Degradation of Sustained-release Dosage Tablet Imaged by X-ray CT

About the sample: Sustained-release dosage tablets

Sustained-release dosage is a mechanism used in tablets and capsules to dissolve a drug slowly and provide a steady release of an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient). The release rate is controlled using various formulations. For example, a combination of a rapid resolving matrix and an internal hydrophobic coating can be used to control when the drug is dissolved and how long it continues to release the API. The structure of the tablet needs to be intact for this type of formulation to function properly. However, when left in a harsh environment, hot and humid for example, some materials in the tablets can degrade and hinder the sustained-release dosage mechanism. X-ray CT (computed tomography) can image the interior of these tables non-destructively and help to study the degradation process.

Analysis procedure

In this example, a sustained-release dosage tablet was scanned before and after the exposure to heat and humidity using a submicron-resolution CT scanner, nano3DX.
The CT images were compared to observe which components were affected by the heat and humidity.

2. Image comparison

The CT cross-sections of the tablet before and after a two-week exposure to 60 degrees Celsius and 70% relative humidity are shown in the figure. The gray level represents the density of each material, black being the air. At the beginning of the experiment, the tablet was tightly packed and the API cores were well protected by the slow-dissolving shells. After the two-week exposure, many void spaces appeared, indicating that not only the rapid-dissolving matrix but the API cores protected by the slow dissolving shells also dissolved. This result indicates that this particular formulation does not tolerate 60 degrees Celsius and 70% relative humidity exposure for two weeks.