The global market of tartaric acid is expected to reach USD 586.9 million by 2030. In the pharmaceutical industry, various pellet materials are utilized, including tartaric acid, polyols, lactose-starch, lactose-cellulose, etc. 

All these pellets are seen to be neutral and do not influence any property of drugs. An exception is the tartaric acid pellet (TAP). Providing a localized acidic environment, TAPs facilitate the dissolution of weakly basic drugs.

This article will concentrate on the characteristics and applications of tartaric acid pallets in the pharma industry.

What are tartaric acid pellets?

Tartaric acid is a strong dicarboxylic acid of plant origin. It is an odourless white crystalline powder that is extracted from fruits like grapes, bananas, apricots, and tamarind. Tartaric acid is a major ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry as it offers the property of micro-encapsulation. This is a process by which active pharmaceutical ingredients are coated on extremely small capsules. 

Chemical Formula of Tartaric Acid: HOOCCH(OH)CH(OH)COOH 

What is the main purpose of tartaric acid pellets?

The purpose of tartaric acid pellets is to give pharmaceutical formulations an additional function. In oral drug formulations, tartaric acid pellets serve as initiator cores (pellet technologies). The chemical properties of tartaric acid provide ideal conditions for the localized dissolution of weakly basic substances.

The main functionalities of tartaric acid pellets are–

1. Serving as a drug carrier in pharmaceutical formulations
2. Suited for multi-particulate drug solutions
3. Used for coating and layering with active pharma ingredients and excipients
4. Allowing time-resolved release profiles

Characteristics of tartaric acid pellets

Tartaric acid pellets are mostly used in multiparticulate dosage forms which have several advantages including–

1. Low degree of variation in gastric emptying
2. Low dependence on nutrition state
3. Low risk of localized high drug concentrations in the gastrointestinal tract
4. Reduced risk of dose discontinuation
5. Reduce intra- and inter-individual variance
6. Very precise timing and location of drug administration

Applications of tartaric acid pellets

1. In pediatrics pellets–

Tartaric acid pellets are used for pediatrics pellet formation due to their advantages of–

• Flexible dosing units
• Homogeneous drug distribution
• Reduced risk of dose dumping

Certain differences in drug formulation’s interaction with the human body are the primary reason for specialized pediatric medicine. Neonates and infants, for instance, have a higher stomach pH due to decreased acid secretion. Bioavailability and drug absorption may therefore differ. 

The request is for modified drug formulations that take into account both a change in drug concentration and dissolution profiles. Hence, these varied applications are incorporated by TAPs.

2. In geriatrics pellets–

Tartaric acid pellets are used for geriatric pellets formation due to their advantages of–

• Small dosing units
• Formation into mini tablets
• Controlled drug release

Elders have difficulty swallowing and require the slow release of active drug ingredients, which is done by using TAPs. 

Benefits of using tartaric acid pellets

1. Enhance pH-dependent drug activity

The drugs in which pH-dependent solubility and an acidic environment are required to improve solubility, release, and absorption; TAPs are used. TAPs create an acidic microenvironment that enhances drug activity and delivery.

2. Enhance drug solubility

There are drugs that show poor solubility in alkaline media, like in the intestine. Here, TAPs enhance solubility by creating a small acidic environment and hence, are used as an excipient in drug formulation. 

Properties of tartaric acid pallets at MB Sugars

1. Surface: sphericity and roughness to ensure uniform application; no pores, fractures, or holes;

2. Reproducibility: consistent and repeatable uniformity from batch to batch;

3. Different particle sizes for various pharmaceutical dosages

4. Minimum relative humidity;

5. Low brittleness and resistance to fluid bed processing;

Quality of tartaric acid pallets at MB Sugars

Quality is our top priority. The products of MB Sugars are fully compliant with the current editions of USP and EP. Our Quality Control and Quality Assurance approve Certificates of Analysis before they are issued.

Due to our rigorous analytical and microbiological quality controls, we are able to guarantee high-quality standards throughout the entire production process.

Throughout each manufacturing step, in-process controls are performed. All analytical tests are conducted by both an internal Analytical Laboratory and externally validated laboratories.

• We hold regulatory compliances for IP/BP/EP/USP/JP

• We hold GMP, Drug License, Kosher, and Halal certifications

MB Sugars is the world’s largest tartaric acid pellet manufacturer and follows strict regulations at every stage of manufacturing. 

We hope that the information presented was useful.