8 April 2014:Malvern, UK: A new software upgrade for the Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer from Malvern Instruments continues to lighten the analytical workload associated with developing and validating robust particle sizing methods for pharmaceutical applications. Smart new operational features, such as an Optical Property Optimizer (OPO), simplify and streamline the process of method development, while a growing range of integrated visual guides, covering every aspect of the operation of the Mastersizer system.
The new OPO tool enables the accurate identification of appropriate refractive index and absorption values for the optimal analysis of any given sample. It also allows analysts to explore the impact of optical properties on reported particle size, in real time, using an intuitive ‘point and click’ tool. This eases exploration of the operating space in which robust measurement is consistently assured, to define the method operable design region (MODR) for a particle size analysis method.
The new software also offers embedded video support which delivers expert advice on the use of the OPO optimizer, as well as visual guides, tutorials and walkthroughs covering all aspects of the Mastersizer 3000 software. Together, the new updates help users to take a systematic, risk assessment lead approach to method development and support the application of Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD).
AQbD extends the scientific rigor and benefits established within QbD to the development of robust, precise and reproducible analytical processes that work successfully across the lifetime of the pharmaceutical product. The new OPO, in combination with existing features such as the standard operating procedure player, help scientists to adopt a Design of Experiment (DOE) approach to laser diffraction particle size measurement, as advocated by AQbD, to comprehensively understand all aspects of the analysis.
Malvern’s continued advances in analytical instrumentation and accessible operating software provide the tools to quickly develop and implement the most advanced and up-to-date analytical methodologies available. To find out more about the new software and how it can help you visit http://www.malvern.com/mastersizer3000
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