S. Gaisford et G. Buckton, Potential applications of microcalorimetry for the study of physical processes in pharmaceuticals, THERMOC ACT, 380(2), 2001, pp. 185-198
In calorimetry, the heat-flow to or from a sample is measured as a function
of time (isothermal calorimetry) or temperature (scanning calorimetry). Th
e technique is not dependent on the physical form of the sample and is usua
lly non-destructive (exceptions include temperature-induced irreversible ph
ase transitions and thermal decomposition). The inherent sensitivity of mod
em instruments allows measurements on the micro-Watt scale. Calorimetry is
highly suited to the study of pharmaceutical systems because small sample m
asses are usually required and the technique is very sensitive to changes i
nduced by, for instance, formulation or processing. It is the purpose of th
is review to show applications of both isothermal and scanning calorimetry
in the field of physical and bio-physical pharmacy. Potential applications
include studies of physical stability, excipient compatibility, chemical st
ability and the study of the potential interactions of and between macromol
ecules such as lipids, surfactants, and nucleic acids, (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc
ience B.V. All rights reserved.