Evaluation of Bilayer Tablet Machines—A Case Study

Four bilayer tablet compression machines were evaluated for their suitability for compression of a specific bilayer tablet formulation. Tablet machines evaluated were: Manesty (Model No. BB4), Manesty (Model No. Rotappress), Fette (Model No. P3102) and Kilian (Model No. 51AST-ZS) tablet presses. The tablet delamination tendency was the primary acceptance criteria for the evaluation of tablet press performance. The compression force on layer I was found to be the major factor influencing tablet delamination. It was found that the Kilian press was best suited for the compression of the model bilayer tablet formulation. The Kilian press is equipped with a special sampling device for layer I which allows additional compression force to be applied on layer I only at the time of weight sampling. The sampling device then returns to the original set points after sampling is completed. This feature maintains the compression force on layer I to a minimum during routine compression. Data indicated that the compression force on layer I and the compression zone in the die cavity of layer II were two factors needing to be controlled in order to yield bilayer tablets with acceptable physical characteristics.     

Fine tuning of the electronic structure of π-conjugated molecules for molecular electronics

Molecular components with their inherent scalability are expected to be promising supplements for nanoscale electronic devices. Here we report on how to specifically tune the electronic structure of chemisorbed molecules and thus to gain control of molecular transport properties. The electronic structure of our prototype π-conjugated carboxylic acid anchored on the Cu(110) surface is modified systematically by inserting nitrogen atoms in a six-membered aromatic ring, a carboxylic functional group at the aromatic ring or both. Depending on the specific nature of the substituent, the relative position of the occupied or unoccupied electronic states with respect to the Fermi level can be specifically controlled and thus the transport properties of the studied molecular systems are modified intentionally, as proven by our scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements. On the basis of the insight gained by our systematic experiment and first-principles calculations we are also able to predict the specific molecular character (σ or π) of the orbitals involved in the transport process of a carboxylate-Cu(110) system, depending on the functionalization pattern employed.     

Reliable fabrication of 3 nm gaps between nanoelectrodes by electron-beam lithography

The reliable fabrication of nanoelectrode pairs with predefined separations in the few nanometer range is an essential prerequisite for future nanoelectronic devices. Here we demonstrate a fine-tuned electron-beam lithographic (EBL) fabrication route which is suitable for defining nanoelectrode pairs with a gap size down to 3 ± 1 nm and with a yield of 55%. This achievement is based on an optimized two-layer resist system in combination with an adopted developer system, as well as on an elaborated nanoelectrode pattern design taking into consideration the EBL inherent proximity effect. Thus, even a structural control in the nanometer scale is achieved in the EBL process.     

Sucralfate as a Bioadhesive Gastric Intestinal Retention system: Preliminary Evaluation

A prototype formulation of a gastric intestinal retention system was successfully developed. A matrix tablet containing sucralfate, Methocel E4M and the appropriate type of drug powder, granules or pellets was prepared using the Carver Press. Three different formulations were evaluated using three different drug entities, namely; theophylline sustained release pellets, aspirin granules and antacid powder. Tablets of these three different formulations showed remarkable adhesive characteristics onto the glass vessel in acidic medium up to at least eight hours. In addition, all three different formulations exhibited sustained release in-vitro dissolution profiles. These data imply that this gastric intestinal retention system can be used to prepare sustained release formulations.     

Field‐Emission Resonances at Tip/α,ω‐Mercaptoalkyl Ferrocene/Au Interfaces Studied by STM

The electrical properties of α,ω‐mercaptoalkyl ferrocenes with different alkyl chain lengths embedded in a self‐assembled host matrix of alkanethiols on Au(111) are studied by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Based on current–distance spectroscopy, as well as on the evaluation of Fowler–Nordheim tunneling current oscillations, the apparent barrier height of ferrocene is determined independently by two methods. The electronic coupling of the ferrocene moiety to the Au(111) substrate is shown to depend on the length of the alkane‐spacer chain. In a double tunnel junction model our experimental findings are explained, addressing the role of the different molecular moieties of the mercaptoalkyl ferrocenes.