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The effect of solvents similar in physical properties to water on the formation of a hydrate shell around lactose monohydrate molecules has been studied by terahertz spectroscopy in transmission mode. A relationship has been established between the concentration of aqueous solutions of lactose monohydrate and the thickness of its hydrate shell when dissolved in purified water, an aqueous solution of high dilution (HD) and an aqueous solution of high dilution with antibodies to interferon-gamma (HD Ab to IFNg). It was found that the solvent HD Ab to IFNg dissolves more lactose monohydrate molecules at the same volume compared to other studied solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-dose tablet formulation, containing a potent Benzodiazepine derivative Alprazolam was developed, considering the achievement of appropriate content uniformity of the active substance in powder blends and tablets as a major challenge. Two different types of lactose monohydrate (Tablettose 80 and Granulac 200) and two different types of dry mixing processes (high-shear mixing and "in bulk" mixing) were employed. To evaluate the influence of the variables (mixing speed, mixing time, filling level of the high-shear and cube mixer, lactose monohydrate type) and their interactions upon the response (content uniformity of Alprazolam in the powder blends), a Factorial 2 4 design (with 4 factors at 2 levels in 1 block) was generated for each type of mixer. For high-shear dry mixing the Response Surface, D-optimal Factorial 2 4 design (with 2 replications and 31 experiments) was used, while for the "in bulk" dry mixing the Response Surface, Central Composite Factorial 2 4 design (with 34 experiments) was used. The process parameters for the high-shear mixer were varied within the following ranges: filling level of 70-100%, impeller mixing speed of 50-300 rpm and mixing time of 2-10 minutes. For the cube mixer the following process parameter ranges were employed: filling level of 30-60%, mixing speed of 20-390 rpm and mixing time of 2-10 minutes. Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with a validated Partial Least Square (PLS) regression model was used as a Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tool for Alprazolam content determination and content uniformity monitoring. The DoE model was further employed to optimize the powder blending process in regard to the achievement of appropriate Alprazolam content uniformity using high-shear mixing and Tabletosse 80 as filler. The desirability function revealed that the following process parameters: a mixing time of 2 minutes, a mixing speed of 300 rpm and a 70% filling level of the mixer would produce powder blends with the lowest variability in Alprazolam content. The three independent lab batches of low-dose Alprazolam tablets, produced with high-shear mixing using these process parameters, conformed to the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia for content (assay) of Alprazolam and uniformity of the dosage units.

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) has been used as an intravesical product for the treatment of intermediate and high risk, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Freeze drying technique is highly recommended for product development, however, the microorganism sensitivity to freezing and drying processes is a major chalenge which may lead to poor survival. To overcome this problem, the use of cryoprotectants in intravesical BCG formulation is required. This study was, therefre, planned to design a new formulation, using an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, which could be produced by freeze drying technique with the aim of prolonging its storage stability and increasing its efficacy as well as the ease of administration. For this purpose, sodium L-glutamate monohydrate (a commonly used stabilizer in domestic BCG suspension formulations) was replaced by lactose monohydrate. New intravesical BCG formulations, both in lyophilized and liquid forms, were eventually evaluated by moisture content assay, viable count assay, bacterial and fungal contamination, safety test and determination of bacterial concentration and O2 consumption. The results were compared with the data obtained for the conventional lyophilized and liquid products. Maximum survival rate was achieved in the presence of 10 % w/v lactose monohydrate for both liquid and lyophilized formulations when stored at less than -10 and 2-8C, respectively. In summary, the freeze-dried formulations developed with lactose monohydrate met the requirements of intravesical BCG in high viability and stability during storage. HIGHLIGHTS • Lyophilization technique and lactose monohydrate as a protecting sugar were used to improve the stability, storage conditions, shelf-life and effcicay of intravesical BCG product. • Maximum survival rate was attained for both liquid and lyophilized lactose-based formulations prepared with 10 %w/v lactose monohydrate and stored at less than -10 and 2-8°C, respectively. • Freeze-dried products possessed higher stability and efficacy in comparison with corresponding liquid preparations.

