X-Ray Powder Diffraction — A Powerful Tool in Pharmaceutical Analysis

Within the pharmaceutical industry, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) is an accepted methodology as part of new product registrations and patent applications. Indeed, an indexed XRPD pattern or single crystal structure is required to secure a patent. As a result, many pharmaceutical companies have invested heavily in XRPD systems.

However, the role of XRPD is by no means limited to issues of patent protection. Recent advances in hardware and software technology, specifically the development of fast X-ray detectors, have significantly reduced measurement times and improved detection limits. This means XRPD can now generate valuable data in many areas of drug discovery, development and manufacture. Many companies are already realising the benefits, while others are only now beginning to appreciate the technique's potential.

The suitability of XRPD for such a wide range of applications is largely due to the many different types of analysis that can be carried out on a single diffractometer. Flexible systems (such as PANalytical's X'Pert PRO MPD) enable the addition of appropriate modules so that the diffractometer can be quickly and easily reconfigured, from a high-end system for the crystallographic researcher to a ‘work-horse' for high throughput routine applications.