The recent journal article ‘Plasma-assisted surface engineering for value added in starch bioplastics: A study on enhanced surface properties and natural dye’ by Bidhari Pidhatika et al. analyzes how starch-based bioplastics can be coloured using natural dyes. Thus, this study aims to support the search for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. 
robial air samplers in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities can be used via several methods:
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The shelf-life of a product is a critical factor in ensuring that the product performs as intended, maintains the required
Particle Measuring Systems (PMS), a global leader in contamination monitoring, and Pharma Integration, a company that specializes in innovative robotic solutions for small volume fill-finishing for next-generation injectable drugs are proud to announce the launch of the BioCapt Single-Use AutoM Microbial Impactor.
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ourtesy of To display particle counts in oil and fuel samples and even water-based hydraulic fluids, in a simplified and uniform way, results are often reported in cleanliness classes according to a specific reporting standard. In the following article we discuss the most common and important international standard the ISO 4406 triple code.
Compressed Gas Systems in Aseptic Manufacturing
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- Created: Friday, 18 October 2024 14:22
courtesy of Particle Measuring Systems
In the world of aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing, the reliability and safety of utilities are paramount. Utilities can be categorized into two main types: process systems and process support systems. While process support systems do not directly impact product quality or patient safety, process systems are critical as they interact with products or essential materials. One of the most vital process systems in this context is compressed gas.
Compressed gas systems in aseptic manufacturing, including air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and gaseous hydrogen, play a crucial role throughout various stages of pharmaceutical processes. Therefore, understanding and managing the risks associated with these systems is essential for maintaining product quality and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Polymer surfactants as viscosity reducers for ultra-heavy oil
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- Created: Monday, 23 September 2024 15:10
courtesy of DataPhysics
The article Polymer surfactants as viscosity reducers for ultra-heavy oil: Synthesis and viscosity reduction mechanism’ by Xiaojun Zhang et al., published in the journal ‘Fuel’, explores how novel polymer surfactants can reduce the viscosity of ultra-heavy oils. The key finding of the article is the successful synthesis and application of such novel polymeric surfactants, called PAMOs. They have been shown by the researchers to reduce the viscosity of ultra-heavy oil by more than 90% at a concentration of just 3 mg/mL.
Microbial Sampling Criteria
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- Created: Monday, 16 September 2024 14:23
courtest of Particle Measuring Systems
In the pharmaceutical 
manufacturing industry, ensuring sterility and minimizing microbial contamination are critical for maintaining product quality and safety. Microbial sampling is a key component of environmental monitoring, and understanding the optimal criteria for sampling can significantly impact the effectiveness of sterility assurance programs.
Introduction to Microbial Sampling Methods
In a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, microbial sampling is conducted using several methods, each with its own set of instruments and techniques. The primary methods include:
- Surface Sampling: Typically performed using swabs or contact plates to collect microbes from surfaces.
- Passive Aerosol (Air) Environmental Sampling: Involves the use of settle plates to capture airborne particles that settle over time.
- Active Aerosol (Air) Environmental Sampling: Utilizes devices that actively draw air through a collection medium, such as an impactor, to capture airborne microorganisms.
Introducing the MPA Horizon
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- Created: Tuesday, 10 September 2024 11:20
Surface Measurement Systems announced the release of their new self-contained cross-flow gas permeation analyzer called the MPA Horizon. It has been designed to revolutionize membrane testing. It analyzes gas and vapour permeation, water transfer rates (WVTR), and oxygen transfer rate (OTR) under real-world conditions, helping you optimize barrier performance and material efficiency.
Available Now: Carbon Capture Storage Review
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- Created: Tuesday, 20 August 2024 14:35
courtesy of Surface Measurement Systems
A comprehensive white paper for CCUS applications & solutions
We are happy to make available this comprehensive review of the challenges, solutions, and scientific findings of evaluating materials for their Carbon Capture and Storage potential.
With expertise in the ever-advancing field of CCUS being essential to success, we hope this white paper provides a key touchpoint for you to gain a detailed overview of how far we’ve come.
This essential resource dives into the challenges, solutions, and scientific findings related to evaluating materials for their Carbon Capture and Storage potential.
Stay ahead in the evolving field of CCUS and gain valuable insights. Don’t miss out on this key touchpoint—download now https://bit.ly/4d2rcHG
PAMAS particle counters
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- Created: Tuesday, 20 August 2024 14:05
courtesy of Pamas
Particle measuring technology is used to control cleanliness of liquids and to identify quality deficiencies and excessive wear in order to avoid eventual costly machine failures. PAMAS particle counters measure solid particulate contamination of liquids and control the efficiency of filters and the cleanliness of liquids.
Particles circulating at high speed and pressure in the liquids of turbines, power plants, gearboxes and offshore applications are capable of damaging mechanical parts of the system.
Particles affect both the quality of liquids (e.g. contaminants in pharmaceutical solutions, drinking water or process water), and also the connected components and machines (e.g. in aviation and hydraulics in general).
