STUDY OF TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND QUALITY INDICATORS OF ENCAPSULATED MASS
Annotatsiya
This study systematically investigated the technological properties and quality indicators of the encapsulated mass intended for hard gelatin capsules. The experimental basis of the research was the composition of a dietary supplement with detoxifying properties, formulated on the basis of a dry extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) and activated charcoal. The flow properties of the initial extract (Carr Index 18.0%; Hausner Ratio 1.22; flow rate 7.31 g/s) were improved by wet granulation. Among the encapsulated blends prepared with activated charcoal granules at different ratios (1:1, 3:1, 5:3), the 5:3 ratio exhibited the best technological performance (Carr Index 5.48%; Hausner Ratio 1.06; flow rate 5.9 g/s). A comparison of the obtained results with literature data on other encapsulated masses ("Immunaship," Triticain-alfa, Indapamide, and "Calcium DS — Medisorb") demonstrated that, regardless of the nature of the active substance (plant extract, recombinant protein, anisometric crystal, mineral compound, or phytosorbent combination), parameters such as flowability, Carr Index, Hausner Ratio, angle of repose, and residual moisture consistently serve as the primary criteria determining the stability of the encapsulation process. The findings contribute to the development of a generalized technological approach for designing encapsulated masses based on the principles of Quality by Design (QbD). Keywords: encapsulated mass, dietary supplement, Silybum marianum, silymarin, activated charcoal, pharmacotechnological properties, flowability, Carr Index, Hausner Ratio, angle of repose, wet granulation, excipients, GMP, detoxification.