Copley Scientific has introduced the NGI cup coater, a new tool for use in semi-automated inhaler product testing.
The Next Generation Impactor (NGI) is being used for aerodynamic-particle size measurement, as prescribed by regulators for all inhaled drug products.
Applying a sticky layer to the cups of the impactor improves measurement accuracy, particularly for dry-powder inhaler formulations, by reducing particle bounce and re-entrainment.
Copley's NGI cup coater automates this process, replacing conventional coating methods such as spraying, dipping or pipetting, which are often manual, messy and time-consuming.
Automating the coating process frees up analysts to perform other tasks, eliminates the variability associated with a manual procedure and reduces solvent wastage.
The cup coater is easy to use and holds a set of eight cups for simultaneous coating of all collection surfaces.
The coating liquid, typically a solution of silicone oil, glycerol or PEG in a solvent such as hexane, is pumped into the rig to fill the cups and then the excess is drawn out, the tray tilting to ensure the removal of all liquid.
Fans help to evaporate the remaining solvent, leaving behind the sticky layer.
The coating is dispensed in a fixed period of time, but the speed of the peristaltic pump used for filling and the drying time are variable, so the coating parameters can be adjusted in line with the viscosity of the solution.
