Introduction to UV Imaging of MUPS Tablets

UV imaging of MUPS tablets (multiple unit pellet system) is a growing field in pharmaceutical research. These tablets combine many coated pellets into one compressed unit. After ingestion, the tablet breaks apart and releases the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Researchers explored whether multispectral UV imaging could track the degradation of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) into salicylic acid (SA). The goal was to confirm that this non-destructive method could monitor stability inside these complex formulations.

Scientific Approach to UV Imaging of MUPS Tablets

The study used CELLETS® 700 as neutral microcrystalline cellulose cores. Scientists layered ASA on these cores and coated them with Eudragit RL PO. They then compressed the pellets into MUPS tablets. The tablets were stored at different temperatures and humidity levels for several months.

At each time point, the tablets were examined with multispectral UV reflectance imaging. This technology captured detailed spectral fingerprints across the surface. To interpret the data, the team applied partial least squares regression (PLS). They predicted the concentration of SA as the main degradation product. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) provided reference values for comparison, ensuring accuracy.

Results of UV Imaging of MUPS Tablets

The outcomes showed that UV imaging worked well for tracking degradation inside the tablets. The predictions matched closely with HPLC results, proving the method’s reliability. Moreover, the technique detected even small amounts of salicylic acid despite the tablet’s protective coating.

Importantly, UV imaging did more than quantify. It created spatial maps that revealed where degradation occurred on the tablet surface. These maps gave new insights into stability that destructive tests could not provide. As a result, the method proved fast, precise, and suitable for quality control and stability studies.

Role of CELLETS® 700 in the Research

CELLETS® 700 played a key role in the experiment. These spherical microcrystalline cellulose pellets range from 700 to 1,000 µm. Their smooth, uniform surface made it easy to apply ASA and coatings evenly. In addition, their chemical stability ensured that imaging signals came only from the coating and degradation layers.

Because CELLETS® 700 are robust, they maintained their structure during compression. This consistency improved the reliability of UV imaging results. Thus, the choice of these pellet cores supported both the technical and analytical goals of the study.

Conclusion

UV imaging of MUPS tablets offers a powerful tool for monitoring stability and degradation. By combining multispectral imaging with statistical modeling, researchers gained accurate and non-destructive insights into tablet quality. CELLETS® 700 provided the structural foundation that made the method effective. Consequently, this approach holds promise as a process-analytical technology for pharmaceutical development and quality assurance.

References

UV imaging of multiple unit pellet system (MUPS) tablets: A case study of acetylsalicylic acid stability
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Volume 119, October 2017, Pages 447-453
Anna Novikova, Jens M. Carstensen, Thomas Rades, Claudia S. Leopold