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Shelf-Life Estimation by Data Simulation

Formulating a stable system and matching shelf-life requirements is not an easy task and requires strong knowledge of multiple interactions within dispersions. Making the right formulation requires multiple trials to screen different formulations’ targeted physical parameters while testing different raw materials.

Shelf-life depends on several physical parameters:

  • The initial particle size and the particle size distribution
  • Visco-elastic properties and values
  • Density differences between the solvent and the particles
  • Particle-solvent interaction
Scientific instruments can save a huge amount of time to determine whether the formulated systems will be stable or not. However, the effective formulation of several formulas is still required to understand the different impacts of the formulation parameters and the synergies. These trials are extremely time and resource-consuming.

What if we could pre-estimate formulation shelf-life
based on these initial physical parameters?

Destabilization phenomena such as sedimentation, creaming, and phase separation have been well studied and modeled. By using modern calculation and data learning processes, algorithms can be taught to simulate formulation evolution upon their initial physical parameters. This is exactly what Shelf-Life Simulator, our super calculator, can do. This tool can simulate formulation evolution in the function of time based on the initial physical parameters. Our algorithm has also been fed with visual observation criteria* to determine when the simulated destabilization can be visible by the naked eye and by using the TURBISCAN technology.

* Based on hundreds of experiments performed with a camera and with a Turbiscan

Feed our simulator with the formulation physical parameters, let it grind the data for a minute, and you will get:

  • An estimated visual shelf-life
  • TURBISCAN-estimated time to detect the destabilization
  • Time-saving in the pre-formulation work
Thanks to Shelf-Life Simulator, multiple trials are effortless, and you can directly see the impact of formulation options to reach the shelf-life. For example, do 1 µm particle size differences have an impact on a 10% O/W emulsion shelf-life? What about increasing the viscosity by 5%? A slight adjustment of the solvent density?

The ideal formulation parameters can be pre-estimated in a few clicks and a few minutes! Once you have set these parameters, it is time to go to the lab to make the magic happen. If you want to save time on measuring stability, the Turbiscan is here to help you.
 

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Ultimately, the choice of whether to use a simple sieving solution or to invest in Laser Diffraction or Dynamic Image Analysis will depend on the volume of testing, the budgets and staffing available and any specific international standards or customer requirements that you face.

Why not contact Microtrac for a free consultation to find out which solution will deliver the outcome and the Return on Investment you need?

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