For almost two decades, our Chromatography division has been the backbone of our business through the extensive array of services, spanning from classic thin layer chromatography to cutting-edge gas and liquid chromatography methodologies.
Chromatography
Our seasoned analysts specialise in customising methodologies, delivering both standard and client-specific method testing services. We ensure top-notch analysis across diverse material types, guaranteeing compliance with stringent industry standards to address your unique requirements.
Gas Chromatography
Our Flame Ionisation detector (FID) allows us to carry out testing on a wide range of materials through its robustness, selectivity and high sensitivity. No matter the complexity or simplicity of the compound the FID can provide real-time detection response allowing for rapid analysis of samples.
We also have various sample injection techniques, permitting us to properly optimize method development and provides comprehensive analysis.
- Liquid samples via syringe injection
- Headspace sample
TLC
This timeless form of Chromatography is one of the most cost-effective techniques in pharmaceutical testing. TLC aids the other forms of chromatographic testing through preliminary or confirmation results. TLC can detect a plethora of APIs or impurities through its strong sensitivity levels.
HPLC/UPLC
Zeta specialises in HPLC services as well as UPLC equivalent services. By looking at the interactions between the stationary phase and the mobile phase of a sample, HPLC and UPLC can measure drug potency and purity in products and APIs. However, HPLC is also used at Zeta for the detection of impurity identification, monitoring stability of samples and formulations.
Zeta also has access to many detectors to handle the wide range of clientele, products and testing needs:
- UV/Vis – the concentration of the analyte is found through the absorbance of UV in this detector.
- Diode Array Detector (DAD) – each peak in a chromatogram has spectral information, which the DAD sheds light on. This allows for peak purity assessment, identification of co-eluting co dentification of co-eluting compounds, and determination of analyte concentration at multiple wavelengths compounds, and determination of analyte concentration at multiple wavelengths.
- Fluorescence Detector (FLD) – The quantifying of fluorescent pharmaceutical compounds at low concentrations, an FLD is able to execute this by measuring the analytes’ emitted fluorescence under light.
- Refractive Index (RI) – while the samples is extracted from the column, the RI detector quantifies the change in refractive index. This is commonly used for the analysis of non-chromophoric or non-fluorescent pharmaceutical compounds and samples with that are not well suited to UV or fluorescent detection.
- Electrochemical Detector – Due to the individuality of electrochemical properties within compounds, this detector offers incredibly high sensitivity to be able to detect and quantify the specific pharmaceutical compounds.
Molecular Spectroscopy
UV-Vis
Through the interactions between light and specific molecules UV-Vis Spectroscopy can assess the stability in samples, and determine the concentration of API in a sample.
FTIR
Based on how various chemical bonds, a Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) Spectroscopy can provide valuable information regarding functional group of various molecules. This applies to tablets, capsules, creams and powders.
- Our FTIR systems are enhanced with Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) apparatus, which removes the need for a KBr disc to be required for scanning.
Atomic Spectroscopy
Atomic Absorption
By measuring the radiation absorption of specific atoms, the concentration of a substance can be determined via Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
This can be applied to determine and identify the presence of trace metals, or even elemental impurities.
Emission Spectroscopy
AES measures the light emitted by specific atoms, which allows Zeta to detect the presence of various elements, specifically alkali metals. It can be further applied in the identification of impurities, characterization of raw materials and assessments of formulations.
Flame Photometer
For a cost-effective alternative, a Flame Photometer/ Flame atomic emission spectroscopy (FAES) can reliably be used to identify the presence of sodium and potassium in a vast variety of samples and formulations.
Titrimetry
Titrimetry is a quantitative analytical technique based on the measurement of the volume of a solution of known concentration required to react completely with a measured volume of a solution of unknown concentration.
The various types available at Zeta are:
Auto-Titrator
To minimize human error, the Auto-titrator automates the titration process, providing the most reproducible results. The auto-titrator can be applied to a multitude of titration techniques, such as:
- Acid-Base reactions
- Precipitation reactions
- Oxidation/reduction (redox) titrations
- Complex-formation titrations
Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
Is the most common form of titrimetry, with its reliable and versatile range, and was specifically designed to determine moisture in solids, liquids and gases.
Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration
For products in need of more accurate detection due to extremely low moisture levels, the Coulometric Karl Fischer can detect moisture content through measuring the amount of electricity required to generate iodine from the reaction between water and the reagent.
Optrode Titrations
For scenarios where the traditional methods are not appropriate, the Optrode titrations can be used to reliably detect end points in even the most coloured samples. Its high sensitivity makes it suitable for critical applications in pH, redox and ion-selective titrations. Optrode Titrations being non-invasive is paramount in its usefulness in the instance of retesting or further analysis.
In-vitro Dissolution
In-vitro Dissolution is used to determine the rate at which a pharmaceutical ingredient is released from the solid/semi-solid dose into the chosen medium. The mediums often emulate intestinal or gastric fluids, giving us a clear understanding of how well the medicine releases the active upon consumption. Depending on the desired environment the following types are available at Zeta:
- Pharmacopeia Type 1: Basket Stirring
- Pharmacopeia Type 2: Paddle Stirring
- Disk Assembly Method for Transdermal patch testing.
Physical Testing
Physicochemical properties of substances can be determined by the following techniques at Zeta:
- Polarimetric
- Gravimetry
- Tablet Hardness
- Tablet Disintegration
- Friability
- Rotatory Viscometer
- U-Tube Viscometer
