- Author(s):
- Organization(s):
Informix Pharma Limited University of Hertfordshire University of Manchester
Various microstructural characterization methods exist that can be used on pre-actuated formulations. Each is valuable and serves a slightly different purpose. Nevertheless, a complementary, orthogonal technique is needed, which can provide information in a non-destructive manner, especially deeper than the surface. A technique that has the potential to provide fully 3D, non-destructive details on pre-actuated formulations is X-ray computed tomography (XCT), also known as X-ray microscopy.
Traditionally considered a density and morphology measurement technique, XCT can also utilize diffraction, phase contrast and fluorescence. XCT can uniquely show the formulated structure between an API and excipient lactose. A further advantage to XCT is that it allows quantitative analysis. Furthermore, the technique can reveal fine microstructural detail of real formulations. Despite the considerable potential for XCT to complement other techniques with its non-destructive and 3D attributes, the XCT landscape is very complex, with a large technical barrier.
April 2026, Volume 20(2), pages 28-34