SwRI: Encapsulation Product Characterization, including microencapsulation, nanoencapsulation, product characterization, particle morphology, thermal analysis, rheology, molecular modeling, and analytical methods.

  image of SwRI scientist using top-of-the-line molecular modeling systems for applying computational methods in pharmaceutical development to better understand protein and ligand interactions and new compound designs.
 

SwRI scientists use top-of-the-line molecular modeling systems for applying computational methods in pharmaceutical development to better understand protein and ligand interactions and new compound designs.

A variety of analytical and physical methods are used by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists to characterize particles and encapsulated ingredients. SwRI routinely determines:

  • Particle size

  • Payload

  • Content uniformity and stability

  • Active ingredient release profiles and activity

  • Colloid stability

  • Particle stability

Particles

  • Sizing down to 3 nm

  • Powders

  • Dispersions (aqueous and organics)

  • Zeta potential

Particle Morphology

  • Atomic force

  • SEM/EDX (scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy)

  • Environmental SEM/STEM [scanning electron microscope (SEM)/scanning-transmission electron microscope (STEM)]

  • Optical microscopy

      image of SwRI staff using an environmental scanning electron microscope to image nonconductive samples without extensive sample preparation.
     

    Using an environmental scanning electron microscope, SwRI scientists are able to image nonconductive samples without extensive sample preparation.

Thermal Analysis

  • Differential scanning calorimetry

  • Thermal gravimetric analysis

  • Dynamic mechanical analysis

Rheology

  • Low viscosity fluids, gelation and curing profiles, reinforced solid mechanical properties

  • Large dynamic shear range, sub-ambient to >600?C temperature range

  • Multiple frequency waveform generation

Payload/Content

  • HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography)

  • IC, GC (gas chromatography), GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry)

  • Fluorescent

  • Thermal gravimetric analysis

Release

  image of ESEM images of the SwRI MEMS logo
 

Environmentas scanning electron microscope (ESEM)  images of the SwRI microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) logo.

  • Dissolution (pH, solvent)

  • Thermal

  • Pressure

  • Simulated body fluids

  • Cell culture

  • Tissue culture

Stability

  • Controlled environment such as:

    • Time

    • Temperature

    • Relative humidity

    • Ultraviolet

    • Acoustic

  • Simulated fluids

  • Thermal and pressure

  • Byproducts

Specialized

  • Biological Safety Laboratory (BSL) 2-4

  • Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

For more information about micro/nano encapsulation product characterization methods and capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please fill out and submit the Microencapsulation Requirements form or contact Joseph Persyn, M.S., at jpersyn@swri.org or (210) 522-2691, or James Oxley, Ph.D., at joxley@swri.org or (210) 522-2913.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.