Low Coherence Interferometry for Pharmaceutical Coating Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the thickness and properties of coatings on solid dosage forms are not precise, non-destructive, or time-efficient, especially during the manufacturing process, limiting their ability to ensure proper resistance to gastric juice and controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Innovation Solution
The use of low coherence interferometry (LCI) during thermal manufacturing processes allows for the non-invasive, real-time monitoring of coating thickness and properties, enabling continuous and accurate determination of material attributes such as coating thickness and crystalline structures without physical contact or destruction of the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If spectroscopy methods (near infrared or Raman) are used to determine coating thickness, then measurement can be performed during the coating process, but a reference model is required which complicates the system and may require destructive reference measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference model requirement from the measurement system by using low coherence interferometry, which directly measures optical path length differences to determine coating thickness without needing external reference models or chemometric correlations, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining real-time measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex spectroscopy-based measurement system with an optical interferometry system that uses low coherence light to directly measure coating thickness through optical path length differences, eliminating the need for reference models and reducing system complexity
2Measurement precision
If scanning electron microscopy is used to determine coating thickness, then accurate measurement is achieved, but the coating and/or solid dosage form may be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of measurement on the sample by using low coherence interferometry, which measures coating thickness through optical interference patterns without physical contact or destruction, thereby achieving accurate measurement while preserving the integrity of the coating and solid dosage form
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces low coherence light as an intermediary medium that enables measurement of coating thickness without direct contact with the sample, allowing accurate determination of optical path length differences and coating properties while avoiding destruction of the coating or solid dosage form
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing non-destructive methods are used to determine coating properties, then sample integrity is maintained, but only thickness can be determined without destruction or modification of the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the low coherence interferometry system universal by enabling it to determine multiple coating properties including thickness, homogeneity, and material attributes simultaneously through a single non-destructive measurement process, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measurement techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using low coherence interferometry to extract multiple pieces of information from the same optical interference data, allowing determination of coating thickness, homogeneity, and material properties from a single non-destructive measurement
4Productivity
If existing measurement methods are used during the coating process, then real-time monitoring is possible, but the methods are too slow and/or not precise enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring of coating thickness and properties during the coating process using low coherence interferometry, maintaining constant measurement capability without interruption while achieving high precision through optical interference measurements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables flexible, precise, and reproducible monitoring of material attributes during manufacturing, allowing for immediate process adjustments to ensure compliance with specifications, thereby enhancing the quality and performance of pharmaceutical compositions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting detection data from the composition by low coherence interferometry during the manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining information indicative of a material attribute of a composition, wherein the method comprises manufacturing the composition using a thermal manufacturing process, detecting detection data from the composition by low coherence interferometry during the manufacturing, in particular during said thermal manufacturing process, and determining the information based on the detected detection data.