over the course of 48 hours and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The administration of the reference formulation resulted in a particularly high interindividual variability of pharmacokinetic parameters, with low exposure to compound RR01 (AUC0-48h of 6.5 microg x h/mL and coefficient of variation (CV) of 116%) and much higher Tmax, as compared to both pH-sensitive formulations. With respect to exposure and interindividual variability, nanoparticles were superior to microparticles (AUC0-48h of 27.1 microg x h/mL versus 17.7 microg x h/mL with CV of 19% and 40%, respectively), indicating that the particle size may play an important role in the absorption of compound RR01. The performance of pH-sensitive particles is attributed to their ability to release the drug selectively in the upper part of the intestine in a molecular or amorphous form. In conclusion, pH-dependent dissolving particles have a great potential as oral delivery systems for drugs with low water solubility and acceptable permeation properties.

Acrylic Resins↗

Oral bioavailability of a poorly water soluble HIV-1 protease inhibitor incorporated into pH-sensitive particles: effect of the particle size and nutritional state.

The new chemical entity CGP 70726, a very poorly water-soluble HIV-1 protease inhibitor, was incorporated into pH-sensitive nanoparticles and microparticles made of the poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylacrylate) copolymer Eudragit((R)) L100-55. The particles were characterized in terms of morphology, size distribution, drug loading, production yield and dispersion state of the drug inside the polymeric matrices. Aqueous dispersions of the particles were administered orally to Beagle dogs against a suspension of free drug (control formulation) all at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Oral administration was conducted in the absence and presence of food. Plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined within 8 h post-dose. While no measurable absorption of the drug resulted after administration of the control formulation, substantial systemic exposure to the compound was obtained with both kinds of pH-sensitive formulations. The selective release of CGP 70726 in a highly dispersed/amorphous state and creation of high concentrations close to its absorption site was thought to account for this positive result. The largest areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) were obtained in the fasted state, with slightly better performance of the microparticles over the nanoparticles, in both nutritional states (7.8+/-1.5 versus 5.8+/-0. 8 micromol.h/l in the fasted state; 4.4+/-1.4 versus 2.00+/-0.5 micromol.h/l in the fed state). With these results, the potential of pH-sensitive particles for the oral delivery of HIV-1 protease inhibitors with low water solubility was confirmed.

Administration, Oral↗

Modified drug release from inert matrix tablets prepared from formulations of identical composition but different organisations.

This paper develops for the first time a concept to modify the release rate of a fixed formulation by changing only the organisation of the mix used to prepare the tablets (ordered mixing). To estimate the influence of the organisation of binary mixes, several mixes of ethylcellulose and niflumic acid of the same composition but different organisation were compacted. The tablet surfaces were examined by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis before the release experiments. Finally, the cross-sections of the remaining matrix were examined by scanning electronic microscopy. Excipient-excipient and excipient-drug interactions are the major factors influencing the drug release rate from the tablets. In the case of interacting materials, the initial release behaviour depends on the tablet surface presented to the dissolution media. The dissolution properties of the tablets are governed by the percolating material. When the inert excipient is percolating, the release rate increases linearly with the excipient/drug size ratio, whereas when the drug is the only material percolating through the system, its release rate is independent of the size ratio. When both materials are percolating through the system, the release rate is independent of the component particle sizes.

Cellulose↗

In vitro assessment of new embolic liquids prepared from preformed polymers and water-miscible solvents for aneurysm treatment.

Treatment of cerebral aneurysms by embolic liquids has been proposed as an alternative strategy to coil or balloon techniques. In order to assess the feasibility of this approach, a general screening of preformed polymers dissolved in biocompatible, water-miscible solvents has been carried out. The solubilizing capacity of the solvents has been evaluated by the solubility parameters approach. The viscosity of the solutions has been determined and the precipitation characteristics of the embolic liquids have been investigated in phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C to mimic physiological conditions. The radiopaque agent bismuth (III) oxide was added to solutions having appropriate precipitation characteristics and the angiographic assessment, in an in vitro aneurysm model, were consistent with the precipitation properties and confirmed that only hard and coherent masses allowed satisfactory embolization. However, the solubilizing prediction using the calculation of the solubility parameters was only partially successful owing to the highly hydrophilic functional groups of the chosen solvents. This failing justifies the experimental screening that was carried out. This study pointed out that the frequently used solvent dimethyl sulfoxide could be replaced by more biocompatible solvents offering the possibility of using other preformed polymers. In conclusion, nine solutions of the selected polymer-solvent combinations could be used as embolic liquids for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms with respect to their satisfactory precipitation properties and viscosity.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Color as an indicator of the organization and compactibility of binary powder mixes.

