Pharmaceutical Applications of Micro-Thermal Analysis

Abstract

Micro-thermal analysis is a recently introduced thermoanalytical technique that combines the principles of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) with thermal analysis via replacement of the probe tip with a thermistor. This allows samples to be spatially scanned in terms of both topography and thermal conductivity, while by placing the probe on a specific region of a sample and heating it is possible to perform localised thermal analysis (LTA) experiments on those regions. In this minireview the principles of the technique are outlined and the current uses within the polymer sciences described. Current pharmaceutical applications are then discussed; these include the identification of components in compressed tablets, the characterisation of drug-loaded polylactic acid microspheres, the analysis of tablet coats and the identification of amorphous and crystalline regions in semicrystalline samples. The current strengths and weaknesses of the technique are outlined, along with a discussion of the future directions in which the approach may be taken.

A multi-function tribological probe microscope with a hot tip for thermal measurement

“…Moreover, with sharp diamond tip, the spatial resolution is increased and the wear problem of the SThM tip is solved. Last but not least, nanohardness at different localized temperature can also be carried on, which might be interested for some pharmaceutical studies [12].…”

Study of Pharmaceutical Solid Dispersions by Microthermal Analysis

“…One major difference with macrothermal analysis is the heating rate; in LTA, the heating rates range from 5°C/s to 25°C/s. The first applications of TA were done in the polymer field (5,6) but quickly thereafter, articles have been also published in the pharmaceutical field (5,(7)(8)(9)(10).…”

Enantiomeric Determination of Omeprazole and Esomeprazole by a Developed and Validated Chiral HPLC Method and Stability Studies by Microthermal Analysis

“…In addition to these, physical and chemical properties of drug substances were also studied by microthermal analysis combined with TGA, DSC, and SEM as they are well-established techniques for characterizing the morphology and composition of components. [32][33][34] Therefore, the present study covered the development of a improved chiral method, enough validation parameters, % purity of enantiomers, and degradation study along with microthermal analysis. …”