Application Finder

For SERS developers and end users of SERS for specific applications to investigate low concetation levels of compounds, the centerpiece of their technological platform must be a Raman setup that provides reliable lab grade performance and is affordable and portable, allowing them to tackle real world problems. The portable i-Raman Plus system coupled with a BAC151 video microscope sampling accessory provides an ideal setup. With the performance and flexibility of use with different laser spot size and power for SERS research.

Metrohm’s ST Raman technology enables fast, contactless identification of substances through opaque packaging, expanding safe, field-ready use of Raman spectroscopy.

Analytical methods to perform CU testing should ideally be fast, noninvasive and achieved with limited sample preparation. Recently, transmission near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and transmission Raman spectroscopy have both been explored as alternative methods for rapid and non-destructive on- and at-line CU testing with no sample preparation. Although quick and nondestructive, transmission NIR spectroscopy suffers from poor chemical selectivity and is sensitive to changes in the testing environment. Transmission Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric modeling is quickly emerging as a valued technique for CU testing due to its high chemical specificity, which is particularly useful when dealing with complex pharmaceutical formulations that contain multiple components.

B&W Tek’s TacticID®-1064 is a field-ready handheld Raman system utilizing 1064-nm wavelength laser excitation. Designed for forensic analysis by safety personnel, first responders, and law enforcement personnel, the TacticID-1064 significantly reduces fluorescence, allowing users to identify tough street samples such as ecstasy tablets in a variety of colors and mixture forms.

The two most common mathematical representations used with handheld Raman spectroscopy as decision-making tools for spectroscopic data: Hit Quality Index (HQI) and significance level (p-value) are presented.

Handheld Raman is used for raw material testing of different sample types and forms. The use of optimized sampling accessories enhances the utility of handheld Raman without compromising data quality or complicating testing.

100% starting materials identification testing is one of the FDA’s directives as per 211.84 for FDA regulated industries such as Pharmaceutical, Vaccines, Cosmetics, Tobacco, Animal veterinary products, Food, etc. STRam®-1064 is a Raman analyzer uniquely suited for this purpose. It measures samples through thick packaging materials such as plastics, multilayer kraft paper sacks, and HDPE containers. A long wavelength laser is used to suppress fluorescence. The ID algorithm isolates the sample signature by subtracting that of the packaging material and compares that with library spectra to achieve identification.

The analytical challenge treated by the present work consists in detecting sub-ppb concentrations of low-molecular-weight amines in the presence of strongly retained cationic drugs by using ion chromatography (IC) with upstream inline coupled-column matrix elimination (CCME). In contrast to direct-injection IC, where the late elution of strongly retained drugs requires eluents with added acetonitrile, the CCME technique uses two preconcentration columns in series. In an «inverse matrix elimination step, cationic drug and target amines are trapped on a high-capacity and a very-high-capacity preconcentration column, respectively. During amine determination, a rinsing solution flushes the drug to waste. This significantly shortens the analysis time and improves sensitivity as well as selectivity. Besides the determination of monomethylamine in Nebivolol hydrochloride discussed here, the CCME technique is a promising tool for detecting further low-molecular-weight amines in a wide range of drugs.

The poster describes the water determination in pharmaceuticals using the Karl Fischer oven technique.

Pharmaceutical analysis guarantees drug safety by providing information on the identity, content, quality, purity, and stability of pharmaceutical products using analytical chemistry. Ion chromatography (IC) offers a broad range of pharmacopeia-compliant applications for quality control, monitoring, and improving drug manufacturing.As a very accurate and versatile technique, IC meets the requirements of many pharmaceutical applications. IC is a USP-accepted standard method for the determination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, impurities,pharmaceutical solutions as well as pharmaceutical starting materials, finished pharmaceutical products (FPPs) and even body fluids.This poster describes some typical examples.