Lactose has different uses in the dairy, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Being aware of the different forms of lactose and their concentrations can be very helpful in managing dairy product quality, properties, and manufacturing efficiency. Correct measurement and reporting of lactose concentration in milk and other dairy products will be of increased importance in the future as more value-added uses of lactose are developed and as milk lactose data are used in farm management decision making. Lactose should be reported as anhydrous lactose because lactose data will be used to make increasingly important decisions in dairy processing, dairy product labeling, and milk production in the future. Lactose also plays an important role in milk synthesis within a cow. Milk production factors and dairy cattle breed selection influence the amount of high value fat and protein produced per unit of lactose. If the off-farm value of lactose remains low, more attention may be focused on using ultrafiltration to process milk and leave 50 to 60% of the lactose and water from milk at the farm to recover the energy value of the lactose as feed and reduce the hauling cost of the high value components of milk to a dairy product manufacturing factory. Many methods exist to determine lactose concentration, but the most important methods are enzymatic assays, HPLC, and mid-infrared analysis. New, value-added uses for lactose need to be developed. Consistent and accurate methods of lactose measurement and consistent expression of lactose results will support this development process. Starting in January 2017, the USDA Federal Milk Market Laboratories began reporting lactose content of milk as anhydrous lactose and discontinued the reporting of lactose by difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-processing is commonly used approach to improve functional characteristics of pharmaceutical excipients to become suitable for tablet production by direct compression. This study aimed to improve tableting characteristics of lactose monohydrate (LMH) by co-processing by fluid-bed melt granulation with addition of hydrophilic (PEG 4000 and poloxamer 188) and lipophilic (glyceryl palmitostearate) meltable binders. In addition to binding purpose, hydrophilic and lipophilic excipients were added to achieve self-lubricating properties of mixture. Co-processed mixtures exhibit superior flow properties compared to pure LMH and comparable or better flowability relative to commercial excipient Ludipress®. Compaction of mixtures co-processed with 20% PEG 4000 and 20% poloxamer 188 resulted in tablets with acceptable tensile strength (>2 MPa) and good lubricating properties (ejection and detachment stress values below 5 MPa) in a wide range of compression pressures. While the best lubricating properties were observed when glyceryl palmitostearate was used as meltable binder, obtained tablets failed to fulfil required mechanical characteristics. Although addition of meltable binder improves interparticle bonding, disintegration time was not prolonged compared to commercial excipient Ludipress®. Co-processed mixtures containing 20% of either PEG 4000 or poloxamer 188 showed superior tabletability and lubricant properties relative to LMH and Ludipress® and can be good candidates for tablet production by direct compression.

Water content in solid materials is usually measured by loss on drying and Karl Fischer titration (KFT) methods. The validation of KFT methods requires the certified reference materials (CRMs) for the water content in solids, especially those with lower water content. In the present study, two mixtures of sodium tartrate dihydrate and 4-methoxybenzoic acid were prepared using the gravimetric method and then used as candidates of CRMs with water content of 10.0 and 1.0 mg·g−1, respectively. Furthermore, the CRM of lactose monohydrate and that of 4-methoxybenzoic acid were also developed. The stability against the humidity of the raw materials was characterized using water sorption isotherms. The thermal stability of the raw materials was characterized by the thermogravimetric analyzer. These four CRMs for water content were certified using Karl Fischer coulometric and volumetric titration. To make the water content traceable, both KFT methods were calibrated using a home-made water content standard prepared by the gravimetric method. The average value of the two methods was used as the certified value. The certified water contents and their expanded uncertainties (U, k = 2) of four CRMs were (50.7 ± 0.6) mg·g−1, (9.90 ± 0.2) mg·g−1, (0.878 ± 0.044) mg·g−1 and (0.142 ± 0.013) mg·g−1, respectively. This series of CRMs were suitable for the validation of KFT methods for the water contents in solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the phase transition of anhydrous lactose in solid-state due to moisturizing and subsequent crystallization and caking. It was found that anhydrous lactose is converted to lactose monohydrate when exposed to ambient moisture. The conversion rate and the kinetics