A generalized image analytical algorithm for investigating tablet disintegration

Jian X. Wu*, Emma Balantic, Franciscus Winfried J van der Berg, Jukka Rantanen, Birgitte Nissen, Anders V. Friderichsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Commonly used methods for analyzing tablet disintegration are based on visual observations and can thus be user-dependent. To address this, a generally applicable image analytical algorithm has been developed for machine vision-based quantification of tablet disintegration. The algorithm has been tested with a conventional immediate release tablet, as well as model compacts disintegrating mainly through erosion, and finally, with a polymeric slow-release system. Despite differences in disintegration mechanisms between these compacts, the developed image analytical algorithm demonstrated its general applicability through quantifying the extent of disintegration without adaptation of image analytical parameters. The reproducibility of the approach was estimated with commercial tablets, and further, it could differentiate a range of different model compacts. The developed image analytical algorithm mimics the human decision-making processes and the current experience-based visual evaluation of disintegration time. In doing so the algorithmic method allows a user-independent approach for development of the optimal tablet formulation as well as gaining an understanding on how the selection of excipients and manufacturing processes ultimately influences tablet disintegration.

Original languageEnglish
Article number121847
JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics
Volume623
Number of pages11
ISSN0378-5173
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier B.V.

Keywords

  • Image analysis
  • Imaging
  • Multivariate data analysis
  • Tablet disintegration
  • Tablet disintegration kinetics

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