Influence of spray-drying operating conditions on Rhamnus purshiana (Cáscara sagrada) extract powder physical properties

The aim of this work was to study Rhamnus purshiana (Cáscara sagrada) extract spray-drying in order to obtain powders with good rheological properties for direct compression (DC) and stability attributes.The experiments were carried out in a Büchi B-290 Mini Spray Dryer using colloidal silicon dioxide as carrier agent. A 25 − 1 fractional factorial statistical design was used to find adequate spray-drying operating conditions to produce Cáscara sagrada powders with good flow, good compactability properties, high process yield, low moisture content, low hygroscopicity, and caking tendency. Morphology, size, structural and thermal properties of the particles were also evaluated. The operating variables studied were air inlet temperature, atomization air flow rate, pump feed rate, aspiration capacity, and feed solids concentration.The 25 − 1 factorial experimental design used was a good strategy to establish spray-drying operating conditions to produce Cáscara sagrada extract powders with good properties for direct compression and high process yields. Colloidal silicon dioxide was an effective drying adjuvant. Its use in relatively high concentrations together with low atomization air flow rates improved powder flowability, increased the product's glass transition temperature, and decreased its moisture content and hygroscopicity.

Graphical AbstractSEM microphotographs of some selected Rhamnus purshiana (Cáscara sagrada) spray dried samples.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Rhamnus purshiana extract spray-drying to produce powders suitable for direct compression (DC).
► Fractional factorial statistical design was used to find adequate spray-drying operating conditions.
► Colloidal silicon dioxide was used as drying adjuvant.
► R. purshiana powders adequate for DC with appropriate physical properties to ensure product stability were obtained.