Influence of gamma radiation on the gel rigidity index and binding capability of gelatin

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · J. Pharm. Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.2600771013· OSTI ID:6164563

Fassihi, A R; Parker, M S

Changes in the rigidity indices of gelatin gel before and after gamma irradiation were characterized by dynamic mechanical testing, and the significance of these changes on the strength of granules was evaluated. Results illustrate the difficulty of obtaining reproducible values for gels containing less than 20% gelatin. However, rigidity indices for gels with a gelatin content of 20% and higher are consistent and may provide a useful controlling factor for preparation of gelatins of more precise specifications. The data indicate that rigidity degradation kinetics of several concentrations of gelatin gel at different radiation doses are complex, showing both increasing and decreasing rates. These findings strongly suggest that doses of less than 2.0 Mrad of gamma radiation should be used in order to obtain gelatins of acceptable quality for pharmaceutical applications. The crushing strength of granules of lactose powder granulated with irradiated gelatin reveals that the binding capability of such gelatin is significantly reduced. The results obtained for various size fractions and granule hardnesses containing different binder concentrations also suggest that particle size influences the granule strength to a lesser extent than does binder concentration and its consistency.

• Research Organization: Univ. of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg (South Africa)
• OSTI ID: 6164563
• Journal Information: J. Pharm. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 77:10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
GELATIN
CHEMICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
GAMMA RADIATION
KINETICS
LACTOSE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
CARBOHYDRATES
CHEMISTRY
COLLOIDS
DISACCHARIDES
DISPERSIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MICROSCOPY
OLIGOSACCHARIDES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROTEINS
RADIATION CHEMISTRY
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
SACCHARIDES
360605* - Materials- Radiation Effects