Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Parenteral Delivery: Under Control

Medical equipmentINTRODUCTION

The latest craze to sweep the pharmaceutical industry is one of controlled-release drug delivery systems. 

This controlled release can be systemic (generally via the bloodstream), as is generally the case for oral preparations, or act specifically at the site of greatest benefit (for example, in implanted devices) and these dosage forms are defined as preparations that modify the rate and/or the time and/or site of release of the active ingredient, in order to achieve specific therapeutic objectives which cannot be achieved with conventional dosage forms similarly administered.

Tuesday, 14 May 2019

How to operate a Texture Analyser using a range of devices

Whether you are new to texture analysis, are an experienced super user, or have specific requirements, you now have the flexibility to choose how you interact with a Connect Texture Analyser.  

We offer three ways to run your instrument. Each can be used independently from each other, or you can have a combination of all three. Whichever suits your requirements, the choice is yours.


How to operate your Texture Analyser


Touchscreen

The Touchscreen is supplied with all of our Connect Texture Analysers and is capable of controlling your instrument and running simple tests. It is ideal for providing a quick result with some single point analysis, such as Maximum Forces in both compression and tension tests.

Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Texture Analysis in Action: the Universal Peel Rig

Universal Peel RIg test using the TA.XTplus Texture AnalyserThe UNIVERSAL PEEL RIG (A/UPS) is a flexible solution to peel testing.

Significant improvements have been made to previous designs of peel rig for evaluating the quality and strength of container seals and adhesive bonds. 


The Universal Peel Rig consists of a multi-position platform which is adjustable to allow the container to be held at 0, 45 and 90 degrees; the platform is screwed securely into position on the base of the Texture Analyser to suit the container. 

Tuesday, 7 May 2019

Performance and textural properties of personal care products

Squeezing tubesPERSONAL CARE PRODUCT PACKAGING

Not only are the texture and physical appearance of personal care products crucial for achieving aesthetic appeal and optimal functionality, but other factors concerning their look and feel can dictate their popularity.

The packaging of a product can have a profound influence over purchasing decisions. Catchy names and bright colours are part of the attraction but packaging that performs the essential preservation function and is easy to use is also a key persuasion.

Regardless of product density, several texture analysis examinations can aid manufacturers in producing the best packaging to suit the personal care product in question. With tubs, tubes, sachets and various other vessels being available, it is essential that the correct packaging format is chosen in order for consumers to make complete and convenient use of their personal care products.

Tuesday, 30 April 2019

Performance and textural properties of personal care products

PEELABLE PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Measuring Peeling Characteristics

There are many personal care products which rely upon a good peeling function as their primary physical characteristic. 

Medical bandages, sanitary towels, and nappies are just a few examples of products that at some point will require to be peeled from skin or another surface and therefore this adhesive strength will need to be measured in order to be monitored and/or controlled. Waxing strips are used as a method of hair removal at home and are typically treated with wax to remove hair. 

The benefit of waxing strips are that they do not require a heat source in order to grip the hair. Whether applying cloth strips to heated wax on unwanted hair in a salon or whether using formulated strips for home-use the success of this treatment is based on the adhesive interaction that occurs with the hair in order to remove it when the strips are peeled off.

Tuesday, 23 April 2019

Performance and textural properties of personal care products

Gel extrusion GELS

Hydrogels are becoming a major influence in personal care products today.

There is a need for hydrophilic, skin adhesive, biocompatible hydrogels that can be used in a variety of applications such as shampoo, hair setting gels, face masks, skin fresheners and scented gels (air fresheners). Currently there are numerous hydrogels on the market, ranging from viscous solutions to elastic solids. The reason for this recent interest is that hydrogels can act as moisturising agents and they can deliver numerous therapeutic ingredients in a controlled manner.

Thursday, 11 April 2019

How to measure performance and textural properties of personal care products

Applying creamCREAMS, EMOLLIENTS & SHAMPOOS

Rheological properties of semisolids are highly important physical parameters in both technical (manufacturing, filling, storage) and aesthetic terms.

The evaluation of semisolid emulsion structure and consistency is therefore essential in order to determine, adjust, and possibly predict the corresponding product performance. The emulsifier concentration in the formulation of the cream and the manufacturing temperature are just two variables that can effect the flow and viscoelastic properties as well as the resistance to deformation.

Tuesday, 9 April 2019

How to measure performance and textural properties of personal care products

Test of hair wax WAX/PETROLATUM

Waxes are an important component of many personal care products such as skin care, baby products, suntan and sunscreen and lubricating agents. 


The measurement of hardness (or firmness) of these waxes has long been an important assessment to ascertain their contribution to final product texture. The hardness of waxes (which is affected by their melting point) may have a significant effect upon other physical properties and a measurement of hardness is used to determine whether a wax is suitable for use in products to provide rigidity, good moulding properties, or is capable of producing soft emollient films with good lustre.