Optimization of Process Variables for Grinding of Ibuprofen using Response Surface Methodology

Ibuprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; NSAIDs, is a highly crystalline substance with the pharmaceutical properties of poor solubility and low bioavailability. The size reduction of ibuprofen is needed to improve the solubility. The objective of this study is to optimize the grinding condition of ibuprofen. Grinding of ibuprofen was carried out using a planetary mill. Grinding parameters were optimized using Box-Behnken experimental design method. The physical characteristics of ground ibuprofen were investigated for the particle size by particle size analyzer, for the crystal size by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and for the tensile strength by tensile/compression tester. The optimum conditions for the milling of ibuprofen were 290 rpm of the revolution number of mill, 24.6 g of the weight of sample, and 10 minutes of grinding time. The measured value of the particle size of ground ibuprofen at these optimum conditions was 13.5 mu m. The results showed that the crystal size of ibuprofen was reduced by the planetary milling process. In case the relative density of the tablets formulated of ground ibuprofen was range of 0.85 similar to 0.90, the tensile strength of them was range of 12 similar to 14 Kg(f)/cm(2).