Ultrasonic Scientific introduces high-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy for microemulsions analysis

Citation

(2004), "Ultrasonic Scientific introduces high-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy for microemulsions analysis", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 51 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2004.12851eab.003

Ultrasonic Scientific introduces high-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy for microemulsions analysis

Ultrasonic Scientific introduces high-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy for microemulsions analysis

Keywords: Spectroscopy, Emulsions, Measurement

Ultrasonic Scientific Ltd., innovator in high- resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy (HR-US) for material analysis, announces the addition of a new application for HR-US spectrometers – analysis of microemulsions. These systems are actively used in pharmaceutical, food and other industries.

Typically, microemulsions consist of two unmixable liquids one of which (e.g. water) is in a form of small droplets dispersed in a second liquid (e.g. oil with additives). The droplets contain an active ingredient, such as pharmaceutical drug or nutrition component, thus providing a required chemical environment for it. In contrast to “normal” emulsions they are thermodynamically stable and the droplet size in microemulsions is small (in the range 10-100 nm). Microemulsions attracted considerable interest over the years as potential drug delivery systems due to their unique properties, which include stability, ease of preparation and their ability to form spontaneously.

Microemulsion formulation requires techniques, which allow the user to analyse the conditions at which they are formed (analysis of phase diagrams) and are able to characterise their microstructure. HR-US is well equipped for this task. This technique is based on precision measurements of two independent parameters of ultrasonic wave propagating through the analysed sample – velocity and attenuation. These parameters provide information on the microstructure of microemulsions and the changes it undergoes over a period of time or with temperature or chemical treatment. In addition HR-US technique allows the analysis of microstructural reorganisations, which preclude the formation of emulsion.

HR-US measurements provide simple analysis of microemulsions without complex sample preparation, and unlike optical techniques, do not require optical transparency of the sample and are not sensitive to dust and other impurities. Overall this is a valuable tool for product and process development in the pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetics, food and other industries, as well as scientists in universities and research institutes working in the field of biomedical and biopharmaceutical applications. The HR-US technique is non-destructive, does not require any optical activity or transparency of the analysed samples and requires small volumes, down to 0.03 ml. To find out more about Ultrasonic Scientific's HR-US technique, contact: Tel: +353 1 218 0600; E-mail: info@ultrasonic-scientific.com; Web site: www.ultrasonic-scientific.com