Melt extrusion or granulation, tablets, capsule fillings, transdermal patches or implants - we open up possibilities. For a wide range of products. By processing with our extruders for pharma and life science.
We were a pioneer when pharmaceutical extrusion made its start. Today, we are the technology leader in this field. Why? Because we have in-depth expertise and are constantly developing.
The benefits are particularly evident in plant engineering, in the development of process technologies and in GMP design.
We know what the pharmaceutical and life science industry needs. Down to the last detail. From decades of experience.
The result: a specially developed series of co-rotating extruders and auxiliary units. They are characterized in particular by the use of high-quality stainless steel with an excellent surface finish. Thanks to special screw connections and material combinations. In addition, these extruders are easy to maintain and clean.
Output - quality in all forms
Intermediate and end products, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and much more.
Hot Melt Extrusion
Are you looking to improve solubility? Then melt extrusion is the right solution. In this process, the carrier material, the active ingredient and the excipients are processed at a high temperature. The Leistritz ZSE HP-PH extruder mixes all ingredients. Especially poorly soluble active ingredients can be finely dispersed in the carrier matrix on a molecular level with the help of melt extrusion.
The effect: significantly improved solubility and bioavailability. Due to the short residence times, melt extrusion is also suitable for thermolabile active ingredients.
Further advantages: high active ingredient loadings, solvent-free, low dust formation and high reproducibility.
Lipid extrusion
In lipid extrusion or cold extrusion, lipids are used as a carrier matrix. As most lipids have a low melting point or range, this is a suitable method for processing heat-sensitive active ingredients. Depending on the active ingredient and choice of lipid, extrusion can also be carried out at room temperature.
Another advantage is that the process is solvent-free and does not require a solidification step. The lipid that forms the matrix has a significant influence on the release of the active ingredient.
Granulation
Moist and melt granulation or moist extrusion? Our twin-screw extruders can handle all three processes. Within one system. With remarkably high continuity and reproducibility.
A major advantage: they can be perfectly integrated into an existing production line and have a modular design. By using a die for moisture extrusion, the extrudates can then be further processed into pellets by rounding (spheronization).
Transdermal application and implants
Melt extrusion can be used to produce a wide range of pharmaceuticals such as tablets and pellets for capsule filling. Implants, transdermal patches and many other products can also be produced. Filament extrusion - with subsequent 3D printing or direct 3D printing - can also be used to produce personalized dosage forms.
Leistritz pharma twin-screw extruder - for continuous quality
Extrusion technology offers clear advantages over batch processes. This is because several processing steps are combined in an extruder: in particular feeding, melting, mixing, deaerating and discharging. The process unit is the heart of the extruder. The modular barrel and screw design allows maximum flexibility. It can be precisely designed for the formulation to be processed.
Advantages of twin-screw extrusion.
- Integration of several process steps in one machine
- Low space requirement even at high throughput rates
- High reproducibility
- Excellent mixing capability, distributive and dispersive
- Short processing time
- Scale-up of results from R&D to production machines
- Adaptation of process conditions through flexible screw geometry and other process parameters
- PAT technology / in-process control
Process know-how - engineering right down to the last detail
Whatever you want to produce - we are the partner to help you move forward. Because we not only supply high-end extruders, but also a great deal of engineering expertise. This is particularly evident in the optimization of your manufacturing processes. This saves you effort, time and costs.
Equally important: active ingredients that are classified as highly potent require customized containment solutions to protect their operators. That is why we offer tailor-made solutions that take product, OEB level and process layout into account. The qualification of systems is also part of our offering. After all, the validation of extrusion lines is essential for consistently high-quality products.
Proven, tested - and in worldwide use
Quality is always a question of testing: with our laboratories in Nuremberg, Singapure and Somerville, we offer our customers the opportunity to put their production to the test. Here, processes are tested, evaluated and optimized on our laboratory extruders and systems.
As we work together with institutes, universities and development partners worldwide, you can be sure: State-of-the-art technology is our standard. We are working on the future with our research and development projects. We are constantly expanding our process technology and machine know-how.
Service - with a high level of expertise. Solution-oriented.
Leistritz twin-screw extrusion lines are among the world's leading machines in the pharmaceutical market. They have to meet the highest production and quality requirements every day. Technical equipment is one thing, service is another. Our technical support is at your service worldwide.
Our professionals ensure that your system is always ready for use.
We are here for you
Do you have any questions? Our contacts look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to help.
Albrecht Huber
Head of Pharma and Life Science
Leistritz Extrusionstechnik GmbH
T+49 911 4306-788