Construction of Spreadability Testing Apparatus

Researchers always encounter a problem in the establishment of reliable technique for measurement of spreadability characterization of semisolid topical–mucosal preparations. The parallel-plate method is the most widely used method for determining and quantifying the spreadability of semisolid preparations. This method is less precise and sensitive, and the data it generates must be manually interpreted and presented. The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the spreadability of semisolid formulations. The apparatus works on the principle of centrifugation forces. The fixed amount of semisolid formulation (0.5–1 g) under evaluation is poured in the center of disc and rotated at 500–800 rpm for 30 s. The centrifugal force generated during disc rotation circularly spreads the semi solid preparation. The spreadability is evaluated based on the diameter of semisolid formulation spread on the circular plate. The present investigation is a reliable technique to evaluate spreadability characterization of semisolid preparations.