Automated Sampler for Dissolution Testing Minimises Cross-Contamination

The new Dissofract from Copley Scientific is a compact standalone unit for the automated sampling of tablet dissolution testing apparatus. It delivers minimal cross-contamination and short sampling times, enabling accurate assessment of the dissolution profile of even fast release tablets. With a design based around the use of highly accurate bidirectional pumps, Dissofract offers the additional advantages of low dead volume and first in/first out (FIFO) operation, enabling data matching with manual results.

The widespread use of tablets makes drug release or dissolution testing one of the most routinely applied analyses in the pharmaceutical industry. Manual dissolution testing is time-consuming and manually intensive as well as potentially subject to significant error, creating a demand for automation accessories. The Dissofract automatically removes samples from six to eight dissolution vessels at predetermined intervals and deposits them in test tubes or vials for subsequent analysis. It uses a series of bidirectional, small-volume diaphragm pumps (one line per vessel) to eliminate the problems associated with alternative designs centred on peristaltic or syringe pumps.

The bidirectional pumps that drive the flush-sample-purge functions within Dissofract are extremely accurate, with a volumetric precision of <0.25 ml, typically around 0.1 ml. They deliver samples from the vessels on the FIFO principle employed in manual testing and provide a low dead volume system that keeps flush, sample and purge times to an absolute minimum. Flush media recycling eliminates any requirement for media replacement and simplifies dissolution calculations. Cross-contamination is typically <1%, even at the short, two-minute sample intervals required for quick release formulations, bringing new testing capability to the market.

Copley Scientific Ltd, +44 115 961 6229, m.copley@copleyscientific.co.uk, www.copleyscientific.com.