EPR investigation of some gamma-irradiated excipients

The results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies on some excipients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose (avicel), starch, dioxosilane (aerosil), talc and magnesium stearate before and after gamma-irradiation are reported. Before irradiation, all samples are EPR silent except talc. After gamma-irradiation, they show complex spectra except magnesium stearate, which is EPR silent. Studies show the influence of gamma-irradiation on EPR spectra and stability of gamma-induced radicals. Analysis of the EPR spectrum of gamma-irradiated talc shows that this material is radiation insensitive. Only lactose forms stable-free radicals upon gamma sterilization and can be used for identification of radiation processing for a long time period thereafter.