Available online at www.ijpsdr.com International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research 2011; 3(3): 222-225 222 Research Article ISSN 0975-248X Comparison of Different Granulation Techniques for Lactose Monohydrate Pankaj Patel * , Darshan Telange, Nitesh Sharma Department of Quality Assurance, School of Pharmacy Technology and Management, NMIMS, Shirpur, Dhule, India ABSTRACT The objective of this study was directed to improve the physical and technical properties of poorly flowing and highly cohesive Lactose monohydrate to solve the most important problem that affects tablet manufacture. To overcome all the problems related to lactose granulation is required. Granulation is one of the most important unit operations in the production of pharmaceutical oral dosage forms. Granulation process will improve flow and compression characteristics, reduce segregation, improve content uniformity, and eliminate excessive amounts of fine particles. The results will be improved yields, reduced tablet defects, increased productivity. Pharmaceutical products are processed all over the world using the direct-compressing, wet-granulation, or dry granulation methods. Which method is chosen depends on the ingredients individual characteristics and ability to properly flow, compresses, eject, and disintegrate. Then the proper granulation process can be applied. The objective of present article was to focus on the best possible granulation technology that gives good results based on evaluation of different granule properties, namely the Carr’s index, Hausner’s index, Angle of repose, were evaluated for granule prepared by different binders and different techniques. Finally, the tabletting process showed low values of ejection forces, good tablet properties (weight uniformity, hardness, friability, and disintegration) indicating good compressibility of the prepared granules using Fluidized Bed Processor (HPMC 2.5% as binder) and Coprocessing of Lactose. Keywords: Lactose monohydrate, Granulation process, Different techniques, Fluidized bed Processor, Coprocessing. INTRODUCTION Lactose is one of the most frequently used fillers. Available in different forms depending upon the crystallization conditions and in various grades with different particle sizes and different compaction properties. [1-2] Lactose is Directly Compressible (DC) adjuvant so DC also has some disadvantages: More required excipients and flowability, segregation of blend, sensitivity for lubricants, lamination and capping behavior. [3] Granulation is used mainly to improve flow and compressibility of powders and to prevent segregation of the blend components. Particle size of the granulate is mainly affected by the quantity and feeding rate of granulating liquid. [4] Most of literature gives idea about the flow characteristic improvement by different approach. [5- 9] The objective of this study was hence to evaluate the effect of different granulation techniques of Lactose Monohydrate: Evaluate the binder bridges which can form in matrix granules prepared with different granulation technique and *Corresponding author: Mr. Pankaj Patel (M. Pharm), Department of Quality Assurance, School of Pharmacy Technology and Management, NMIMS, Shirpur, Dhule, India; Tel.: +91-9377553551; E-mail: telange.darshan@gmail.com, pankajpatel179@gmail.com different matrix forming agent. [10-11] Evaluate the physical property of lactose granules prepared by different granulation techniques; and to improve the granulation efficiency and the final granule characteristics for the Lactose monohydrate that is to be granulated via different granulation techniques. To evaluate the effect of different granulation techniques on tablet strength. [12] MATERIALS AND METHOD Lactose Monohydrate obtained from Fischer Scientific Lot No.5556 6901-1, HPMC obtained from S d fine Chem. Ltd. Batch No.1092/0209/1808/13, Starch Corn (Maize LR) obtained from S D fine Chem. Ltd. Batch No. F102/1110/2205/13, PEG obtained from Fischer Scientific Lot No.8959 6712-1, PVP K30 obtained from Central Drug House Lab. Lot No. 01105, and Isopropyl Alcohol obtained from Fischer Scientific Lot No.7547 6803-2. Experimental matrix The experimental test matrix was set up in order to study effect of different binders in different concentration on flow property of poorly flowable Lactose Monohydrate using different granulation techniques, followed by evaluation of tablet properties. Different techniques for preparation of lactose granules