Physical properties of starch-paracetamol molecular inclusion complexes produced by the spray drying process on an industrial scale

Spray dried molecular inclusion complexes of starch with paracetamol, were produced using an industrial-scale spray drying unit. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Optical Microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) were applied to investigate the structure and morphology of the spray dried products. Physical properties: tapped and bulk densities, flowability, cohesiveness, water solubility, particle size distribution, suspensibility and hygroscopicity, were also determined. All spray dried powders exhibited good functional characteristics. XRD and DCS analysis revealed that the complexes were in an amorphous state rather than in a crystalline one. Microscopic examination indicated the presence of the drug molecules inside the amylose helices. The particulate form of the spray dried powders studded with hollow cavities was indicative of their porous structure. The experimental results indicated that the spray drying technique is suitable for the production of starch molecular inclusion complexes with enhanced functional properties.