Dr. Paul Meenan

E. I. DuPont de Nemours

Particle shape can be a major factor to consider in the design of a process. A poorly defined morphology can lead to processing problems such as filtration, drying and is a contributory factor in such as defect formation, caking and attrition. The intermolecular interactions that occur during crystallization dictate what crystal structure, crystal morphology and solid state properties are formed. An accurate description of these interactions can lead to the prediction and control of crystal morphology/solid state properties which can greatly accelerate the understanding and optimization of any process. The ultimate goal is to engineer crystal habits with desirable properties for optimal processing and end use.

This presentation will outline recent advances in molecular modeling techniques, modeling crystal structure and the relationship to crystal properties, such as crystal shape to model crystal structure and crystal properties. This presentation will address the impact of powder segregation and agglomeration on drug dissolution and content uniformity. The practical aspects of formulating pharmaceutical ordered mixes and thereby, improvement of the content uniformity and drug dissolution will be addressed. Factors, which affect the formation of homogeneous pharmaceutical powder mixes, will be discussed and case studies, where ordered mixes were formed, will be cited in this presentation.