(432g) The Role of Chemical Engineers in Pharmaceutical Development

Particle technology is a vast field that involves systems containing particles or powders. The pharmaceutical industry uses this technology when developing formulations such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Pharmaceutical companies are under tremendous pressure to make pharmaceutical production more efficient and more economical.

Granulation is often used in the design of specific pharmaceutical dosage forms as a means of achieving specific granule attributes. Pharmaceutical granulation dates back to the mid-1800s when the tablet press was invented. For some materials, granulation requires the usage of a binder or excipient that is capable of providing adhesive and cohesive forces for the particles. The binders are important in the granule formation and mechanical strength of the granule. Excipients vary in bonding tendencies and additive properties. Some excipients are known to cause adverse effects in select pharmaceutical formulations. More study is needed to characterize the binding performance of well used excipients and possible replacement materials.