Factorial analysis of the binding properties of acetylated ginger starch in metronidazole tablet formulations

Introduction: The delivery of drug is often affected by formulation processes and the excipients used in the formulation. Materials and Methods: A 23 factorial analysis was used in this study to evaluate the effect of acetylated ginger starch (AGS) (Zingiber officinale) as a binder in metronidazole tablets, in comparison to corn starch (CS) BP. The individual and interacting effects of variables (binder type X1, binder concentration X2, and compression pressure X3) used on tablet properties such as friability, crushing strength, crushing strength friability ratio (CSFR), disintegration and crushing strength friability/disintegration time ratio (CSFR/DT) were determined. The effect of these binders on the granule properties using Hausner’s ratio, Carr’s index (CI), angle of repose, and densities as response parameters was also determined. Results: Granules prepared with AGS had high densities and small granule sizes when compared with those containing CS. Granules containing CS have better flow properties. X1 (binder type) has a significant effect on the crushing strength of the tablet. It also had the highest effects on CSFR and CSFR/DT. The combination of XIX3 had the highest effect on crushing strength and DT. Conclusion: This study shows that, in formulations, care must be taken in choosing the excipients and the process parameters required for the formulation since these can affect the delivery of the drug individually or in combination. AGS could be useful as a binder when a tablet with low crushing strength and fast disintegration is desired.