This poster presented jointly with USP at AAPS meeting shows the new USP method for zinc as per <591> using Ion Chromatography which is highly selective and sensitive. Selectivity is achieved by separation and further improved with PCR reaction. Sensitivity and wide linear quantification limit make the new USP method ideal for QA/QC. Automated PCR delivery makes the overall method performance easy to validate.

This poster presented jointly with USP at AAPS meeting shows, that we successfully validated an IC method to determine chloride and sulfate in drug substances, potassium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate. The proposed IC method overcomes limitations of the turbidimetry/visual comparison methods.

Potassium iodide (KI) is used to treat overactive thyroid and to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radiation from inhaled or swallowed radioactive iodine. Currently, in the USP Potassium Iodide Monograph, iodide identification is performed by wet chemistry and assay by manual titration, which has a history of reduced precision and accuracy. As part of USP’s global monograph modernization initiative, an alternative selective and sensitive method was developed and validated – ion chromatography (IC). The proposed IC method can also be used for the identification test as an alternative to wet chemistry.

Fluoride is commonly used in dental products to help prevent tooth decay. When fluoride is present in high concentrations, these products are regulated by 21 CFR 355. Three fluoride compounds used in over the counter (OTC) anti‐cavity dental products are sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP). The assay of fluoride in these active ingredients and finished formulations are determined by manual titration, or by ion‐selective electrodes. As a part of USP’s global monograph modernization initiative, an alternative selective and sensitive method has been developed and validated – ion chromatography (IC). The proposed IC method can also be used for the identification test as an alternative to the wet chemistry method.

This document explains how to measure Na ion concentration in diverse matrices with a sodium ion-selective electrode (Na-ISE) using direct measurement and standard addition.

In addition to its natural occurrence in fruit and vegetables, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is used as an antioxidant in foods and drinks. Ascorbic acid is furthermore also to be found in numerous drugs.Ascorbic acid and its salts and esters can be determined with titration or by using polarography, for which ascorbic acid is oxidized to form dehydroascorbic acid.Bi-voltammetric or photometric equivalence point indication can be used for titrimetric determination. It must be taken into account here that only bi-voltammetric indication is independent of the inherent color of the sample. Polarography is the most selective of the methods described, as other reducing or oxidizing substances are not recorded.

The present Application Bulletin contains NIR applications and feasibility studies using NIRSystems devices in the pharmaceutical industry. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of a wide variety of samples are part of this bulletin. Each application describes the instrument that was originally used for the analysis, as well as the system recommended for the analysis and the results that were achieved thereby.

Within the scope of the USP monograph modernization, potassium is determined in potassium bitartrate applying cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection. The USP41 monograph for “Potassium bitartrate” does not yet mention an assay for potassium. The separation is performed on a Metrosep C 6 - 150/4.0 column (L76). The assay of potassium is performed with two commercially available products according to USP definitions. All acceptance criteria are fulfilled.

Within the scope of the USP monograph modernization, potassium is determined in potassium sodium tartrate applying cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection. The USP41 monograph for “Potassium sodium tartrate” does not yet mention an assay for potassium. The separation is performed on a Metrosep C 6 - 150/4.0 column (L76). The assay of potassium is performed with two commercially available products according to USP definitions. All acceptance criteria are fulfilled.

Within the scope of the USP monograph modernization, potassium is determined in potassium bicarbonate effervescent tablets for oral suspension applying cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection. The separation is performed on a Metrosep C 6 - 150/4.0 column (L76). All acceptance criteria are fulfilled.

As an alternative to flame photometry, ion chromatography with non-suppressed conductivity detection has been approved by the USP as a validated method to quantify potassium and sodium content in potassium and sodium bicarbonates and citric acid effervescent tablets for oral solution. The present IC method has been validated according to USP General Chapter <621>.

As an alternative to flame photometry, ion chromatography with non-suppressed conductivity detection has been approved by the USP as a validated method to quantify potassium content in potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride effervescent tablets for oral solution. The Metrosep C 6 - 150/4.0 column (L76) provides the required separation of potassium and magnesium. The present IC method has been validated according to USP General Chapter <621>.

