Product Characterization Methods
Micro/Nano Encapsulation
SwRI scientists use top-of-the-line molecular modeling systems for applying computational methods in pharmaceutical development to better understand protein and ligand interactions and new compound designs.
Using an environmental scanning electron microscope, SwRI scientists are able to image nonconductive samples without extensive sample preparation.
Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) images of the SwRI microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) logo.
A variety of analytical and physical methods are used by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists to characterize particles and encapsulated ingredients. SwRI routinely determines:
- Particle size
- Payload
- Content uniformity and stability
- Active ingredient release profiles and activity
- Colloid stability
- Particle stability
Particles
- Sizing down to 3 nm
- Powders
- Dispersions (aqueous and organics)
- Zeta potential
Particle Morphology
- Atomic force
- SEM/EDX (scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy)
- Environmental SEM/STEM [scanning electron microscope (SEM)/scanning-transmission electron microscope (STEM)]
- Optical microscopy
Thermal Analysis
- Differential scanning calorimetry
- Thermal gravimetric analysis
- Dynamic mechanical analysis
Rheology
- Low viscosity fluids, gelation and curing profiles, reinforced solid mechanical properties
- Large dynamic shear range, sub-ambient to >600°C temperature range
- Multiple frequency waveform generation
Payload/Content
- HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography)
- IC, GC (gas chromatography), GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry)
- Fluorescent
- Thermal gravimetric analysis
Release
- Dissolution (pH, solvent)
- Thermal
- Pressure
- Simulated body fluids
- Cell culture
- Tissue culture
Stability
- Controlled environment such
as:
- Time
- Temperature
- Relative humidity
- Ultraviolet
- Acoustic
- Simulated fluids
- Thermal and pressure
- Byproducts
Specialized
- Biological Safety Laboratory (BSL) 2-4
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
Related Terminology
microencapsulation • nanoencapsulation • product characterization • particle morphology • thermal analysis • rheology • molecular modeling • analytical methods
