Solid State characterisation: unlocking the secrets of your compounds

26th July 2023 -

Crysforma offers different types of analyses to determine the properties of solid-state compounds

Are you evaluating your API to select the optimal solid form? Do you need to verify any changes in the crystalline form of your API during the production and storage process? Do you want to ensure the polymorphic stability of your compound?

Crysforma, the crystallisation unit from the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA), provides several analytical techniques to identify the properties of solid state compounds. This characterisation process typically complements the solid state screenings and the optimization of crystallization procedures to define the optimal solid form and the procedure to obtain it.

With the expertise of highly qualified personnel at Crysforma and state-of-the-art equipment from the ICIQ, different characterization techniques can be combined. This know-how enables companies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the composition, structure, properties, and behaviour of their active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This process is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry during drug development.

Solid State Characterisation determines the properties of the solid state in order to discover its composition and its physicochemical properties. This data is necessary for pharmaceutical companies at various stages of their drug development projects, from the compound selection to API stability studies. These include:

• Comparing solid state forms to select the most suitable solid phase.
• Performing quality control on raw pharmaceutical materials to confirm their properties and suitability.
• Determining the solid state of the API in the final formulation to confirm its stability.

Crysforma offers a special Fast Characterisation Service, providing companies with solid state characterisations results within a few days. This quickness allows companies to advance rapidly in their drug development projects and in the production.

Some of the equipment and techniques available in the Crysforma unit are X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction (a cutting-edge technique in ICIQ), thermal analysis, spectroscopic methods, particle size distribution, microscopy and dynamic vapour sorption analysis (DVS).

The ICIQ crystallisation unit also excels in collaborating with national and international pharmaceutical companies. This partnership can be punctual, providing specific analytical services, or in a long-term format. This second type of collaboration allows for enduring contracts, as Crysforma becomes a reliable partner for periodic services and systematic characterisation process for companies.