Substrate

Overview
The Malvern Glass Disc Cup enables collection of aerosolised drug particles onto a quartz glass disk for subsequent image-based morphological analysis. This method complements aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) by providing component-specific geometric size and shape data.

Purpose & application
Used in inhaled product development and generic comparability studies, the technique helps differentiate formulations with similar APSD but varying particle morphology. It supports investigations of potential impacts on bioavailability and in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC).

Method & equipment
Particles are captured on a quartz glass disk using the Malvern Glass Disc Cup. The disk is then transferred to an image analysis system such as the Malvern Panalytical Morphologi 4‑ID (or equivalent) for automated image acquisition and morphometric analysis. The workflow yields component-specific morphology data from aerosolised formulations.

Key benefits

• Provides geometric particle size and shape information in addition to APSD results
• Enables identification of formulation differences that may affect bioavailability or device performance
• Supports generic product development by helping to replicate reference product morphology
• Permits transfer of collected samples on quartz disks to image analysis instruments (e.g. Morphologi 4‑ID)

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Collection substrate: quartz glass disk (collected via Malvern Glass Disc Cup)
• Compatible analysis system: Malvern Panalytical Morphologi 4‑ID or equivalent image-based morphometry system
• Primary application: morphological analysis of inhaled/aerosolised product particles to support IVIVC and formulation development
• Method: particle collection on glass disk followed by transfer to morphologi/image analysis instrument