More analysis options: Harro Höfliger opens a new laboratory

The laboratories offer extensive analysis options early in development. (Photo: Harro Höfliger)

With a second laboratory, Harro Höfliger offers additional analysis methods – and reduces process risks in mechanical engineering even before the design phase begins.

With the opening of a new laboratory, Harro Höfliger, a specialist in production and packaging machines, has more than doubled its laboratory space. A total of over 120 m² are now available. Dr. Elke Sternberger-Rützel, Head of the Pharma Services division: “Two laboratories with different focuses offer even more analysis options. In the new laboratory, we are entirely specialized in powders. Our existing laboratory now focuses entirely on liquids and instrumental analytics.” Harro Höfliger’s laboratories support its customers early in product development – for example, in galenic formulation and the development of individual dosing processes.

More possibilities through additional equipment

As part of the renovation, both laboratories received additional equipment. Dr. Elke Sternberger-Rützel: “In our powder laboratory, for example, there is now a 3D scanning microscope that compiles various images into a three-dimensional picture. This allows us to assess the particle structure of powders early on and draw initial conclusions about their machineability.” With further systems, for example, fine particles can be measured, which have a significant impact on how a product can be processed later. The laboratory also received a second New Generation Impactor (NGI), a kind of aerodynamic flow model of the lung.

Physicochemical analyses

In numerous products produced on Harro Höfliger’s systems, liquids play a role. These include soft mist inhalers and oral dissolvable films (ODFs), as well as detergent pods. “We have redesigned our existing laboratory to enable a wide range of physicochemical analyses,” explains Dr. Elke Sternberger-Rützel. “For example, we determine the viscosities of liquids – an important prerequisite for well-functioning dosing processes.”

New equipment includes, for example, a particle measurement device that allows characterization of nano- and microparticles in liquids. Additionally, the laboratory contains two devices for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This allows testing whether and to what extent active ingredient particles accumulate on machine surfaces – ensuring, for example, that there are no uncontrolled active ingredient losses during filling processes. Another component is the so-called Laser Defractor, which enables analysis of spray patterns of soft mist inhalers. Additional equipment is already in planning stages.