2 research outputs found
Principles and Applications of Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS): A Sound Approach for the Analysis of Compounds
The dissolution of a compound results in the introduction
and generation of gas bubbles in the solvent. This formation is due
to entrained gases adhered to or trapped within the particles. Furthermore,
a reduction in gas solubility due to the solute results in additional
bubble generation. Their presence increases the compressibility of
the solvent with the added effect of reducing the velocity of sound
in the solvent. This effect is monitored via the frequency change
of acoustic resonances that are mechanically provoked in the solvent
and are now used as an insightful analytical technique. An experimental
set up was designed to study a large number of compounds as a function
of time, concentration, and solvent system. This revealed the role
of the various physical and chemical mechanisms in determining the
observed response. It is also shown that this response is strongly
dependent on the physical and chemical characteristics of the solute
compound used, therefore resulting in a method for the characterization
of compounds and mixtures. Additional factors such as morphology (polymorphism),
particle size, and dissolution rate are shown to be key in the variation
of the resulting response. A mathematical model has also been developed
in parallel, which inter-relates the various processes involved in
the observed response. It is anticipated that BARDS will open up a
new window into transient dissolution processes and compound characterization
Sounding out falsified medicines from genuine medicines using broadband acoustic resonance dissolution spectroscopy (BARDS)
The trade in falsified medicine has increased significantly and it is estimated that global falsified sales have reached $100 billion in 2020. The EU Falsified Medicines Directive states that falsified medicines do not only reach patients through illegal routes but also via the legal supply chain. Falsified medicines can contain harmful ingredients. They can also contain too little or too much active ingredient or no active ingredient at all. BARDS (Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy) harnesses an acoustic phenomenon associated with the dissolution of a sample (tablet or powder). The resulting
acoustic spectrum is unique and intrinsic to the sample and can be used as an identifier or signature profile. BARDS was evaluated in this study to determine whether a product is falsified or genuine in a rapid manner and at lower cost than many existing technologies. A range of genuine and falsified medicines, including falsified antimalarial tablets from south-east Asia, were tested, and compared to their counterpart genuine products. Significant differences between genuine and falsified doses were found in their acoustic signatures as they disintegrate and dissolve. Principal component analysis was employed to differentiate between the genuine and falsified medicines. This demonstrates that the
tablets and capsules included here have intrinsic acoustic signatures which could be used to screen the quality of medicines