Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

Coriolis Pharma is a leading contract laboratory providing analytical service for physico-chemical characterization for lyophilization development, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

During DSC analysis, the sample is exposed to a positive or negative temperature ramp, where thermal energy events are recorded in correlation to a reference sample (e.g., formulation buffer). In the context of lyophilization process development, DSC is an important and frequently used technique for the determination of the glass transition temperature of the maximally freeze concentrated solute (Tg’). This value is important to optimize primary drying conditions. The glass transition temperature of the freeze-died amorphous product (Tg) can also be determined by DSC and is used to define storage conditions for the final drug product.

DSC is a standard technique during lyophilization process development and formulation development, where it is frequently combined with freeze-drying microscopy [FDM].