of transformation were investigated at various temperatures and RH (15 to 40 °C and 70% to 95% RH). The results showed that the kinetic rate and the conversion increase with RH and T. The limiting step was the crystallization of anhydrous β-lactose. A simple kinetic law for the global rate of transformation was developed. The rate constants and the activation energy were calculated by comparison between the experimental data and the model. The effect of storage conditions on the caking behavior and kinetics of anhydrous lactose was also investigated. The results highlighted that the caking of powders was directly related to the fractional conversion of anhydrous lactose. Unlabelled Image • Caking of anhydrous lactose powders at RH > 70% occurs by crystallization. • Cakes strength is related to the extent of anhydrous to monohydrate conversion. • An apparent kinetics law for crystallization was established experimentally. • Hard cakes are obtained for conversion rates higher than 8%. • Soft cakes appears from almost 4% conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is aimed at prediction and quantification of goat milk yield (MY, kg) losses by the somatic cell count (SCC, 103.ml−1) in milk recording. The goal is to support the prevention of milk secretion disorders, milk yield and quality. During two years there were evaluated composition and properties of individual milk samples (n = 1 173). There were included animals of brown short‑haired (BSH) breed and BSH × white short‑haired in one flock. The linear and nonlinear regression, interpolation, extrapolation, approximation and qualified estimation were used for milk losses prediction along the SCC. The relevant values of the SCC arithmetic and geometric mean and median and MY arithmetic mean were: 1,400 103.ml−1 (with high variability of 128 %), 745 and 747 103.ml−1; 2.94 kg/ day. The relationship between fat and crude protein had a correlation coefficient of 0.395, P < 0.001. There were stated the correlations between SCC and: lactose −0.416, P < 0.001; solids non fat −0.25, P < 0.001; MY −0.135, P < 0.01. The relationship between SCC and MY was negative along months, 6 cases out of 7 and significant in March and May (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). For instance predicted MY for SCC intervals 1–1.999, 2–2.999, 3–3.999, 4–4.999, 5–5.999, 6–6.999 and ≥ 7 thousands 103.ml−1 may be 3.99, 3.77, 3.6 , 3.46, 3.33, 3.23 and 3.13 kg in 3rd month etc. The corresponding MY losses by SCC are evident from this trend. The result use is focused on the original dairy goat farm and use elsewhere is possible in farms with similar SCC, goat milk yield and rearing system.

Graphical abstract Highlights • Antiretroviral drugs-excipient compatibility studies were performed. • Abacavir formed two interaction products with lactose monohydrate. • Sodium lauryl sulphate enhanced the degradation of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. • Interaction products were identified and characterized through LC-MS/TOF and NMR. • In-silico toxicity and ADMET properties were evaluated for identified interaction products. Abstract Incompatibility studies of antiretroviral drugs, viz., lamivudine (3TC), emtricitabine (FTC), abacavir sulfate (ABC), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), zidovudine (ZDV), efavirenz (EFV) and nevirapine (NVP) were carried out in the presence of ten selected excipients, i.e., microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silica, povidone K-30 and hydroxypropyl cellulose. Among all, ABC showed reaction with lactose monohydrate, resulting in the formation of two interaction products, while sodium lauryl sulphate enhanced the degradation of TDF. The interaction products of ABC-Lactose were separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and subjected to liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) studies for their characterization. One of the products was also isolated and subjected to 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies for structural confirmation. The toxicity of both was predicted using TOPKAT and ADMET™ software and compared to the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes a novel approach for the use of thermal analysis to study the aftermath of the fluid bed melt granulation process and to depict the growth mechanism of the granules by quantifying the enthalpies of the granules at every physicochemical change using DSC and their mass loss through TG coupled to MS for a qualitative determination of the composition and amount of the evolved gases for the corresponding fragment ion. The experiments were made in situ with lactose monohydrate and two viscosity grades of PEG (2000 and 6000) as meltable binders with different contents and size fractions. DSC showed the presence of a beta lactose endotherm peak after the melting of alpha lactose and a proportional increase in its intensity with the increase in the particle size and the content of the binder, which suggested a relation with the agglomeration growth. Interestingly, TG and MS