Optimization of the bake-on siliconization of cartridges. Part I: Optimization of the spray-on parameters

Funke, Stefanie; Matilainen, Julia; Nalenz, Heiko; Bechtold-Peters, Karoline; Mahler, Hanns-Christian und Friess, Wolfgang (2016): Optimization of the bake-on siliconization of cartridges. Part I: Optimization of the spray-on parameters. In: European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Bd. 104: S. 200-215

Abstract

Biopharmaceutical products are increasingly commercialized as drug/device combinations to enable self administration. Siliconization of the inner syringe/cartridge glass barrel for adequate functionality is either performed at the supplier or drug product manufacturing site. Yet, siliconization processes are often insufficiently investigated. In this study, an optimized bake-on siliconization process for cartridges using a pilot-scale siliconization unit was developed. The following process parameters were investigated: spray quantity, nozzle position, spray pressure, time for pump dosing and the silicone emulsion concentration. A spray quantity of 4 mg emulsion showed best, immediate atomization into a fine spray. 16 and 29 mg of emulsion, hence 4-7-times the spray volume, first generated an emulsion jet before atomization was achieved. Poor atomization of higher quantities correlated with an increased spray loss and inhomogeneous silicone distribution, e.g., due to runlets forming build-ups at the cartridge lower edge and depositing on the star wheel. A prolonged time for pump dosing of 175 ms led to a more intensive, long-lasting spray compared to 60 ms as anticipated from a higher air-to-liquid ratio. A higher spray pressure of 2.5 bar did not improve atomization but led to an increased spray loss. At a 20 mm nozzle-to-flange distance the spray cone exactly reached the cartridge flange, which was optimal for thicker silicone layers at the flange to ease piston break-loose. Initially, 10 mu g silicone was sufficient for adequate extrusion in filled cartridges. However, both maximum break-loose and gliding forces in filled cartridges gradually increased from 5-8 N to 21-22 N upon 80 weeks storage at room temperature. The increase for a 30 mu g silicone level from 3-6 N to 10-12 N was moderate. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive insight into critical process parameters during the initial spray-on process and the impact of these parameters on the characteristics of the silicone layer, also in context of long-term product storage. The presented experimental toolbox may be utilized for development or evaluation of siliconization processes. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Chemie und Pharmazie > Department für Pharmazie - Zentrum für Pharmaforschung
• Themengebiete: 500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik > 540 Chemie
• ISSN: 0939-6411
• Sprache: Englisch