Vitae (Feb 2009)
MELT GRANULATION IN HIGH SHEAR MIXER
Abstract
Melt granulation in a high-shear mixer is an alternative technique that converts fine powders into granules. The powder agglomeration is promoted by the addition of a low melting point binder, which is solid at room temperature and melts at relatively low temperatures (50-80 ºC). This technique is a good alternative to the conventional wet granulation process when the use of solvents is not indicated. Moreover, it offers several advantages since the drying phase is eliminated and the process is less consuming in terms of time and energy. By selecting the suitable binder, melt granulation can be used either to prepare immediate or controlled release formulations. One of the equipments most commonly used for melt granulation is the high shear mixer, which allows to development the process in “one-step”. Additionally, when the process is optimized, it makes possible the industrial scaling-up. This paper focuses on the description of the melt granulation technique and the parameters that influence the process in high shear mixers.
