Effects of wet-granulation process parameters on the dissolution and physical stability of a solid dispersion

This study investigated how the process parameters of wet-granulation affect the properties of solid dispersions (SDs), such as dissolution and physical stability. SDs of nilvadipine (NIL) and hypromellose prepared by spray-drying were wet-granulated and dried under various conditions. The NIL concentration at 4 h and area under the curve from dissolution tests were taken to indicate dissolution. Then, the NIL crystallinity calculated from powder X-ray diffraction patterns of SD granules stored at 60 °C for 3 months was evaluated to indicate physical stability. A statistical analysis revealed that the amount of granulation liquid (w/w%) and the ratio of water to ethanol in the liquid (v/v%) significantly affected the dissolution property, and that the drying temperature had a significant effect on the physical stability. Although exposure to water makes the wet-granulation process seem less suitable for granulating a SD, the results indicated that the process can be used to develop SD granules by selecting appropriate conditions, such as a lower proportion of granulation liquid, a higher water to ethanol ratio in the liquid, and a higher drying temperature.

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