Glutathione Crystal Size Control for Fluidity and Tabletability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glutathione crystals with poor fluidity, packing properties, and tabletability hinder the manufacturing of high-quality glutathione-rich tablets, and existing methods fail to produce crystals with superior solubility and handling characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Producing glutathione crystals with an average width of 7 to 40 µm and an average particle diameter of 10 to 60 µm, an angle of repose of 53° or less, and a specific volume of 5.0 cm³/g or less, using a process that involves agitating glutathione in an aqueous solution with seed crystals for extended periods to enhance fluidity, packing, and solubility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If glutathione crystals with large particle diameter are used to improve fluidity, then fluidity is improved, but tabletability deteriorates causing breaking, chipping and capping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling crystal growth parameters (agitation speed of 300-600 rpm, temperature of 10-30°C, pH 6.0-7.0, crystallization time of 12-24 hours) to produce crystals with optimal size distribution (average diameter 20-60 μm) that simultaneously achieves good fluidity and tabletability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control during crystallization by maintaining specific agitation speeds and temperatures throughout the process, creating optimal conditions for crystal formation that balance fluidity and compressibility properties
2Ease of operation
If non-crystalline amorphous glutathione is used, then handling is simplified, but hygroscopic properties and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition by controlling the crystallization process from aqueous solution to produce stable crystalline glutathione, which has superior hygroscopic properties and safety compared to amorphous forms, while maintaining good handling characteristics through optimized crystal size
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional crystallization methods are used, then production is simplified, but fluidity, packing properties and tabletability remain poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves upon conventional crystallization by changing key parameters: agitation speed (300-600 rpm), temperature (10-30°C), pH (6.0-7.0), and crystallization time (12-24 hours) to produce crystals with superior fluidity, packing properties, and tabletability while maintaining production simplicity
4Volume of moving object
If glutathione crystals with small specific volume are used, then transportation costs are reduced, but ease of dissolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes crystal formation parameters (agitation speed, temperature, pH, time) to produce crystals with controlled size and morphology that achieve small specific volume for cost-effective transportation while maintaining surface characteristics that facilitate rapid dissolution
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting glutathione crystals exhibit superior fluidity, packing properties, tabletability, and ease of dissolution, enabling efficient tablet production with improved handling and reduced transportation costs.
Implementation Method 1
glutathione in the aqueous solution is crystallized
Implementation Method 2
agitating glutathione in an aqueous solution with seed crystals for extended periods
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a crystal of glutathione having an average width of 7 to 40 µm and an average particle diameter of 10 to 60 µm, preferably having an angle of repose of 53 degree or less, more preferably having a crude specific volume of 5.0 cm3/g or less, still more preferably in the form of an alpha-form crystal. Also disclosed is a tablet comprising such a crystal of glutathione. Further disclosed is a process for producing such a crystal of glutathione.