Spherical crystallization is a process of particle formation in which, under controlled conditions, crystallization and agglomeration occur simultaneously. Spherical agglomerates have many advantages, such as improved flow properties and less segregation of active substance in final dosage form due to higher porosity of agglomerates. In this study, we aimed to obtain particles with highest possible content of α-lactose monohydrate in the product, which corresponds to the content of crystalline bound water in the product, while at the same time targeting good yield, low ethanol consumption and suitable particle size distribution. For this purpose, we set up the first experimental design - a definitive screening design with 13 experiments. From the four independent variables, we determined those that have the greatest influence on the product properties (concentration of lactose in the lactose solution, temperature of crystallization system and addition rate) and with them we set up the second experimental design -factorial design with 10 experiments. Crucial advantages of DOE were shown in several cases where we could observe non-linear influences, interactions, quadratic effects. Among the studied independent variables, we evaluated the concentration of lactose in the lactose solution as the most important in terms of its influence on the product's properties. Its influence was positive on yield, D90 and particle distribution width, and negative on the content of crystaline bound water. A great influence of the lactose concentration in the lactose solution was also observed in the SEM analysis on the appearance of the particles that build the spherical agglomerates. At lower concentration, particles were wider and not as elongated as in the particles formed at the highest concentration of lactose. Also, such particles were more uniform in size than the rest. The addition rate of the lactose solution and the temperature of the crystallization system had smaller but still very important influence. Addition rate had a negative effect on yield and a positive effect on D10 and a quadratic effect on D50. Temperature of crystallization had a positive influence on the content of crystalline bound water and D10. We did not observe any obvious trends in the appearance of the particles in the SEM analysis of the mentioned variables.
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