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Nondestructive analysis of tablet coating thicknesses using terahertz pulsed imaging
Anthony J Fitzgerald1, Bryan E Cole, Philip F Taday
1Platinum Building, St. John's Innovation Park, Cambridge, CB4 4WS, UK.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|March 12, 2005
Summary
Terahertz pulsed imaging can nondestructively analyze pharmaceutical tablet coatings. This fast technique successfully distinguished between ibuprofen tablet brands, showing good agreement with traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Tablet coatings are crucial for controlling active pharmaceutical ingredient release.
- Nondestructive analysis of pharmaceutical coatings is highly desirable.
- Existing methods like laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy are often destructive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI) as a nondestructive technique for pharmaceutical coating analysis.
- To assess TPI's capability in distinguishing between different tablet brands.
- To determine TPI's suitability for process analytical technology.
Main Methods:
- Terahertz pulsed imaging was applied to analyze across-the-counter ibuprofen tablets.
- Terahertz maps were generated and compared with photographic data of cut-through tablet sections.
- Acquisition time for a single waveform was measured (<20 ms).
Main Results:
- Terahertz pulsed imaging successfully distinguished between two brands of ibuprofen tablets.
- The terahertz maps showed good agreement with photographic analysis of cut sections.
- The technique demonstrated a fast waveform acquisition time, suitable for process analysis.
Conclusions:
- Terahertz pulsed imaging is a promising nondestructive technique for pharmaceutical coating analysis.
- TPI offers rapid, high-resolution imaging for quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- The technique's speed and accuracy support its potential for on-line and at-line applications.