Enteric Tablet Coating

In this joint project with MIT and Novartis, it was hypothesized that the understanding of a tablet microstructure is pivotal in bridging our knowledge about the materials, manufacturing process, and tablet properties. A series of Micro-CT characterization methods were developed to untangle material interactions during tablet manufacturing process, leading to an interpretation of tablet compaction mechanisms through 3D representation of microstructural features.  The tablet coating thickness distribution was calculated from images, providing comparison to the design thickness, as well as an evaluation of the coating impact on release performance.

Numerical simulation of liquid intrusion based on the Micro-CT data was utilized in calculating tablet microstructure permeability, introducing a novel parameter for characterization of tablet dissolution properties. This work provides a strategy for an integrated formulation design and characterization system incorporating microstructural analysis. It enables an approach in which microstructures become a critical target for the design and optimization of enteric coated tablets and enteric coated capsules.