Preparing of pellets by extrusion/spheronization using different types of equipment and process conditions

Introduction: The focus of this work was to produce matrix pellets made by extrusion/ spheronization using two types of equipment. The aim was to accomplish the laboratory-scale I process that has been already optimized and accepted with another type of equipment (laboratory-scale II).Methods: A matrix pellet formulation consisting of MCC, Eudragit NE 30D and diclofenac sodium was used in the two types of equipment. Physico-chemical parameters and the dissolution profiles of the pellets in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 were compared.Results: Pellets from both processes were similar in shape and tensile strength. They differed in particle size and dissolution profile. This may be contributed to different spheronization conditions.