May 9, 2023

Shelf-Life Estimation by Data Simulation

shelf-life estimation

Formulating a stable system and matching shelf-life requirements is not an easy task and requires strong knowledge of multiple interactions within dispersions. Making the right formulation requires multiple trials to screen different formulations’ targeted physical parameters, while testing different raw materials.

Shelf-life depends on several physical parameters:

  • The initial particle size and the particle size distribution.
  • Visco-elastic properties and values.
  • Density differences between the solvent and the particles.
  • Particle-solvent interaction.

Scientific instruments can save a huge amount of time to determine whether the formulated systems will be stable or not. However, it still requires the effective formulation of several formulas to understand the different impacts of the formulation parameters and the synergies. These trials are extremely time and resource-consuming.

What if we could pre-estimate formulation shelf-life based on these initial physical parameters?

Destabilization phenomena such as sedimentation, creaming, and phase separation have been well studied and modeled. By using modern calculation and data learning processes, algorithms can be taught to simulate formulation evolution upon their initial physical parameters.This is exactly what our Shelf-Life Simulator, our super calculator 😄, can do.

This tool can simulate formulation evolution in the function of time based on the initial physical parameters. Our algorithm has also been fed with visual observation criteria* to determine whenever and when the simulated destabilization can be visible by the naked eye and by using the Turbiscan technology.

* Based on hundreds of experiments performed with a camera and with a Turbiscan

To make it simple: feed our simulator with the formulation physical parameters, let it grind the data for a minute, and you will get:

  • An estimated visual shelf-life 👍
  • The Turbiscan estimated time to detect the destabilization.

How can it be useful to save time in the pre-formulation work?

Thanks to Shelf-Life Simulator, multiple trials are effortless, and you can directly see the impact of formulation options to reach the shelf-life.  For example, do 1µm particle size differences have an impact on a 10% O/W emulsion shelf-life? What about increasing the viscosity by 5%? A slight adjustment of the solvent density ?

The ideal formulation parameters can be pre-estimated in a few clicks and in a few minutes!

Once you have set these parameters, it is time to go to the lab to make the magic happen.
If you want to save time on measuring stability, the Turbiscan is here to help you.

SIMULATE – FORMULATE – DECIDE

 

shelf life simulation

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