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… 

Texture Analysis in Action: the Ice Cream Scoop and Ice Cream Cone Support Rig

Two of our test attachments have been designed specifically for use in the development of frozen confectionery.

The ICE CREAM SCOOP (A/ICS) is used to measure the scooping resistance of ice cream, and other similar samples which can be formed into a self-supporting block.

A tilt-table is mounted on to the base of the Texture Analyser and the scoop positioned onto the load cell.

Ensuring consistent quality in Rectal Delivery Products

Although administration via the peroral route is the most commonly targeted goal of new drug and dosage form research and development, oral administration is not always feasible or desirable. 

The potential for oral dosage form development is severely limited for active agents that are poorly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and unstable to proteolytic enzymes. Some agents cause local stomach or upper GI irritation or require doses in excess of 500mg. Additionally, treatment of some diseases is best achieved by direct administration near the affected area, particularly with diseases involving anorectal tissues. 

Although oral administration can be used for drugs targeted for some of these diseased tissues, exposure of the entire body compartment to the administered drug is inefficient and can lead to undesired adverse effects.