Within the scope of the USP monograph modernization, sodium is determined in potassium sodium tartrate applying cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection. The USP41 monograph for «Potassium sodium tartrate» does not yet mention an assay for sodium. The separation is performed on a Metrosep C 6 - 150/4.0 column (L76). The assay of potassium is performed with two commercially available products according to USP definitions. All acceptance criteria are fulfilled. See AN-C-182 for the respective determination of potassium. Apllying this method allows to determine sodium and potassium simultaneously according to USP.

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol-reducing drug. It reduces the cholesterol resorption in the small intestine. The molecule holds two fluorophenyl groups. Applying Combustion IC the amount of fluorine in the drug is determined. To avoid an excessive introduction of fluoride into the system, Ezetimibe is dissolved in ethanol prior to the combustion.

Succinylcholine is a short-term paralyzing agent used e.g., for tracheal intubation. Choline is a building block of the drug and needs to be determined as an impurity. USP applies cation chromatography with conductivity detection after suppression. Eluent composition and column type do not exactly comply with the USP method. However, the results fulfill the respective requirements. The choline concentration of the sample is out of USP specifications.

Ion chromatography (IC) provides an automated, fast, and sensitive solution to accurately quantify cationic and anionic components including acetate simultaneously. This comprehensive approach makes IC an economic alternative to traditional techniques for the quality control of pharmaceutical solutions like haemodialysis concentrates. Ease-of use, accuracy, and the high-throughput of IC increase productivity and comply with the demands of modern routine and research labs.

Karl Fischer titration can be used to determine the water content in N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Special solvent mixtures can be used to prevent unwanted side reactions in the Karl Fischer titration. The water content of N-acetyl-L-cysteine can thus be determined quickly and accurately, as is shown in this Application Note.

The water content in panthenol is determined according to Karl Fischer.

Uniformity of dosage units must be tested for QC purposes in the pharma industry. NIRS gives results in seconds along with the quantification of APIs and excipients.

Water activity is an important parameter to measure for non-sterile pharmaceutical quality and stability. The OMNIS NIR Analyzer provides this data within seconds.

The quantification of residual moisture in lyophilized pharmaceutical peptides is an important measure for quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. For development purposes, such measurements are necessary and routinely performed during stability studies and to optimize the freeze-drying process (lyophilization). Currently, Karl Fischer titration is widely used for moisture determination in routine analysis. However, this method is time consuming and destroys the sample during analysis. This Application Note shows that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, reagentless, non-destructive method to determine moisture content in lyophilized pharmaceutical products.

Cell fermentation processes are a reliable production method for small molecules and protein-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The fermentation process requires monitoring of many different parameters to ensure optimal production. These quality parameters include pH, bacterial content, potency, glucose, and concentration of reducing sugars. Traditional laboratory analysis takes a significant amount of time and requires different analytical techniques to monitor these different quality parameters. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a faster and more cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods for the determination of critical parameters in fermentation broths at any stage of the fermentation process.

Typically, cannabis potency testing is performed by HPLC, but the drawback is that it requires chemicals and it is time-consuming. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a preferred method for quantification of THC, CBD and CBG in dried cannabis because it provides results in less than a minute and does not require any chemicals.

Worldwide, milk and dairy products are vital sources for human nutrition. A major component and energy source in dairy products is lactose. To efficiently metabolize lactose, the enzyme lactase is indispensable. However, globally nearly 70% of the population is lactose intolerant and they have difficulties to digest lactose. Lactose malabsorption leads to numerous gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms and other complaints with varying extents. Therefore, consumers rely on accurate food labels and for manufacturers appropriate sensitive analytical techniques are a must to comply with these demands. Ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD) enables the determination of very low lactose contents. Validation according to AOAC requirements shows the high sensitivity and reliability of this method as a routine analysis.

