UV Imaging for In Vitro Dissolution and Release Studies: Initial Experiences

UV imaging has recently been introduced as a method in drug dissolution and release testing. Spatially and temporally resolved mapping of drug concentrations in a 7 x 9 mm imaging area provides new opportunities for visualization and study of drug dissolution and release. This review describes the current instrumentation and principles of analysis. Pharmaceutical applications of UV imaging are presented, including determination of dissolution rates for drug substances, cocrystals, and nanocrystals and monitoring of solid form changes and single crystal dissolution as well as drug release and transport in hydrogels with relevance for characterization of parenteral depots. UV imaging may be of particular use when the amounts of material are sparse and detailed insights into dissolution and release processes are required, that is in solid form screening, preformulation, and early drug development.