What impact does triboelectricty have on material properites ?
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- Created: Tuesday, 20 August 2024 14:01
courtesy of DataPhysics
Contact electrification (also known as triboelectricity) is a phenomenon that can occur at the interface between two materials. It means that the materials become electrically charged when they come into contact with each other. A well-known, everyday example of contact electrification is when your hair sticks out in all directions after rubbing it against a balloon.
In a recent journal article by Tang et al., the researchers investigated the relationship between electric charge density and wettability behaviour at a solid-liquid interface after contact electrification. The study looked at 24 different materials in total and found a linear relationship between charge density and wettability.
Uninterrupted, Continuous Cleanroom Monitoring During IT Outages with FacilityPro®
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- Created: Tuesday, 20 August 2024 13:47
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In the pharmaceutical industry, maintaining a controlled environment in cleanrooms is critical for product integrity and compliance. The recent CrowdStrike incident caused significant IT outages globally, affecting flight control, banking, logistics, and pharmaceuticals.
Our FacilityPro® environmental monitoring system showcased exceptional performance during this recent event, ensuring uninterrupted and continuous cleanroom monitoring and control. FacilityPro is a vital component of our Facility Monitoring Systems (FMS) product line, integrating sampling, reporting, and data retention of particle, microbial, and environmental data. It complies with strict Data Integrity requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11, providing efficient data access, enhanced automation, reduced human error, and regulatory compliance.
Determination of the surface potential and isoelectric point of ion-exchange membranes with a zeta potential analyzer
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- Created: Thursday, 11 July 2024 14:04
courtesy of DataPhysics
Ion-exchange membranes are widely used in numerous applications, such as water treatment, chemistry, electrolysis, sensorics and other fields. A good ion transfer selectivity of the ion-exchange membrane is highly important for all of these applications. The charge structure and composition of ion-exchange membranes has a strong influence on the mobility of different ions or molecules and thus governs the selectivity of ion transport processes through the membrane.[1] Therefore, it is of great importance to have a good technique to characterise the charged surface functionalities of ion-exchange membranes. A powerful technique to evaluate charged surface functionalities is the measurement of the zeta potential, that is, the electric potential of solid surfaces in contact with an electrolyte solution. With this information it is possible to better understand the dissociation state of functional groups on the surface, and conclude the electrostatic interactions that will occur with other materials such as charged particles. The new Zeta Potential Analyzer ZPA 20 from DataPhysics Instruments (Fig. 1) measures the zeta potential of fibres, powders and plate shaped surfaces by means of a novel bidirectional oscillating streaming potential or streaming current technique. In this application note, we study the functional groups of different ion-exchange membrane surfaces with the ZPA 20.
Surface Measurment Systems launches the Sorption Store
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- Created: Thursday, 11 July 2024 12:53
Surface Measurement Systems recently announced the launch of their new online store. Your one-stop shop for consumables and accessories for DVS,IGC, and Breakthrough Analysis instruments. Enjoy instant payment and fast delivery, so your team can focus on top-notch results!
Pamas - liquid particle counters for industry
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- Created: Thursday, 11 July 2024 12:37
by Albrecht Truter
Founded in 1992, PAMAS develops, manufactures, distributes and services laser particle counters to measure particulate contamination in liquids. They offer a range of particle counters from online particle counters like the S50, portable counters like the S40 / S40Go and the flagship benchtop particle size analyser the SBSS.
Why is 50% the Limit for Particle Counting Efficiency Sizing Thresholds?
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- Created: Thursday, 11 July 2024 12:07
courtesy of Particle Measuring Systems
Particle counting efficiency is crucial in particle measurement, especially when using optical particle counters. This term denotes the likelihood of precisely detecting and enumerating particles within a specified size spectrum. In this context, the term “particle counting efficiency” represents the ability of the particle counter to quantify particles of a given size accurately. It measures the instrument’s performance, indicating how effectively it can detect and count particles of various sizes.
The significance of particle counting efficiency lies in its direct impact on the reliability and accuracy of particle measurement. For instance, in applications such as air quality monitoring, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or research in aerosol science, the precision in measuring particle size and concentration is paramount. A higher counting efficiency means the counter is more effective in detecting and counting the particles within its designated size range, leading to more accurate and reliable data.
DataPhysics Instruments introduces the new, Portable Contact Angle Goniometer PCA 200 for precise determination of the Surface Energy
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- Created: Thursday, 13 June 2024 16:22
courtesy of DataPhysics
DataPhysics Instruments has launched a world first, the PCA 200 Portable Contact Angle Goniometer - a fully autonomous device for determining the surface energy. Developed as an alternative to test inks for quality control and production, it employs a quantitative, reproducible measurement methodology. The PCA 200 enables the non-destructive testing of surfaces of any size, occupying no more space than a typical digital camera.
