Viscosity is vital for various pharmaceutical products. The viscosity of a liquid or semi-solid pharmaceutical formulation can significantly impact its stability, flow properties, drug release characteristics, and overall performance. Protheragen-ING Lab provides comprehensive viscosity testing services to help you meet regulatory requirements and maintain high-quality standards for your pharmaceutical products.
What is viscosity testing?
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It is typically expressed in units of centipoise (cP) or millipascal-seconds (mPa·s). Viscosity testing involves determining the flow behavior of a pharmaceutical preparation, such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels, or ointments.
The most common method for measuring viscosity in the pharmaceutical industry is the rotational viscometer. This instrument determines the torque required to rotate a spindle immersed in the sample at a controlled shear rate or shear stress. The viscosity is then calculated based on the measured torque.
Protheragen-ING Lab’s viscosity testing services
We utilize state-of-the-art rheometers and viscometers to conduct precise viscosity measurements. Our services include:
a. Newtonian Fluid Testing: For fluids with constant viscosity regardless of the applied shear rate.
b. Non-Newtonian Fluid Testing: For fluids whose viscosity changes with the applied shear rate, such as shear-thinning and shear-thickening fluids.
c. Temperature-Dependent Viscosity Testing: Assessing how temperature variations affect the viscosity of your products.
d. Shear Rate and Shear Stress Testing: Evaluating how your formulations respond to different shear rates and stresses, crucial for understanding flow behavior under various conditions.
Protheragen-ING Lab’s methodology
Our viscosity testing follows industry-standard methods, including:
Brookfield Viscometry
Utilizing rotational viscometers to measure the viscosity of a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations.
Capillary Viscometry
Measuring the flow time of liquids through a capillary tube, suitable for low-viscosity fluids.
Cone and Plate Viscometry
Providing accurate viscosity measurements for small sample volumes, ideal for high-value pharmaceutical products.
Oscillatory Rheometry
Analyzing the viscoelastic properties of your formulations, offering insights into both the viscous and elastic behavior.
Applications
Our viscosity testing is applied across various stages of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, including:
- Formulation Development: Ensuring optimal viscosity for stability, efficacy, and patient acceptability.
- Quality Control: Monitoring batch-to-batch consistency and compliance with specifications.
- Regulatory Submission: Providing essential data for regulatory filings and approvals.
- Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving issues related to formulation viscosity during manufacturing.
Whether you require routine quality control viscosity measurements or more complex rheological characterization to support your drug product development, our team has the expertise and instrumentation to meet your needs. Please contact us to discuss how our viscosity testing capabilities can assist your pharmaceutical project.