Effect of maltodextrin and superdisintegrant in directly compressible powder mixtures prepared via co-spray drying

The effect of maltodextrins and superdisintegrants on the tablet properties was evaluated in directly compressible powders coprocessed via spray drying. Powder mixtures containing acetaminophen, mannitol, erythritol and different maltodextrin types were prepared via co-spray drying and physically mixed with crospovidone (6% w/w, Kollidon® CL) in order to evaluate the influence of maltodextrin grade (amylose/amylopectin ratio) on powder hygroscopicity, flowability, density and compactability. In addition, different superdisintegrant types and grades (6% w/w) were co-spray dried to evaluate their effect on tablet disintegration time. Tablet disintegration was affected by the amylose/amylopectin ratio of the maltodextrins. Tablets containing Glucidex® 2 (1–5% amylose) had a longer disintegration time compared to Glucidex® 9 (20% amylose) (11.8 min versus 5.7 min) and Unipure DC (50–70% amylose) (1 min). The disintegration time of tablets containing a coprocessed superdisintegrant was long due to loss of superdisintegrant during processing (preferential depositing on the spray dryer wall) and was in the following order: Kollidon® CL < Polyplasdone® XL < Explotab® < Kollidon® CL-M < Polyplasdone® XL-10 = Ac-Di-Sol®. A combination of acetaminophen, mannitol, erythritol, Glucidex® 9 and Kollidon® CL was selected for further formulation and process optimisation of co-spray dried powders intended for direct compression.