Proper dissolution media preparation is fundamental to achieving accurate and reproducible dissolution test results.
Importance of Media Preparation
The dissolution medium mimics conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and can include:
- Buffers to maintain specific pH levels
- Surfactants to improve drug solubility
- Enzymes to simulate biological conditions
Common Dissolution Media
Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF)
- pH approximately 1.2
- Contains hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride
- May include pepsin
Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF)
- pH approximately 6.8
- Phosphate buffer system
- May include pancreatin
Water-Based Media
- Purified water
- Deionized water
- Various pH-adjusted water solutions
Critical Parameters
Deaeration
Dissolved gases can form bubbles on tablet surfaces, affecting dissolution. Proper deaeration methods include:
- Heating and filtering
- Vacuum deaeration
- Helium sparging
Temperature
Media must be maintained at 37°C ± 0.5°C throughout testing.
Volume Accuracy
Precise volume measurement is essential for accurate dissolution rate calculations.
Automated Media Preparators
Benefits
- Consistent media quality
- Reduced preparation time
- Automated deaeration
- Temperature control
- Volume accuracy
Features
- Programmable recipes
- Multiple vessel preparation
- Integrated heating and stirring
- Deaeration systems
What is a Media Preparator?
A media preparator is specialized equipment designed to consistently prepare dissolution media with proper deaeration, temperature, and composition control.