RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 An Improved Method for Visualizing the Morphology of Lyophilized Product Cakes
JF PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology
JO PDA J Pharm Sci Technol
FD Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
SP 425
OP 430
DO 10.5731/pdajpst.2011.00749
VO 65
IS 4
A1 Philippe Lam
A1 Thomas W. Patapoff
YR 2011
UL http://journal.pda.org/content/65/4/425.abstract
AB Due to low optical contrast, the morphology of lyophilized product cakes is difficult to observe and photograph. Furthermore, internal structures are normally not visible unless the cake is fractured. Because most lyophilized substances are hygroscopic and quite fragile, the product cake, once removed from the vial, will rapidly degrade. We propose herein a technique that allows a lyophilized product cake to be preserved, manipulated, and easily observed outside the vial. This technique yields high-quality, cross sectional images that reveal intricate fine structures without the use of expensive specialized equipment.