Production and Characterization of Pre-Gelatinized Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Starch for Use in Pharmaceutical Tablet Compression

Abstract

Pharmaceutical industries in Nigeria rely on the importation of millions of tons of corn starch as their excipients which implies drain on foreign exchange. This study evaluated pre-gelatinized cassava starch as a possible substitute for the corn starches as excipients in pharmaceutical industry.

One of the improved cassava varieties (TME 419) obtained from IITA (name in full) Ibadan was used for this study Native starch from the cassava was modified by pre-gelatinization at 25%, 30 % and 35 % concentrations. Samples were evaluated for physical, flow, functional and tableting properties. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine a significant difference among the treatment levels and the means separated using the Duncan multiple ranged test.

The results show that pre-gelatinization significantly (p<0.05) increased the bulk density and tapped density values. The rate of water absorption also increased significantly (p<0.05) after pre-gelatinization. Notable improvement in the flow characteristics of the pre-gelatinized starches was observed. Pre-gelatinized starches exhibited plastic deformation and tablet compacts produced from the pre-gelatinized starches were harder than those from the native starches.

The information obtained from this study revealed the potential utilization of pre-gelatinized cassava starch as a good alternative in Nigerian pharmaceutical industry.