Pharmaceuticals and Food

MicroCT and microXRF have become integral tools for inspecting pharmaceutical packaging, developing new drug delivery methods, and creating new food products. Sigray’s EclipseXRM enables rapid non-destructive 3D analysis of pharmaceutical formulations, their packaging, and food products. The AttoMap XRF microscope provides mapping of inorganic materials within a tablet, aiding in the understanding of active ingredient distribution and the detection of contaminants. AttoMap can also be used to study nanoparticle distribution in biological tissue.

MicroCT of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Packaging

3D x-ray microscopy (also known as microCT) is increasingly recognized as an essential tool for both failure analysis and the R&D of new pharmaceuticals. For example, ultrahigh-resolution imaging (<300nm spatial) of pore networks and active ingredients provides insight into drug release mechanisms. Feedback on internal structure can accelerate time-to-market during the research and development phase. Even after a product has been successfully developed, microCT remains valuable for identifying failures in pharmaceutical packaging.

EclipseXRM provides the highest-resolution and highest-contrast images for the wide range of samples encountered in a pharmaceutical central laboratory—from polymeric drugs to packaged lyophilized (“lyo”) cakes.

3D view and cross-sections of a Pepcid AC within its packaging

Pore network of the polymer sustained release coating for a pill. Imaged by Sigray’s patented multi-spectral x-ray source in EclipseXRM.

A pharmaceutical tablet sample was imaged at a 7 µm resolution, followed by a higher-resolution internal scan at 1 µm. Houttuynia cordata, also known as Fish Mint, is a medicinal herb traditionally used in Asia to treat conditions such as pneumonia and hypertension. Image courtesy of Dr. Guibin Zan.

Houttuynia cordata tablet at 1um (with a zoom-in for detail clarity)

Food Sciences

MicroCT also provides feedback on the internal microstructure of foods, aiding in the development of new products and improving the shelf life of existing ones. Because x-rays are highly penetrating and non-destructive, in-situ studies can be conducted to understand morphological changes during food freezing, hydration, and heating. Sigray’s EclipseXRM delivers the highest contrast available for studying phenomena such as moisture distribution and the interaction of oil and air interfaces in pores.