Binder is a component of the formulation that helps bind and retain the properties of the medication. Its ideal properties include good binding properties, high plasticity, and low elasticity. It should also be of small particle size to facilitate even distribution. A uniform distribution will result in lower pore structure and enhanced crushing strength of the tablet. The ideal binder will be low hygroscopic, since excessive moisture will cause instability.
Okra fruit Mucilage
A recent study evaluated the use of Okra fruit mucilage as Tablet Binder formulations. These tablets showed increased disintegration time as the concentration of mucilage increased. This study also suggests that mucilage from okra can replace conventional binder such as acacia catechu gum in tablet formulations. The authors conclude that Okra mucilage provides a useful and natural alternative to traditional pharmaceutical binder materials.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
A binder is a substance that facilitates the bonding of powder particles during the granulation process. This process enhances tablet compaction and disintegration properties. Different types of binders have different modulating effects on tablet compaction and disintegration. In this study, we compared two types of binders, microcrystalline cellulose and gelatin. Microcrystalline cellulose showed higher compressibility and disintegration rate, and gelatin displayed significantly greater agglomeration.
Starch
The binding capacity of starch depends on the type and temperature at which it is heated to its al dente form. The higher the temperature, the more the starch dissolves. Some starch derivatives are modified with hydroxypropylation and esterification to improve their binding properties and ease of industrial use. These modified starches are generally more viscous than their unmodified counterparts. This can affect the disintegration rate and cause problems during production.
Solution binder
In a tablet formulation, the binding agent is an ingredient that provides the physical and mechanical strength of the tablet. This ingredient is typically dry and may be added to the powder blend before direct compression. Its main function is to provide cohesiveness to the granules, which ensures the tablet’s integrity after compression and improves flow characteristics. The selection of a suitable binder requires knowledge of the relative importance of the properties of different binders and how these binders interact with other components of the tablet.
Dry binder
The inclusion of a dry binder is vital for the creation of a compliant, uniformly hard and pliable tablet. Depending on the formulation, the dry binder may be a powder, liquid, or a combination of these substances. The binder contributes to the compressibility and hardness of the tablet, as it can accumulate fine and coarse particles with flow and compression properties. It also promotes cohesive compacts in directly compressed tablets, ensuring that the shape of the tablet remains unbroken even after compression.
Conclusion:
It is possible for tablet manufacturers to replace the synthetic binder with a natural one without losing the properties of the product. However, natural ingredients cannot be replaced 1:1 with synthetic ones. Therefore, users have to add several natural raw materials in different concentrations to make the formulation. Premixes containing certified natural raw materials are a good alternative as they help in the formulation development, handling, and manufacturing process. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of using a customer-specific natural binder in tablet formulation.