Members of my research group have prepared a number of novel freeze dried formulations. These show excellent dissolution properties and good stability. However, it has been difficult to image the structure of these materials. Even though ESEM applies a much lower vacuum than SEM, it still is enough to expand and break the freeze dried cake.
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) appears to be an alternative. I wanted to know from the research gate community how others have found this method for imaging freeze dried pharmaceuticals.
Cheers Paul
I have very good experiences with microCT imaging in general. I never used it on freeze dried samples, but succesfully have used for the porosity determination of compressed or melt processed samples. I do not know any effect which may cause the of these type of samples during measurements, especially if you can use thermostated sample stage.
Excellent thanks Tamas. I will search in London for a group with MicroCT imaging, as I fear that the very fragile samples would not survive shipping or posting in the mail. But many thanks for your encouraging response. Cheers Paul
There is one thing what I have forgot to mention. microCT is pretty sensitive to the sample size, since its resolution depends on the sample-X-ray source distance. I the apparatus I have used before the best resolution could be achived only if the sample diameter is not bigger than approx. 3-4 mm. Nevertheless, there are newer apparatueses available on the market now.
Regards
Tamás
it should works perfectly.
Paul, you may send me your sample for microCT test.
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