The effect of processing mode on the characteristics of crystalline sorbitol powder

[Objective] This study aimed to improve the fluidity of sorbitol to be used as a raw material for direct tablet pressing. [Methods] XTAB290 crystalline sorbitol was sieved, and particles smaller than 50 mesh were further processed by fluidized bed granulation or wet granulation. The particle size distribution and fluidity of sorbitol were determined using a laser particle size analyzer and an intelligent micromeritics properties tester,respectively.[Results]The results showed that the flowability of the particles treated by all methods was good enough to meet the requirements for direct compression. Specifically, the sieving treatment significantly improved the flowability index of sorbitol particles with a particle size of 50 mesh or larger, which met the requirements for direct compression. Fluidized bed granulation or wet granulation further improved the flowability index of particles smaller than 50 mesh, which also met the requirements for direct compression. The differences in micromeritics and flowability between the two methods were relatively small. [Conclusion]The fluidity of sorbitol XTAB290 particles with more than 50 mesh after screening, and particles with less than 50 mesh after boiling or wet granulation is good, which can meet the requirements of direct tablet pressing.