Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The achievements of the last 10 years in the development of analytical technologies (PAT) tools for pharmaceutical processes involving powders and granules makes it possible to foresee with great optimism their use to better understand the critical attributes of these processes. The latter is the basis of process optimization but also, in many cases, the conversion of ""batch"" processes into continuous ones. The advantages of continuous steady-state operation are well known in process engineering and the industrial partner of this project is strongly interested.The project primarily targets dry pharmaceutical formulation processes that involve the handling of divided solids (powders and granules) as well as semi-solids. The overall objective of the project is twofold:- Understand, model and optimize pharmaceutical processes involving powders and granules.- Design new process configurations, namely ""continuous"" ones, from existing scientific knowledge and batch process operation technologies.The specific objectives of the project are summarized below:- Apply developed PAT (Process Analysis technologies) tools, preferably online, to accurately and robustly measure the critical parameters of the processes studied.- Use these analyses to understand process phenomena, model and optimize these processes.- Carry out pilot scale studies of batch processes and design of continuous conversion protocols.-Test developed protocols and establish scaling criteria.This project tackles industrial issues in fields of high importance for Canada and worldwide. The proposed methodology, which combines process engineering fundamentals, use of in-situ analytical tools and first principles, will produce plus-value in industrial production, namely pharmaceutical, food, biotechnological.