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Counterfeit Screening Using Raman Analysis
Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a global problem and include not only products containing potentially harmful substances, but also products that contain no or diluted amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Because of this growing problem, the need for fast and easy screening techniques in the field has become increasingly urgent. Handheld Raman spectroscopy provides regulatory enforcement agencies the ability to examine the chemical composition of authentic products on the spot, resulting in rapid identification of counterfeits and immediate removal from the supply chain.
Minimize Fluorescence While Maximizing Efficiency
Fluorescence interference is a challenge in detecting counterfeit drugs with handheld Raman analyzers using 785nm laser excitation sources. With a higher excitation wavelength generated by the handheld Rigaku ProgenyTM 1064nm analyzer, signal blocking fluorescence is minimized. To demonstrate the advantages of the use of a 1064nm analyzer, samples were analyzed with 1064nm and 785nm spectrometers (Figures 1-3). In all cases, excitation at 785nm yielded a strong fluorescence background precluding comparison of authentic and counterfeit products. In contrast, 1064nm spectra produced compound specific “signature” Raman peaks used to clearly distinguish between authentic and counterfeit products. Figure 3 shows a comparison of spectra obtained from a coated tablet with those from the core of tablet. It is clear that the 1064nm excitation Raman analyzer can measure the tablet through the coating and see peaks that are specific to the API. Performance of an on-board spectral comparison resulted in accurate identification of the substance in question.
Figure 1. Authentic Alli® spectra acquired at 785nm excitation (red trace) and 1064nm excitation (blue trace = authentic and green trace = counterfeit).
Figure 2. Authentic Viagra® spectra acquired at 785nm excitation (red trace) and 1064nm excitation (blue trace = authentic and green trace = counterfeit).
Figure 3. Viagra® coated and core spectra acquired at 1064nm excitation (red and blue traces) along with the Opadry Blue (green trace). API bands are labeled.