Recent Advances in Pelletization Technique for Oral Drug Delivery: A Review

Abstract

Multiparticulate dosage forms are receiving a great deal of attention as alternative system for oral drug delivery. The present review outlines the recent findings on the manufacturing and evaluation of spherical pellets published over the past decade. The techniques namely extrusion-spheronization, hot melt extrusion, freeze pelletization, cryopelletization have been discussed along with parameters affecting pelletization. Evaluation of quality of the pellets is discussed with reference to the size distribution, shape, surface morphology, specific surface area, friability, tensile strength, density, porosity, disintegration time and in vitro dissolution studies of pellets. The use of multiparticulate dosage forms as a promising system for the oral delivery of many therapeutic agents has also been examined in the current review. © 2009 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.