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Accelerating acquisition of the data required to implement quality by design, inhaler-testing tools streamline the screening process for these pharmaceutical delivery products. Copley Scientific Ltd. (Nottingham, UK; www.copleyscientific.com [5]) designed these analytical accessories to modify the performance of cascade impactors specified in the official US and European pharmacopoeias, allowing the fraction of a dose that will be inhaled to be rapidly identified. Cascade impactors are used routinely in the testing of inhalation products. The test accessories are available as options for Andersen (ACI) and Next Generation (NGI) pharmaceutical impactors and for the Multi-Stage Liquid Impinger (MSLI).
A new exhaust cup allows flow extraction from any stage within the NGI and reintroduction of flow further downstream so as to reduce the number of impactor stages used. A deep cup enables a single stage to be bypassed so that the sample passes through without impaction. For the ACI, a similar effect is achieved by omitting stages from the standard stack; clamps are offered to ensure an adequate seal for modified configurations. In addition to the standard five-stage accessory for the MLSI, a four-stage option is available. Using these options to coarsen the separation characteristics of the instrument minimizes the number of fractions produced.