The measuring device manufacturer DataPhysics Instruments has expanded its product portfolio with the Portable Contact Angle Goniometer PCA 200. The PCA 200 is a compact, autonomous measuring device that determines contact angles and surface energy at the touch of a button. The PCA 200 is a significant addition to our portfolio,
says Sebastian Schaubach, Chief Innovation Manager at DataPhysics Instruments. With the PCA 200, we can now offer a handheld device. Its compact design makes it the perfect companion for quality control of solid surfaces in production and incoming goods inspection.
Studying Moisture Induced Transformations and Degradation of Pharmaceutical Ingredients Using Raman Spectroscopy Combined with Dynamic Vapor Sorption
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- Created: Thursday, 13 June 2024 16:12
courtesy of Surface Measurement Systems
This study investigates the chemical degradation and dehydration behaviours of pharmaceutical compounds, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and citric acid monohydrate, used in drug formulation, stability, and drug delivery systems. The combination of DVS and Raman spectroscopy reveals changes during ASA degradation, influenced by humidity and temperature. Analysing the process of dehydration of citric acid monohydrate is important when understanding drug release mechanisms. This has been shown to be affected by temperature and humidity, with higher humidity necessitating elevated temperatures to produce its anhydrous form. Understanding the changes and kinetics involved in these processes can influence decisions in pharmaceutical design, enhancing drug efficacy and shelf-life.
The Pamas S40 GO
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- Created: Monday, 10 June 2024 16:40
courtesy of Pamas
The Particle counter in a rugged case PAMAS GO for the remote on-site analysis of fluid samples – pressureless sampling and up to 420 bar system pressure testing
The rugged and resistant PAMAS S40 GO portable particle counter is built to meet the demands of the harshest environments and can be used for field analyses or laboratory measurements. The instrument includes an integrated battery for mains free operation on site. It is small and light enough to fit into an aircraft overhead locker. The rugged case PAMAS GO is watertight and protects the instrument against harsh environments and during transportation.
Applying Appropriate Limits in Cleanroom Monitoring
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- Created: Wednesday, 15 May 2024 12:38
courtesy of Particle Measuring Systems
Selecting the right monitoring technique is pivotal in cleanroom contamination control. These specialized environments demand rigorous standards to ensure product integrity and safety. They are, after all, responsible for some of the most hygiene-critical applications on earth, from pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities to semiconductor fabrication plants.
To minimize the risk of contamination and provide the highest cleanliness levels, stringent regulatory standards are implemented for cleanroom monitoring in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing. These regulations help to provide more control over their environments. Examples of these standards include ISO 14644-1:2015 and the European Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP) Annex 1.
Surface measurement Systems introduces the IGC-SEA Nova
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- Created: Thursday, 02 May 2024 16:07
A bold new addition to the Inverse Gas Chromatography (iGC) line of Surface Energy Analyzers, the iGC-SEA Nova
combines all the unique capabilities of the original iGC-SEA instrument with a powerful new high-temperature sample oven.
Start-up droptical and DataPhysics Instruments launch new dosing system
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- Created: Monday, 22 April 2024 14:35
courtesy of DataPhysics Instruments
DataPhysics Instruments and the start-up droptical from Nuremberg are bringing the FlexDrop dosing system to market. The FlexDrop dosing system is compatible with all contact angle meters of the OCA series and can dose tiny drops in the picolitre and nanolitre range. The two companies are thus setting new standards for contact angle and 1-click surface energy measurements, especially on very small surface areas.
The PAMAS SBSS - the reference liquid particle counter
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- Created: Monday, 22 April 2024 14:20
The PAMAS SBSS is the standard instrument used as a reference in many testing labs.
The instrument can be configured to measure a sample with the press of a single button.
Actions like pre-filling sample, sample degassing with vacuum, and pressurising the sample
for a number of measurement runs are all done automatically.
Contamination Control Strategies for Innovation and Regulatory Compliance FAQ
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- Created: Monday, 22 April 2024 13:57
courtesy of Particle Measuring Systems
Maintaining environmental contamination control is one of the objectives of regulatory guidelines for the pharmaceutical field. As outlined in the EU GMP Annex 1 regulatory standard for sterile drug products, a Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) is a way to outline a method to identify and analyze risk, review the mitigating opportunities and innovations, and ultimately define corrective and preventive action plans. Implementation of a CCS attempts to address the varied causes of contamination and compromised sterility.
The 2024 Carbon Capture Innovation Prize launches
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- Created: Monday, 22 April 2024 12:35
courtesy of Surface Measurement Systems
Singapore, April 2024 | Surface Measurement Systems is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Carbon Capture Innovation Prize, a prestigious competition designed to accelerate research in the field of carbon capture technology. In a groundbreaking initiative alongside MOF2024, this challenge aims to support researchers seeking to revolutionize the way we employ materials to combat carbon emissions via carbon capture, and to highlight their pioneering research work. The final winner of this Prize will be awarded a DVS Carbon instrument valued at over $150,000, a state-of-the-art scientific instrument that accurately measures CO2 uptake in materials under a range of real-world conditions.