What is hot melt extrusion method?

HME is a continuous pharmaceutical process that involves pumping polymeric materials with a rotating screw at temperatures above their glass transition temperature (Tg) and sometimes above the melting temperature (Tm) to achieve molecular level mixing of the active compounds and thermoplastic binders, polymers, or both …

Why Hot melt extrusion are used?

Hot melt extrusion process In pharmaceutical manufacturing, HME is used to disperse APIs in a matrix at the molecular level, thus forming solid solutions. This enables drug delivery systems for poorly soluble drugs or specialized drug forms such as films for transdermal patches.

What is extrusion in pharmaceutical industry?

Extrusion is the process of pumping raw materials at elevated controlled temperature and pressure through a heated barrel into a product of uniform shape and density [9. J. Breitenbach, “Melt extrusion: from process to drug delivery technology,” European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, vol.

At which zone the polymer would melt completely during extrusion process?

Feed zone (also called the solids conveying zone): this zone feeds the resin into the extruder, and the channel depth is usually the same throughout the zone. Melting zone (also called the transition or compression zone): most of the polymer is melted in this section, and the channel depth gets progressively smaller.

What is extrusion process?

Extrusion is a process where a material undergoes plastic deformation by the application of a force causing that material to flow through an orifice or die. The material adopts the cross-sectional profile of the die and if the material has suitable properties, that shape is retained in the final extrudate.

What is solid dispersion?

The term solid dispersion refers to the dispersion of one or more active ingredients in a hydrophilic inert carrier matrix at molecular level. It is prepared by the melt (fusion) method and solvent evaporation technique. However, the process is individualized depending on the interaction between drug and carrier.

What is Spheronization process?

Spheronization is the process where extrudates (the output from an extruder) are shaped into small rounded or spherical granules. In practice these usually vary in size from 0.4 to about 3.0 mm. The use of these spheroids can be relevant for a wide variety of industries.

Which type of polymers are suitable for extrusion and why?

Commodity plastics are suitable for most applications and account for 90% of all thermoplastic use. They are readily available, easy to process, and the least expensive plastic for extruded products. Examples of commodity plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

What is the primary source of heat for polymer extrusion?

Motor power is converted to heat via friction, the primary source for most extrusions. Heating of the barrel and head (including the die).

What is extrusion in polymer processing?

Extrusion is a technique where molten polymer is forced through a die and is used to produce components of a fixed cross-sectional area such as tubes and rods.

What is solid dispersion in pharmacy?

Solid dispersions, defined as the dispersion of one or more active pharmaceutical ingredient in a carrier at solid state and an efficient technique to improve dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs to enhance their bioavailability.