showed a larger reduction in the water content from lactose with the increase in the binder particle size, making it possible to evaluate the dehydration during the melt granulation. Indeed, during the distribution mechanism the low binder particle size and viscosity exposed lactose to a high heat transfer from the fluidizing air. However, a high binder particle size results in lactose immersed in the PEG particles, causing water to be trapped inside the granules and hence a larger reduction in water mass loss indicating the immersion mechanism. Therefore, thermal analysis is a promising tool for granulation growth control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) consisting of a powder mixture containing coarse carrier particles (generally lactose) and micronized drug particles are used for lung drug delivery. The effective drug delivery to the lungs depends on size and shape of carrier particles. Thus, various methods have been proposed for engineering lactose particles to enhance drug delivery to lungs. Objective:The objective of current work was to assess suitability of electrospray technology toward crystal engineering of lactose. Further, utility of the prepared lactose particles as a carrier in DPI was evaluated. Materials and methods:Saturated lactose solutions were electrosprayed to obtain electrosprayed lactose (EL) particles. The polymorphic form of EL was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, morphological, surface textural, and flow properties of EL were determined using scanning electron microscopy and Carr’s index, respectively. The aerosolization properties of EL were determined using twin-stage impinger and compared with commercial lactose particles [Respitose®(SV003, Goch, Germany)] used in DPI formulations. Results and discussion:EL was found to contain both isomers (α and β) of lactose having flow properties comparable to Respitose®(SV003). In addition, the aerosolization properties of EL were found to be significantly improved when compared to Respitose®(SV003) which could be attributed to morphological (high elongation ratio) and surface characteristic (smooth surface) alterations induced by electrospray technology. Conclusion:Electrospray technology can serve as an alternative technique for continuous manufacturing of engineered lactose particles which can be used as a carrier in DPI formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This work is aimed at prediction and quantification of goat milk yield (MY, kg) losses by the somatic cell count (SCC, 103.ml-1) in milk recording. The goal is to support the prevention of milk secretion disorders, milk yield and quality. During two years there were evaluated composition and properties of individual milk samples (n = 1 173). There were included animals of brown short-haired (BSH) breed and BSH x white short-haired in one flock. The linear and nonlinear regression, interpolation, extrapolation, approximation and qualified estimation were used for milk losses prediction along the SCC. The relevant values of the SCC arithmetic and geometric mean and median and MY arithmetic mean were: 1,400 103.ml-1 (with high variability of 128 %), 745 and 747 103.ml-1; 2.94 kg/ day. The relationship between fat and crude protein had a correlation coefficient of 0.395, P < 0.001. There were stated the correlations between SCC and: lactose -0.416, P < 0.001; solids non fat -0.25, P < 0.001; MY -0.135, P < 0.01. The relationship between SCC and MY was negative along months, 6 cases out of 7 and significant in March and May (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). For instance predicted MY for SCC intervals 1--1.999, 2--2.999, 3--3.999, 4--4.999, 5--5.999, 6--6.999 and ≥ 7 thousands 103.ml-1 may be 3.99, 3.77, 3.6 , 3.46, 3.33, 3.23 and 3.13 kg in 3rd month etc. The corresponding MY losses by SCC are evident from this trend. The result use is focused on the original dairy goat farm and use elsewhere is possible in farms with similar SCC, goat milk yield and rearing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The densities and viscosities of lactose monohydrate in aqueous ascorbic acid solutions with several molal concentrations m = (0.00–0.08) mol kg −1 of ascorbic acid were determined at T = (298.15–318.15) K and pressure p = 101 kPa. Using experimental data apparent molar volume ( ϕ V ), standard partial molar volume ( ϕ V 0 ), the slope ( S V ∗ ), apparent specific volumes ( ϕ Vsp ), standard isobaric partial molar expansibility ( ϕ E 0 ) and its temperature dependence ( ∂ ϕ E 0 / ∂ T ) P , the viscosity B -coefficient and solvation number ( S n ) were determined. Viscosity B -coefficients were further employed to obtain the free energies of activation of viscous flow per mole of the solvents ( Δ μ 1 0 ≠ ) and of the solute ( Δ μ 2 0 ≠ ). Effects of molality, solute structure and temperature and taste behavior were analyzed in terms of solute-solute and solute-solvent interactions; results revealed that the solutions are characterized predominantly by solute-solvent interactions and lactose monohydrate