Handheld Raman spectrometers are valued for their ability to provide onsite material identification in seconds. In the case of combination pharmaceuticals, a single tablet contains more than one active ingredient in different proportions. MIRA DS is uniquely capable of identifying multiple compounds in such tablets by using Raman to identify the major component and SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) for the minor component. This application describes quick, dual analysis of a prescription medication containing acetaminophen and hydrocodone. The application is easily extrapolated to the study of street drugs.

This application note presents the Orbital Raster Scan (ORS) technology from Metrohm Raman to overcome low resolution, poor sensitivity, and sample degradation while still interrogating a large sample area.

This Application Note explains how to scale MIRA P usage across an entire manufacturing operation by transferring models between different MIRA P instruments.

This application shows how to seamlessly transition from Metrohm’s NanoRam 785 to the newer MIRA P system, ensuring continuity in raw material identification (RMID).

Low frequency Raman spectroscopy extends conventional Raman analysis by capturing vibrational modes down to 65 cm-1, enabling deeper insights into molecular structure, protein characterization, polymorph identification, and phase changes.

Topiramate is an antiepilepsy drug. According to USP Topiramate tablets have to be tested for impurities. The determination of sulfate and sulfamate is mentioned under 'Specific Tests'. The isocratic method applies a column eluent combination primarily used for non-suppressed IC. But as sulfamate shows a negative peak under theses conditions the use of suppression is advantageous.

Eltrombopag is a pharmaceutical agent used in certain conditions of thrombocytopenia. As such it is an orphan drug. The molecule of Eltrombopag is a protonated aromatic carboxyl compound. Under ion chromatography condition (alkaline eluent), it can be deprotonated and can thus block ion exchanger sites on the column. This results in decreasing retention times over time. To avoid this, Inline Matrix Elimination is applied, where the protonated Eltrombopag is washed off the preconcentration column before injection. Nitrite is then analyzed with conductivity detection after sequential suppression.

Pamidronate is applied to treat osteoporosis by strengthening the bones. It is a bisphosphonate containing a primary amine group. Phosphite and phosphate are related compounds, which need to be quantified. USP requires the use of formic acid eluent with refractive index detection. But a standard IC procedure offers an alternative with better sensitivity. Phosphite and phosphate are analyzed with conductivity detection after sequential suppression.

Potassium chloride and potassium bicarbonate effervescent tablets are used to prevent potassium deficiency. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and labs adhere to strict quality regulations using USP-NF monographs. Ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection, utilizing the Metrosep A Supp 16 - 100/4.0 (L91) column, is approved by the USP to quantify chloride content in these tablets, following validation per USP General Chapter <621>.

Sodium fluoride tablets for pharmaceutical use need to comply with U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements. Ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection has been approved by the USP as a validated method to quantify fluoride content in sodium fluoride tablets. In the course of the USP monograph modernization, using automated IC makes this type of analysis even easier.

Ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection has been approved by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) as a validated method to quantify the monofluorophosphate (MFP) content in sodium monofluorophosphate. This Application Note shows that all acceptance criteria for the USP Monograph «Sodium Monofluorophosphate» are fulfilled and the procedure was approved as a validated USP method.

As an alternative to titration, ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection has been approved by USP as validated method to quantify chloride content in NaCl tablets for solution or oral use.

In severe cases of cyanide poisoning, sodium nitrite is used along with sodium thiosulfate for treatment. This Application Note describes the nitrite ion chromatography assay with the Metrosep A Supp 4 column and suppressed conductivity detection. This column equivalency study was in cooperation with the USP according to the USP General Chapter <621>.

Nitrosamine presence in medicines, even at trace level poses high safety risks to patients (carcinogenic). Nitrosamine formation can be avoided by controlling and monitoring the nitrite concentration in pharmaceutical products and substances. This Application Note describes the analysis of nitrite in duloxetine hydrochloride with ion chromatography (IC).

