Pharmaceutical Technology Europe - May 2010 - (Page 6)

Predicting new promise in particle size analysis Today, laser diffraction particle size analysis is the most dominant method of particle size analysis because of the speed and repeatability of laser diffraction technology. Early problems of artificially broadening particle size distributions have been largely overcome, and analysis of the latest particle size reference standards has shown excellent agreement with traditional methods, such as microscopy. When considering technologies that are showing promise, I believe that microscopy with image analysis is showing the greatest promise in particle size analysis. Although not new in concept, this technology has made the most dramatic advances in recent years, mainly through significant developments in image capture and processing. From the laborious and time-consuming process of slide preparation and analysis, it is now possible to analyse particles in flight at the rate of tens of thousands per minute. Unlike laser diffraction, which produces equivalent spherical diameters, image analysis also provides important information on particle shape and even roughness. The standards The most significant recent development in standards for particle characterisation was the publication of a revised ISO standard for laser diffraction analysis. ISO13320:2009 updates the previous, 10 year-old standard and promotes more efficient, accurate and reproducible measurements. Manufacturers have therefore had to update their instruments to the latest cutting edge technology to comply with the new standard, especially in the measurement of very fine (sub-micron) particles. As a result 1 CONTENTS 5 NIR CHEMICAL IMAGING 2 BIOANALYSIS 6 PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS 3 POWDER BEHAVIOUR 10 SAMPLE PREPARATION 4 DISSOLUTION TESTING 12 TOP TECHNOLOGIES http://www.teknomek.co.uk

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pharmaceutical Technology Europe - May 2010

Table of Contents

Pharmaceutical Technology Europe - May 2010

Bioanalysis: Hurdles and Hopes
Understanding Power Behaviour
Innovations in Dissolution Testing
When Should the Pharmaceutical Industry Use NIR Chemical Imaging?
Predicting New Promise in Particle Size Analysis
LC-MS Today and Tomorrow
New Possibilities for X-Ray Analysis
Industry Must Improve Sample Preparation Techniques
Sample Analysis: Automation is Crucial
Thirteen Latest Technologies Showcased

Pharmaceutical Technology Europe - May 2010