Texture Analysis in Patents: Medical Applications

Stable Micro Systems Texture Analysers are used frequently in patent applications to substantiate claims and provide measured evidence associated with the developed product. Here are a few recent examples within the field of Medicine…

A patent has recently been released by LG Household and Health Care Ltd entitled ‘Preparation for Attaching to Teeth or Surrounding Part of Teeth’.

There are many difficulties involved with delivering an active ingredient into the oral cavity as the contact time and quantity play an important role. As outlined in the patent, there are disadvantages to existing delivery methods. The new preparation delivers an active ingredient whose physical properties are changed before attachment to teeth and after a period of time after the attachment. 


The sample hardness was measured at the time of attachment and time of removal using their TA.XTplus Texture Analyser by compression. A range of hardness values for different purposes has been outlined (e.g. moulding to attach to the teeth). 

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Horizontal Friction System A/HFS

A patent has recently been released by KPR US entitled ‘Lower Surface Friction Absorbent Articles and Related Methods Therefor’.

This patent outlines a construction including a fluid pervious top sheet with a low coefficient of friction, a fluid impervious bottom sheet and an absorbent core between them, designed for absorption of bodily fluid discharge. The relative friction between top sheet samples and artificial skin was measured using a TA.XTplus Texture Analyser, and was specified to have a kinetic coefficient of friction less than 0.7. 

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Universal Syringe Rig A/USR

Meanwhile, at The Queen’s University of Belfast, a patent has recently been filed entitled ‘Ocular Compositions’. 

Chronic retinal diseases are the leading contributor to visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Loss of sight has a major personal impact on people's daily lives and has a profound economic impact on individuals, families, support agencies, society and the state. 

The posterior segment of the eye, which includes the retina, choroid, and vitreous body, is difficult to access due to the recessed location within the orbital cavity. Therefore, drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye has remained one of the most challenging tasks for pharmaceutical scientists and retina specialists. 

This patent outlines compositions that can be administered to the eye for controlled release. Syringeability of compositions was measured using their TA.XTplus Texture Analyser. Having subtracted the work of syringeability of air, the results were found to distinguish between different formulations. 

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At the University of Missouri, work has enabled the patent application entitled ‘Bionanocomposite for Tissue Regeneration and Soft Tissue Repair’.

The availability of biocompatible materials for soft tissue repair applications such as hernia repair, meniscus tissue replacement, and vascular grafts, is a critical issue for the medical society due to the large number of patients requiring these types of repairs. 

There is a need to provide a new and improved implant material that combats the problems of mesh shrinkage, infection, and recurrences, while promoting tissue integration and improving the overall biocompatibility when used in soft tissue repair. There is also a need to provide a new and improved scaffold material for tissue re-engineering. 

Samples in this study were characterised by tensile testing using their TA.XT2 Texture Analyser after notching. A large increase in tensile strength was found after the addition of SiC nanowires compared to the ECM scaffolds without the addition of nanomaterials. 

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To find out more about Texture Analysis of pharmaceutical products, contact Stable Micro Systems today.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

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