By admin 
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, lubricants play a crucial role in preventing sticking and picking issues, particularly in:
1. Tablet compression: Lubricants prevent tablets from sticking to dies and punches.
2. Capsule filling: Lubricants stop capsules from sticking together or to machinery.
3. Coating processes: Lubricants prevent coating material from sticking to equipment.
Key benefits:
1. Improved product quality
2. Increased manufacturing efficiency
3. Reduced equipment maintenance
4. Enhanced operator safety
Lubricant properties for anti-sticking/picking:
1. Low surface tension
2. High lubricity
3. Non-stick characteristics
4. Chemical inertness
Common lubricants used:
1. Magnesium stearate
2. Stearic acid
3. Silicones (e.g., dimethicone)
4. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
5. Glyceryl behenate
Application methods:
1. Dusting or spraying lubricants onto equipment
2. Mixing lubricants with powder formulations
3. Applying lubricants to tablet presses or capsule filling machines
Regulatory considerations:
1. FDA guidelines (21 CFR)
2. EU regulations (EU GMP)
3. Compliance with pharmacopeial standards (e.g., USP, EP)
Effective lubrication strategies prevent sticking and picking, ensuring smooth pharmaceutical production and high-quality final products.