Nitrosamine formation can be avoided by controlling the nitrite concentration in pharmaceutical products and processes. To monitor nitrosamine formation, sensitive analytical methods such as ion chromatography for the determination of nitrite in pharmaceutical products and substances are essential.

Determination of benzydamine hydrochloride {1-benzyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)-propoxy]-1H-indazole hydrochloride} in disinfectant solution by potentiometric titration with sodium tetraphenylborate using the NIO surfactant electrode.

This Application Note details the photometric determination of chondroitin sulfate with 1-hexadecylpyridinium chloride as titrant and with the Optrode (660 nm). The method is in compliance with the Ph. Eur. and the USP.

The purity of sulfanilamide was determined by means of automatic potentiometric titration using sodium nitrite as the titrant. The solution was spiked with potassium bromide, because bromide ions catalyze diazotization titration.

This Application Note details the determination of acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) in several pharmaceutical samples in compliance with USP<301> standards.

This Application Note presents a potentiometric titration method for a potassium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate assay meeting all USP General Chapter <1225> requirements.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remedies are gaining popularity in other cultures. In some TCM, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is used as a preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant. The products are treated by sulfurization with SO2 gas. However, sulfur dioxide is a very poisonous gas. Global health authorities have set strict limits for the content of SO2 in products. It is therefore of crucial importance to determine the sulfur dioxide content to comply with these limits. In this well-suited method, the SO2 content in different natural TCM products are analyzed reliably and accurately according to ISO 22590 using the Eco Titrator equipped with an Optrode and sodium hydroxide as titrant.

Paracetamol is an effective antipyretic and analgesic. Its determination in tablets using reverse phase chromatography and UV detection is quick and easy with the sample preparation described in this Note. The 815 Robotic Soli Prep for LC does everything automatically: from dissolving the tablets, homogenizing and filtering, to 250-nL-Loop injection.

Manufacturers and laboratories must use validated methods to determine the zinc content in skin care products and pharmaceutical supplements to meet strict quality standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary (USP-NF). USP-NF has updated the zinc monograph (General Chapter <591>, Zinc Determination) and replaced the existing identification procedure of titration with ion chromatography (IC). The analysis involves separating Zn using a Metrosep A Supp 10 column followed by post-column reaction using 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol and detection at 530 nm.

Determination of zinc in a herbal pharmaceutical drug against cancer of the prostate.

The concentration of Pd in pharmaceutical products is determined by polarography after wet digestion.

Sodium pertechnetate (99mTc) radiopharmaceuticals are widely used in medical imaging diagnostic procedures to help diagnose a large number of diseases affecting the bones and major organs. These radiopharmaceuticals are usually prepared from cold kits consisting of several ingredients, including a reducing agent. Sn(II) is a typical reducing agent which reduces the Tc(VII) that is added to the cold kit to a lower oxidation state which then forms the stable organic complex.For quality control, the tin content has to be determined in the kit vial. Sn(II) can be selectively determined using differential pulse polarography. Polarography is a straightforward, sensitive, selective, and interference-free method for the determination of mg/L levels of Sn(II) in radiopharmaceuticals.

Accurate iodine determination in thyroid tablets, ensuring treatment efficacy, is achieved using the 884 Professional VA and Multi-Mode Electrode pro per USP guidelines.

The NanoRam handheld Raman, with a TE-cooled spectrometer, and patented CleanLaze technology packaged in a small, touch-screen operating unit, delivers high quality raw material testing capabilities for pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The NanoRam is a state-of-the-art, handheld Raman spectrometer for the rapid identification of chemicals used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. It has been specifically designed for these applications and is fully compliant with all the major global regulatory, safety, and commercial testing agencies applicable to the pharmaceutical industry.

