Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-5g6vh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-26T20:27:12.399Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Irradiation-Induced Changes in Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

Mark A. Petrich
Affiliation:
Physical Chemistry Manufacturing Laboratory, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
Lawrence A. Rosen
Affiliation:
Physical Chemistry Manufacturing Laboratory, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
Get access

Abstract

Gamma irradiation is used to sterilize products intended for ophthalmic and parenteral use. Ideally, the sterilization process should not affect the chemical identity or physical properties of the product. We have investigated the effects of gamma irradiation on the structure and molecular weight of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and the subsequent effect on dissolution behavior of HPC. Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a commonly used excipient in pharmaceutical formulations and tablet coatings, and can be used to manufacture water soluble objects. We find that the moisture content of the HPC influences the extent to which scission and cross-linking reactions occur. At low moisture levels (<5 wt.%), cross-linking is relatively unimportant, while above 12 wt. % moisture cross-linking becomes extensive leading to formation of insoluble, rubber-like gels.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1995

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Kumar, I. V. and Banker, G.S., Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm. 19, 1 (1993).Google Scholar
2. Doelker, E., Adv. Polymer Sci. 107, 199 (1993).Google Scholar
3. Avis, K.E. and Akers, M.J., in The Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy, 3rd ed. (Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, 1986), p. 619.Google Scholar
4. Charlesby, A., Radiat. Phys. Chem. 18, 59 (1981).Google Scholar
5. Clough, R.L. and Shalaby, S.W., eds.. Radiation Effects on Polymers - ACS Symposium Series Volume 475, (American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 1991).Google Scholar
6. Schnabel, W., Polymer Degradation (Hanser, Munich, 1981).Google Scholar
7. Sebert, P., Andrianoff, N., and Rollet, M., Int. J. Pharm. 99, 37 (1993).Google Scholar
8. Sebert, P., Bourny, E., Rollet, M., Int. J. Pharm. 106, 103 (1994).Google Scholar
9. Hon, N.-S., J. Polymer Sci. Poly. Chem. Ed. 13, 955 (1975).Google Scholar
10. Rosiak, J.M., in Ref. 5, p. 271.Google Scholar
11. Wade, A. and Weller, P. J., eds., Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, 2nd ed., (American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1994), p. 225.Google Scholar
12. Brandrup, J. and Immergut, E.H., eds., Polymer Handbook, (Wiley, New York, 1989).Google Scholar