Evaluation of emulsion stability by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

A new method is described for evaluating the stability of emulsion bases and active components contained within such emulsions. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is a technique that has the capability of detecting changes in particle size, surface properties, or drug quality of emulsions as a function of time without disturbance of the system. Such physical or chemical changes are monitored by changes in the visible and UV wavelength spectral characteristics of the emulsified systems. Four basic emulsion systems were prepared and analyzed for physical stability for 6 months by three techniques: visible coalescence, particle counting measurement, and DRS. Two drugs, aspirin and ascorbic acid, were then incorporated within stable emulsion bases, and the chemical stability of these drugs was monitored by DRS for 6 months. Results were compared with concomitant quantitative drug assay procedures. Good agreement was observed when data from DRS and analytical measurements were compared. The DRS technique may be used as a supportive method, offering simplicity and expedience, with other methods of evaluating emulsion stability and drug stability within emulsified systems.