title: Applications of the environmental scanning electron microscope to the analysis of pharmaceutical formulations.
abstract: Electron microscopy has been used for several years as a routine tool for the study of pharmaceutical formulations. However, it is usually desirable to obtain information on these systems in the wet state, and there are concerns regarding the interpretation of information provided by conventional electron microscopy where samples are subjected to preparation techniques which may include freezing, drying, fracturing, and coating. The environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) has been used to analyse a number of pharmaceutical samples in their natural state. Results obtained from these samples, including biodegradable matrices, microparticulate systems (both degradable and non-biodegradable), and bioadhesive matrices, will be discussed and the merits and limitations of the ESEM will be highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Emanuele
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gilpin
mesh_terms: D000812:Anhydrides / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods*; D008863:Microspheres; D011091:Polyesters / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000812:Anhydrides; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C033616:poly(lactide)