Influence of thermal and thermo-mechanical treatment

Two lipids with similar melting ranges but of different composition were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The lipids were processed via extrusion or were tempered at different temperatures; they were analyzed directly after extrusion and after storage at 40 degrees C. Precirol ATO 5 (R) showed high sensitivity to storage time and varied temperature exposure. Extrusion showed only marginal influences on the solid state. Melting peaks were narrower and shifted to higher temperatures in comparison to the untreated powder. Dynasan 114 (R) was more robust, changes in the solid state could only be shown for samples treated above the melting range. Thus, Dynasan 114 (R) is more appropriate for solid lipid extrusion of pharmaceutical products.