The aim of this book is to present a range of analytical methods that
can be used in formulation design and development and focus on how these
systems can be applied to understand formulation components and the
dosage form these build. To effectively design and exploit drug delivery
systems, the underlying characteristic of a dosage form must be
understood--from the characteristics of the individual formulation
components, to how they act and interact within the formulation, and
finally, to how this formulation responds in different biological
environments. To achieve this, there is a wide range of analytical
techniques that can be adopted to understand and elucidate the mechanics
of drug delivery and drug formulation. Such methods include e.g.
spectroscopic analysis, diffractometric analysis, thermal
investigations, surface analytical techniques, particle size analysis,
rheological techniques, methods to characterize drug stability and
release, and biological analysis in appropriate cell and animal models.
Whilst each of these methods can encompass a full research area in their
own right, formulation scientists must be able to effectively apply
these methods to the delivery system they are considering.
The information in this book is designed to support researchers in their
ability to fully characterize and analyze a range of delivery systems,
using an appropriate selection of analytical techniques. Due to its
consideration of regulatory approval, this book will also be suitable
for industrial researchers both at early stage up to pre-clinical
research.