The aim of this study was to relate the color of several binary mixes to their organization as observed by scanning electronic microscopy, and to their compactibility. Binary mixes of niflumic acid (yellow) with ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC), and ibuprofen (all white) were prepared using different particle size ranges. Colors of the mixes were determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy using a chromameter. Linear correlation was observed between the yellowness index/whiteness index ratio (Y/W ratio) defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and the mean particle size difference of the materials which governs the organization of the blend. Except for the least interacting mix, the niflumic acid/L-HPC series, the color of the blend was also related to the tensile strength of the tablets made from the binary mixes. Color could be an interesting indicator of the organization of a powder mix. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy could be used as a quality control tool because any modification of the color of the mix may be an indicator of a modification of its compactibility.

Cellulose↗

Freeze-drying and lyopreservation of diblock and triblock poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PLA-PEO) copolymer nanoparticles.

In this study, the formulation and process parameters that determine successful production and long-term stability of freeze-dried poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles with "hairy-like" poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) surfaces were investigated. Nanoparticles with grafted (covalently bound) PEO coatings were produced by the salting-out method from blends of PLA and PLA-PEO diblock or triblock copolymers. PLA nanoparticles with physically adsorbed PEO were also produced. The redispersibility of the nanoparticles after freeze-drying under various conditions was assessed. The surface of the nanoparticles was characterized and classified in terms of "brush" and "loop" conformations. Upon freeze-drying, it appeared that the presence of PEO at the nanoparticle surface could severely impair the redispersibility of the particles, especially in the PEO-grafted systems. This effect was shown to be related to the amount and molecular weight of PEO in the various formulations. In most cases, particle aggregation was prevented by use of trehalose as lyoprotective agent. Increasing the concentration of particles in the suspension to be freeze-dried was shown to induce much less damage to the nanoparticles, and freezing the suspension at a very low temperature (-196 degrees C) was found to further improve the lyoprotective effect. Most of the lyoprotected nanoparticles remained stable for at least 12 weeks at 4 and -25 degrees C. The production and preservation of freeze-dried PLA-PEO diblock and triblock copolymer nanoparticles is feasible under optimized lyoprotective conditions.

Drug Delivery Systems↗

Cellular uptake of PEO surface-modified nanoparticles: evaluation of nanoparticles made of PLA:PEO diblock and triblock copolymers.

Nanoparticles with either physically adsorbed or covalently bound poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) coatings were produced from various combinations of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and diblock or triblock copolymers of PLA and PEO. The particles were produced by the salting-out process and purified by the cross-flow filtration technique. The amount of PEO at the nanoparticle surface, as well as the residual amount of emulsifier poly(vinyl alcohol) were assessed, with a good correlation with expected values. Stability of the nanoparticulate suspensions was studied at 4 degrees C and after freezing under various conditions for up to 6 months. The nanoparticle redispersibility after storage was related to the thermal behavior of the PEO coatings. The in vitro cellular uptake of the different types of nanoparticles was compared by flow cytometry after incubation with human monocytes in serum and in plasma. The influence of the PEO molecular weight and surface density on the particle uptake was especially marked for the diblock and triblock copolymer formulations, with a decrease in uptake of up to 65% with one of the diblock copolymer formulations. Nanoparticles made of triblock copolymer with short PEO chains at their surface in the postulated "loop conformation" proved to be as resistant to cellular uptake as nanoparticles made of diblock copolymers with PEO chains in the "brush conformation".

Cell Line↗

Pseudolatex preparation using a novel emulsion-diffusion process involving direct displacement of partially water-miscible solvents by distillation.

