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The vibrating mesh spray technology implemented in the Nano Spray Dryer B-90 was evaluated for pharmaceutical applications by spray drying common pharmaceutical excipients (e.g. trehalose, mannitol) and model drugs (e.g. griseofulvin). Aerosol droplet size measurements investigated the influence of spray solution factors (e.g. viscosity, surface tension) and of vibrating mesh aperture sizes on particle characteristics. Particle deposition on the spray nozzle was addressed by analyzing the influence of spray solute concentration and solvent on the process outcome. Submicron particles with 0.5 µµm and 0.8 µµm mean particle size were obtained at high yields for 50 mg powder amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the performance of a Western immunoblot assay to detect specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies in human saliva. Facts about T. gondii; Examination of the sera and saliva of 201 healthy volunteers; Specificity and sensitivity of the saliva immunoblot test.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a non-steady-state needle sensor to determine the thermal conductivity (lambda) of powders and their blends. It was investigated how lambda of different powders was influenced by (1) bulk vs tapped density, (2) moisture content of the powders, and (3) blending time of the powders. Different powders were evaluated: 2 lactose powders with different properties, a microcrystalline cellulose powder, a cornstarch powder, and 3 herbal extracts. The results show that the values of lambda are highly dependent on the bulk and tapped density of the powders. Bulk density measurements were generally not sensitive enough to detect the moisture content within a powder. The tapped density measurements were reliable and highly reproducible and could differentiate between the nature of a powder and the powder moisture content. Measurements of lambda were able to be used to monitor the powder blending process. To be able to use thermal conductivity measurements to characterize powder properties in quality control, the powder density must be defined because changes in density affect lambda. Using thermal conductivity as a measure for process analytical technology seems to be feasible and can add valuable information to the process under investigation.