Texture Analysis in Action: Tensile Grips range

TENSILE GRIPS RANGE: A/TG, A/MTG and A/ATG

The gripping action of the A/TG tensile grips is provided by a screw initiated vice clamp operating on knurled jaw faces of 35mm x 35mm. 

They are general purpose knurled jaw face grips suitable for holding samples which have a uniform rectangular shape and a maximum thickness of 25mm. 

The A/MTG Mini Tensile Grips have smaller jaw faces of 25mm x 10mm, with a maximum opening of 8mm. Used for assessment of tensile characteristics of samples such as packaging materials, plastic and aluminium film; and also (in a cycling motion) the flexibility of e.g. chewing gum sticks and confectionery leathers.

Keeping an eye on the quality of Ocular Delivery Products using Texture Analysis

Treatment of some diseases is best achieved by direct administration near the affected area, particularly with diseases involving ophthalmic, optic, dermal, oral cavity, and anorectal tissues.

Ocular drug delivery is an interesting and challenging opportunity for pharmaceutical development. 

The eye is protected by a series of complex defence mechanisms, which usually result in poor bioavailability of drugs administered via the ocular route. These include tear production and the blinking reflex in addition to short residence time and reduced drug permeability. The drug bioavailability can be enhanced either by providing prolonged/sustained delivery to the eye or by facilitating transcorneal penetration. 

Texture Analysis in Action: the Powder Compaction Rig

Powder Compaction Rigs:
Low Tolerance (left); High Tolerance (right)

The Stable Micro Systems POWDER COMPACTION RIG is available in two variants.

The High Tolerance Powder Compaction Rig (A/PCRS) is suited to high force applications where the punch/die clearance is critical; this fixture is auto-aligned using a universal adapter.

The Low Tolerance Powder Compaction Rig (A/PCR) is suited to other powder compaction applications such as assessing granule friability, where the punch/die clearance is less critical.

The use of Texture Analysis in Medical Device Development

Texture Analysis, which has long been used by the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic
industries, is now increasingly being used to evaluate properties of medical devices. 

Texture analysis refers to properties such as firmness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, tackiness, swelling/absorption, in addition to relaxation behaviour, fatigue and brittleness. For many of these tests, standard methods lag behind product development. 

Regulatory agencies including the FDA have used the TA.XTplus Texture Analyser to evaluate medical devices. In addition, the patent literature increasingly relies on texture analysis to validate claims. 

Read on for more examples of the application of texture analysis to the future of medical devices...

Texture Analysis in Action: the Rice Extrusion Rig

The RICE EXTRUSION RIG (HDP/RE) allows the determination of rice kernel resistance to extrusion after cooking according to ISO 11747.  

The standard is the outcome of inter-laboratory testing and was prepared by the ISO/TC34 Technical Committee for Cereals and Pulses.  

The sample is tested after cooking (parboiled or not parboiled) under specified conditions. A small sample is placed in the testing cell of the rig. 

Cosmetic and Skincare Product Texture Measurement and Analysis

The global beauty industry was valued at $465bn in 2014, up 23bn which came in equal proportions from premium and mass brands. 

Skincare and haircare dominated the global market and is where future potential lies, especially in facial moisturisers, anti-agers and face masks.

Before paint was ever splashed onto canvas or cave walls, it was daubed on faces and bodies, not only for symbolic purposes but for decoration too. Today, a plethora of beauty products are seen lined up in the display windows and shelves of shops and stores everywhere.

Texture Analysis in Action: the Tablet Disintegration Rig

The TABLET DISINTEGRATION RIG* (A/TDR)

A thorough analysis of disintegration behaviour is vital for the formulation of new fast-melt tablets (FMTs) to ensure reliable and consistent drug release.

The tablet or wafer has to be resilient enough to endure manufacturing and shipping, yet release sufficient disintegrants to deliver an optimum dissolution rate. The Tablet Disintegration Rig facilitates reliable assessment of the mechanical properties of FMTs.

Quantifying the mechanical properties of New Materials

In laboratories around the world, scientists are finding new ways to manipulate matter at increasingly small scales, as well as drawing inspiration from biological materials. 

This revolution is giving us substances with properties that were once confined to the pages of science fiction books. 

But these materials are more than just scientific curiosities – they are genuinely useful, to the point that as applications start to emerge they will radically change our world. Here are some amazing examples…