Quantitative Image Analysis for Evaluating the Coating Thickness and Pore Distribution in Coated Small Particles |
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Authors: | Laksmana F L Van Vliet L J Hartman Kok P J A Vromans H Frijlink HW Van der Voort Maarschalk K |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;(2) Department of Imaging Science and Technology, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands;(3) Department of Pharmaceutics, Schering-Plough, PO BOX 20, 5340 BH Oss, The Netherlands;(4) Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, PO BOX 80082, 3508TB Utrecht, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Purpose This study aims to develop a characterization method for coating structure based on image analysis, which is particularly
promising for the rational design of coated particles in the pharmaceutical industry.
Methods The method applies the MATLAB image processing toolbox to images of coated particles taken with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
(CSLM). The coating thicknesses have been determined along the particle perimeter, from which a statistical analysis could
be performed to obtain relevant thickness properties, e.g. the minimum coating thickness and the span of the thickness distribution.
The characterization of the pore structure involved a proper segmentation of pores from the coating and a granulometry operation.
Results The presented method facilitates the quantification of porosity, thickness and pore size distribution of a coating. These
parameters are considered the important coating properties, which are critical to coating functionality. Additionally, the
effect of the coating process variations on coating quality can straight-forwardly be assessed.
Conclusions Enabling a good characterization of the coating qualities, the presented method can be used as a fast and effective tool to
predict coating functionality. This approach also enables the influence of different process conditions on coating properties
to be effectively monitored, which latterly leads to process tailoring. |
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Keywords: | coating pore size distribution porosity quantitative image analysis thickness distribution |
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