Abstract

A modified biomaterial powder derived from Tympanotonus fuscata shell was evaluated for its flow and compaction properties towards possible application in the directly compressible technology of tablet production. The pulverized periwinkle shell was digested in hydrochloric acid, neutralized, precipitated with ortho-phosphoric acid, and dried to a constant weight at 60 ˚C. The product was coded MBPSP. The densities and flow parameters of MBPSP was assessed using a Stampf volumeter and the Kawakita model, while its compaction behaviour was assessed using the Heckel model. Emcompress® and Avicel PH 101® were employed as standards. The MBPSP powder showed evidence of densification and consolidation on tapping (bulk and tapped densities 0.42 ± 0.01 and 0.68 ± 0.01), while the angle of repose (35.18 ± 0.49), flow rate (8.94 ± 0.13 g/s) and Carr’s index (27.25 ± 0.05 %) indicated poor flowability. Assessment on the Kawakita model showed good cohesion and densification. Compacts formed from the powders showed minimal variation in weight (400 mg ± 5 %), were mechanically strong (hardness 97.45 ± 2.02 to 161.25 ± 2.60 N and friability (< 1 %). Heckel model assessment showed that powders displayed a plastic behaviour on compaction. The flow and compact indices obtained for MBPSP were within the British Pharmacopoiea (BP) acceptable limits, and compared well with those of emcompress® and avicel PH 101®. Thus modified T. fuscata shell powder has a good potential as a directly compressible powder and further work may be required on it. Keywords: Flow, compaction, modified, Tympanotonus fuscata, shell.

Authors and Affiliations