Deformulation is important for product development, ongoing improvement, and competitive analysis. Deciding which analytical tools and techniques are most appropriate takes a team of skilled chemists and engineers.
One method that has proved particularly useful in gathering compositional deformulation data of materials is Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy can help analyze the complex structure of solid dose forms, including particulate matter and small granules. This technology can also be used for quantifying percentage coverage and uniformity.
How Does Deformulation with Raman Spectroscopy Work?
Raman spectroscopy works by using light to probe molecular vibrations to provide a molecular fingerprint of a material.
Raman spectroscopy depends on a change in polarizability of a molecule. Thousands of spectra are collected to generate a chemical signature of a sample. This includes a detailed analysis of characteristics such as excipients, polymorphs, contaminants, and degradants, and all of these components can be identified using false color.
Besides facilitating deformulation activities, Raman imaging can be used to successfully test other properties of materials. It has been used to determine the particle size, concentration, and components, which allows engineers to alter the process to develop equipment products or change the product in a strategically different way.
There are a few limitations of Raman spectroscopy in deformulation, including Interference from fluorescent materials.
Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS)
Morphologically directed Raman spectroscopy (MDRS) is a powerful deformulation process that combines automated imaging technology with Raman spectroscopy. It can deliver extremely accurate data about the size and shape of particles, along with component identification of substances.
Data from MDRS can be used to determine the orientation of polymer and additive molecules in polymer films by targeting very small domains within a polymer structure. This allows for extremely powerful analysis down to the molecular level. This latest technology in Raman spectroscopy can enhance deformulation, to making it easier for chemists and engineers to access critical data This can help to accelerate product development, saving both time and money.
Wrapping Up – Raman Spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy is one of many tools used by scientists, including polymer scientists. It gives them the ability to gather formulatory data rapidly. As such, it remains a powerful analytical tool in the field of deformulation and reverse engineering. To find out more about how National Polymer can help you with our deformulation and reverse engineering needs, call us at (800) 679-0477 or connect with a National Polymer expert using this form.