Raman spectroscopy is a valuable tool to provide rapid, specific analysis for identification of raw materials, thus reducing the risk of using substandard or incorrect materials in manufacturing. The utility of handheld Raman increases productivity, and the ability to do full testing without creating bottlenecks in the production process. The integration of the Raman data into a company’s data management system provides a secure means of handling data and results, with reduced risk of transcription errors, and data loss.

Small, fast high-performance Raman spectrometers are now readily available. Three real-life Raman quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis applications are discussed. These applications showcase the versatility of Raman spectroscopy and the potential impact that it can make in various industries such as security, pharmaceutical, and plastics and polymers.

The pharmaceutical industry is very likely more comprehensively regulated that any other branch of industry. It therefore requires analytic methods that meet the requirements of regulations while at the same time being practical. This applies in particular for large sample quantities, such as are encountered with incoming goods inspections, for example. It is here that particularly rapid and simple analysis methods are called for which make routine analyses simpler and more efficient. This White Paper describes some of the most important regulations in the pharmaceutical analysis and shows how Vis-NIR spectroscopy can solve analytic problems in the pharmaceutical industry in accordance with regulations.

Ion chromatography is a flexible technique with a large selection of intended uses in the pharmaceutical industry. – A few development trends and the latest advances are displayed here.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Ion Chromatography (IC) are commonly used in the pharma, food, and environmental sectors to analyze samples for specific components and to verify compliance with norms and standards. However, users of HPLC may run into the limitations of this technique, e.g., when analyzing standard anions or certain pharmaceutical impurities. This white paper outlines how such challenges can be overcome with IC.

Underestimation of quality control (QC) processes is one of the major factors leading to internal and external product failure, which have been reported to cause a loss of turnover between 10–30%. As a result, many different norms are put in place to support manufacturers with their QC process. However, time to result and the associated costs for chemicals can be quite excessive, leading many companies to implement near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in their QC process. This paper illustrates the potential of NIRS and displays cost saving potentials up to 90%.

Ion measurement can be conducted in several different ways, e.g., ion chromatography (IC), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), or atom absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Each of these are well-established, widely used methods in analytical laboratories. However, the initial costs are relatively high. In contrast, ion measurement by the use of an ion-selective electrode (ISE) is a promising alternative to these costly techniques. This White Paper explains the challenges which may be encountered when applying standard addition or direct measurement, and how to overcome them in order for analysts to gain more confidence with this type of analysis.

This white paper summarizes the steps involved in converting an existing manual titration procedure to semi-automated or automated titration procedures. It discusses topics such as selecting the right electrode and titration mode. For a better understanding, the discussion topics are illustrated with three examples.

The objective of validation of an analytical procedure is to demonstrate that it is suitable for its intended purpose. Recommendations for the validation of analytical methods can be found in ICH Guidance Q2(R1) Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology and in USP General Chapter <1225> Validation of Compendial Procedures. The goal of this white paper is to provide some recommendations for the validation of titration methods.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a major cause of bacterial meningitis in children in many countries. The capsular polysaccharide (PS) of Hib plays an important role in the virulence of the organism. The polysaccharide capsule hides cell surface components from elements of the mammalian immune system, such as antibodies and complement proteins that otherwise would activate mechanisms to kill the pathogen. Vaccines require rigorous characterization and assays to ensure final product quality and consistency. For glycoconjugate vaccines, it is important to measure both free and total PS to ensure the quality. A large amount of unconjugated PS may suppress immunity to the antigen. Additionally, the presence of free PS is a key indicator of process consistency. Current methods to determine PS content in vaccines such as Hib are imprecise and unreliable, especially if the vaccine contains a sugar stabilizer (e.g. lactose). Ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD, or HPAEC-PAD) offers a simpler procedure and better sensitivity than other assays to quantify PS (here, polyribosylribitol phosphate [PRP]) in Hib vaccine.

This White Paper discusses USP <1225> and how ion chromatography determines active ingredients in pharma products (assays) as well as identifies impurities and degradation components.