Fast-Scan DSC and its role in pharmaceutical physical form characterisation and selection

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a long-established tool for pharmaceutical material analysis.
• Fast-Scan DSC, an extension using rapid heating/cooling rates, is gaining prevalence.
• This technique enhances characterization capabilities beyond conventional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current applications of Fast-Scan DSC in pharmaceutical material characterization and selection.
• To highlight the advantages of Fast-Scan DSC over conventional and other advanced thermal analysis techniques.
• To explore its utility in diverse pharmaceutical contexts, from amorphousness to dosage forms.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and applications of Fast-Scan DSC.
• Examination of its use in characterizing amorphousness, polymorphs, and polymorphic transitions.
• Analysis of its role in determining drug solubility in polymeric and waxy systems.

Main Results:

• Fast-Scan DSC offers significant analytical speed, improving turnover.
• Its enhanced sensitivity allows separation of overlapping thermal events.
• It reduces sample degradation during analysis and is effective for solubility studies in complex matrices.

Conclusions:

• Fast-Scan DSC is a valuable tool for pharmaceutical material characterization and selection.
• Its sensitivity, speed, and reduced degradation offer distinct advantages.
• It provides crucial insights for developing advanced pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms.