Development of spherical crystals of acetylsalicylic acid for direct tablet-making.

The production of spherical crystals has recently gained great attention due to the fact that the crystal habit (form, surface, size, etc.) can be modified during the crystallization process. Spherical crystals of ASA were developed by non-typical and typical spherical crystallization techniques. The non-typical spherical crystallization process (conventional stirred tank method) resulted in few monocrystals and non-spherical crystal agglomerates. The typical spherical crystallization process was carried out by the three solvent-system (ethanol-water-carbon tetrachloride). The products were qualified by morphological study, NIR investigation, salicylic acid content, dissolution rate, studies on flowability, compactibility, cohesivity and tablettability. The results demonstrate that only typical spherical crystallization can be recommended for the production of spherical crystals of ASA. Only product made by this technique shows excellent flow properties and favourable compactibility, cohesiveness and tablettability values.