Prototypes can be generated quickly on small scale laboratory equipment allowing a number of formulations to be prepared and assessed in a few days.

The initial feasibility work can look at any number of different parameters including,

• film formers and solids content of the casting liquid
• molecular weight of the base polymer
• concentration of active components
• flavour and sweetener profile for edible material
• plasticiser concentration

Ultimately, this produces a clear definition of the most suitable carrier and excipients for the specific application under development.  

Samples are cast and dried using the same techniques that are applied to production size batches which assists in identifying potential issues early in the development cycle.

This method is capable of delivering material which can be used for initial product and stability evaluations.

When a satisfactory loading, solubility profile has been defined, intermediate sized batches can be prepared, degassed and then cast on the production equipment to give products that are, in most aspects, identical to large scale production runs.