Direct tablet formation by electrospinning and compaction

Abstract

A process and physical system were developed to manufacture pharmaceutical tablets through an electrospinning operation and subsequent compaction. Theoretical simulations of the electrospinning were run to predict physical system performance, and a proof-of-concept device was designed, produced and tested. The process was demonstrated to be theoretically scalable to levels of production suitable for industrial pharmaceutical manufacturing. The system demonstrated clear advantages over preexisting pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, eliminating airborne drug particulate matter, minimizing liquid drying time, and enabling a more agile, liquid-based continuous manufacturing process to be utilized for pharmaceutical production. Future work was specified to refine and optimize the process, and improve process control and monitoring in order to meet the pharmaceutical industry's strict regulatory controls.