Pseudolatexes were obtained by a new process based on an emulsification-diffusion technique involving partially water-miscible solvents. The preparation method consisted of emulsifying an organic solution of polymer (saturated with water) in an aqueous solution of a stabilizing agent (saturated with solvent) using conventional stirrers, followed by direct solvent distillation. The technique relies on the rapid displacement of the solvent from the internal into the external phase which thereby provokes polymer aggregation. Nanoparticle formation is believed to occur because rapid solvent diffusion produces regions of local supersaturation near the interface, and nanoparticles are formed due to the ensuing interfacial phase transformations and polymer aggregation that occur in these interfacial domains. Using this method, it was possible to prepare pseudolatexes of biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers such as poly(D,L-lactic acid) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone), Eudragit E, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate using ethyl acetate or 2-butanone as partially water-miscible solvents and poly(vinyl alcohol) or poloxamer 407 as stabilizing agent. A transition from nano- to microparticles was observed at high polymer concentrations. At concentrations above 30% w/v of Eudragit E in ethyl acetate or cellulose acetate phthalate in 2-butanone only microparticles were obtained. This behaviour was attributed to decreased transport of polymer molecules into the aqueous phase.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

Taste masking as a consequence of the organisation of powder mixes.

Usually, chemical or technological operations are used to mask the taste of unpleasant-tasting drugs. To reduce the development cost of such drugs, we propose a new approach which does not require the modification of the existing formulation nor the use of additional costly technological operations. Different particle size fractions of two unpleasant-tasting drugs (niflumic acid and ibuprofen) were blended in binary mixes with different particle size fractions of two non-tasting excipients (ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). By selecting the appropriate mixes of identical composition but different organisations, as predicted from surface energy data, it was possible to use the different organisations to modify the taste of the mixes for a panel of 10 healthy volunteers.

Adolescent↗

Formulation and lyoprotection of poly(lactic acid-co-ethylene oxide) nanoparticles: influence on physical stability and in vitro cell uptake.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of producing freeze-dried poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-surface modified nanoparticles and to study their ability to avoid the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS), as a function of the PEO chain length and surface density. METHODS: The nanoparticles were produced by the salting-out method using blends of poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(D,L-lactic acidco-ethylene oxide) (PLA-PEO) copolymers. The nanoparticles were purified by cross-flow filtration and freeze-dried as such or with variable amounts of trehalose as a lyoprotectant. The redispersibility of the particles was determined immediately after freeze-drying and after 12 months of storage at -25 degrees C. The uptake of the nanoparticles by human monocytes was studied in vitro by flow cytometry. RESULTS: PLA-PEO nanoparticles could be produced from all the polymeric blends used. Particle aggregation after freeze-drying was shown to be directly related to the presence of PEO. Whereas this problem could be circumvented by use of trehalose, subsequent aggregation was shown to occur during storage. These phenomena were possibly related to the specific thermal behaviours of PEO and trehalose. In cell studies, a clear relationship between the PEO content and the decrease of uptake was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The rational design of freeze-dried PEO-surface modified nanoparticles with potential MPS avoidance ability is feasible by using the polymer blends approach combined with appropriate lyoprotection and optimal storage conditions.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Influence of the organization of binary mixes on their compactibility.

PURPOSE: Elucidate the compactibility of binary mixes from their organization as compared to the traditional approach involving the different behavior of the materials under compression (plastic or brittle). METHODS: Several materials were selected from their surface energies. Binary mixes 50/50 v/v were prepared from different sieved or freeze-milled fractions. The tensile strengths of the tablets obtained at two compression forces were compared with those of series of compacted binary mixes containing different proportions of the raw materials (concept of equivalent media). RESULTS: In the case of interacting mixes, when the differences in particle size between the fractions blended increased, the material with the lowest particle size coated the largest particles more efficiently. Consequently, the tensile strengths of the tablets obtained became closer to the tensile strengths obtained from the pure coating material. For the non-interacting systems, the experimental tensile strengths were very close to the values calculated from the tensile strengths of the pure materials. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly demonstrates the influence of the organization of binary mixes on their compactibility. The adhering material makes a percolating network governing the tensile strength of the tablet. From an industrial point of view, it is possible to improve the compactibility of binary mixes without changing their composition by selecting the appropriate organization.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