Faculty
The Medway Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCPS) offers comprehensive analytical and physicochemical characterisation services to support formulation development, method validation, regulatory submissions, and product performance optimisation. Our testing capabilities span small molecules, biologics, novel delivery systems, and complex food–pharma matrices.
Chromatography and Spectroscopy
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Ultra-Violet Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy
- Mass Spectrometry (MS)
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
- Raman Spectroscopy
- Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
- Evaporative Light Scattering Detection (ELSD)
- Gas Chromatography (GC)
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Circular Dichroism (CD) for protein secondary structure analysis
Solid-State and Structural Analysis
- X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
- Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS)
- Contact Angle Measurement for surface wettability
Particle Size and Surface Property Characterisation
Our facility offers an extensive suite of analytical methods to evaluate particle size distribution, flow properties, surface charge, and structural characteristics of pharmaceutical powders, suspensions, and multi-particulates. These tests support formulation design, process optimisation, and quality control.
- Zetasizer Nano
- Particle size distribution (sub-micron to nanometre scale)
- Zeta potential for colloidal stability prediction
- Mastersizer
- Laser diffraction for dry and wet particle size analysis (micron scale)
- Supports raw material characterisation and post-processing assessment
- Jet Milling
- Particle size reduction to improve dissolution and bioavailability
- Enables production of fine powders for inhalation and solid dosage forms
- Powder Flowability Testing
- Angle of repose, Carr’s Index, Hausner Ratio
- Critical for assessing handling properties during blending, filling, and compression
- Bulk & Tapped Density Measurements
- Key for dose uniformity, tablet/capsule filling, and compaction studies
- Porosity Analysis
- Calculated from true and bulk density
- Influences dissolution, disintegration, and mechanical behaviour of solid dosage forms
- Can be complemented by imaging (SEM) or mercury porosimetry for deeper pore structure analysis
Stability and Shelf-Life Studies
- ICH-compliant stability testing (Zone II & IV)
- Photostability, humidity & temperature stress testing
- Forced degradation studies for degradant profiling
- Regulatory-ready analytical method development & validation (ICH Q2 (R2))
In Vitro Release Testing and Permeability Studies
- Franz Diffusion Cell Systems for topical, transdermal, and mucosal delivery
- USP Apparatus II (Paddle) for dissolution profiling of oral dosage forms
- Bio-DIS systems for testing complex or modified-release formulations
Rheological and Flow Behaviour Analysis
- Rheometry & Viscosity Testing
- Measurement of flow properties in gels, emulsions, suspensions, and semisolids
- Shear-thinning, thixotropy, viscoelasticity and flow stability profiling
Texture and Mechanical Profiling
Texture Analysis for:
- Pharmaceutical applications (chewable tablets, gels, film formulations)
- Food and nutraceutical products (mouthfeel, hardness, spreadability)
Drying and Particle Engineering
- Freeze Dryer (Lyophiliser) for biologics, injectables, and thermolabile APIs
- Spray Dryer for amorphous dispersions, inhalable therapeutics, and powder generation
- Microfluidics Platforms for the controlled fabrication of microspheres, emulsions, and encapsulated systems