behaves as a long-range structure maker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work was undertaken to assess suitability of liquid crystalline phase for engineering of lactose crystals and their utility as a carrier in dry powder inhalation formulations. Saturated lactose solution was poured in molten glyceryl monooleate which subsequently transformed into gel. The gel microstructure was analyzed by PPL microscopy and SAXS. Lactose particles recovered from gels after 48 h were analyzed for polymorphism using techniques such as FTIR, XRD, DSC and TGA. Particle size, morphology and aerosolisation properties of prepared lactose were analyzed using Anderson cascade impactor. In situ seeding followed by growth of lactose crystals took place in gels with cubic microstructure as revealed by PPL microscopy and SAXS. Elongated (size ∼ 71 μm) lactose particles with smooth surface containing mixture of α and β-lactose was recovered from gel, however percentage of α-lactose was more as compared to β-lactose. The aerosolisation parameters such as RD, ED, %FPF and % recovery of lactose recovered from gel (LPL) were found to be comparable to Respitose® ML001. Thus LC phase (cubic) can be used for engineering of lactose crystals so as to obtain particles with smooth surface, high elongation ratio and further they can be used as carrier in DPI formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of filler selection in wet granulation was studied for the novel case where the binder is delivered as an unstable, semi-rigid aqueous foam to an extrusion process. The work primarily examined the impact of differing concentrations of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH® 101) in a formulation with spray-dried α-lactose monohydrate (Flowlac® 100) in regards to wetting and granule nucleation for this relatively new technique known as continuous foam granulation. Foam stability was varied within the work to change its drainage and coarsening behavior atop these powder excipients, by use of different foamable binding agents (METHOCEL™ F4 PLV and METHOCEL™ Premium VLV) as well as by adjusting the foam quality. A static bed penetration test was first used to study the foam behavior in wetting these powders without the processing constraints of an extruder which limit possible liquid-to-solids ratios as well as introduce shear which may complicate interpretation of the mechanism. The test found that the penetration time to saturate these powders decreased as their water absorption capacity increased which in turn decreased the size of the formed nuclei. Differences in the stability of the foamed binder had minimal influence on these attributes of wetting despite its high spread-to-soak behavior. The size of granules produced by extrusion similarly demonstrated sensitivity to the increasing water absorption capacity of the filler and little dependency on foam properties. The different liquid-to-solids ratios required to granulate these different formulations inside the extruder highlighted an evolving concept of powder lubricity for continuous foam granulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The work was focused on the analysis of different batches of the common pharmaceutical excipient lactose using inverse gas chromatography (IGC). Several batches of amorphous (spray dried) and crystalline form of lactose were studied. Surface properties represented by the surface energy and specific (acid-base) interactions between probes and analyzed samples shows batch variations and significant differences between manufacturers and technological processes. The second part of this work was focused on effect of relative humidity and temperature on stability of lactose. The variations of surface energy and specific interactions over time were studied. The changes in surface properties of two batches of lactose-amorphous and crystalline caused by higher relative humidity were measured by IGC. From measured values are obvious different chemical and physical properties of both lactose forms. Negative effect of higher temperature and air humidity lead to changes in surface energy and mainly rapid changes of electron–acceptor and electron-donor surface sites. Lactose monohydrate shows dramatic decrease in the surface energy and in the strength of electron-accepting sites on the contrary of spray dried where the acidity of surface increased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which are important medicines for drug delivery to the lungs, require drug particles in the respirable size range of 1–6μm for optimal lung deposition. Drugs administered by the oral route also derive benefit from particles in this size range owing to their large surface area to volume ratio, which provides potential for rapid dissolution. Micronisation used in the production of particles, however often leads to heterogeneous product containing mechanically activated surfaces with amorphous content. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the effect of particle properties of three grades of lactose monohydrate, with sizes above and below the brittle–ductile transition (dcrit) and their interaction with process variables on the quality of micronised material. Following an experimental design, the impact of three factors (grinding pressure, injector pressure and feed rate) on the particulate attributes of micronised powders produced from the different size grades was assessed. Processing conditions were shown to be important determinants of powder properties only for the coarsest starting material. Ultrafine material was achieved by processing finer grade feed stock below dcrit. However the resultant product was more crystalline and transformed on heating to the anhydrous state with markedly reduced onset temperature with lower energy surfaces than powders produced from larger sized starting material. Thus the propensity for micronisation of lactose monohydrate can be altered through control of starting materials and optimal settings for process variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to improve the cohesive lactose powder flowability. A cohesive lactose monohydrate powder was processed in either a tumbling blender or an intensive mechanical processor with either magnesium stearate or fumed silica. No substantial changes in particle size were detected by laser diffraction following either treatment. The untreated lactose sample exhibited very poor powder flow. Only limited improvements in powder flowability were indicated after the tumbling blending, intensive mechanical processing with the fumed silica or without additives. However, the intensive mechanical processing of the lactose sample with magnesium stearate demonstrated exceptionally large increases in both poured and tapped density as well as notable improvements in all powder flowability indicators examined. Our findings support the use of intensive mechanical processing technique as an effective method to coat cohesive pharmaceutical powders with selected additives, modify the surface nature of the particles, reduce the interparticle cohesive forces and hence improve powder flowability. The subtle differences in powder flow behaviour of lactose samples between the untreated and tumbling blended powders with magnesium stearate were only detected by the powder rheometer using its dynamic mode, indicating its potential advantages over traditional powder flow characterisation approaches. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99:969–981, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between the film-forming sodium alginate and lactose monohydrate. This combination is used in the co-spray-drying technique for microencapsulation, but no respect on the structure of the film formed has not been published previously. From mechanical tests, positronium lifetime measurements and FT-IR studies on free films containing different ratios of film-former and lactose, we concluded that the mechanical strength of the sodium alginate film decreased with the increasing proportion of lactose. The free volume in the polymer matrix decreased to a minimum as the lactose content was progressively increased to 40%, but subsequently increased at higher lactose contents. The explanation of this phenomenon is the filling of the holes with the sugar. As lactose became predominant component, the structure of the polymer network weakened. These conclusions were supported by the FT-IR findings. The present results permit a clear explanation of the previously reported favourable effects of this film-forming combination on the dissolution of the active agent from the microcapsules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The goal of the present study was to design a new technique to modify particle surface properties and, through that, to improve flowability of poorly flowing drug thiamine hydrochloride and pharmaceutical sugar lactose monohydrate of two different grades. The powdered particles were supplied by a vibratory feeder and exposed to an instantaneous effect of water mist generated from an ultrasound nebulizer. The processed and original powders were evaluated with respect to morphology (scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and spatial filtering technique), flow, and solid state properties. It was found that rapid exposition of pharmaceutical materials by water mist resulted in the improvement of powder technical properties. The evident changes in flowability of coarser lactose were obviously due to smoothing of particle surface and decreasing in the level of fines with very slight increment in particle size. The changes in thiamine powder flow were mainly due to narrowing in particle size distribution where the tendency for better flow of finer lactose was related to surface and size modifications. The aqueous mist application did not cause any alteration of the crystal structures of the studied materials. The proposed water mist treatment technique appears to be a robust, rapid, and promising tool for the improvement of the technological properties of pharmaceutical powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]