Aging & Shelf Life
Precise material characterization for stability studies, storage conditions, and product lifespan
The long-term stability of pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and biological products is critical to their quality, safety, and efficacy. Temperature, humidity, oxygen, and storage conditions can cause physical and chemical changes that significantly affect product performance.
Thermal analysis methods enable the early detection of such aging processes. They provide important information on oxidation behavior, moisture absorption, glass transitions, crystallization processes, and thermal decomposition, and support the development of stable formulations as well as suitable packaging and storage strategies.
LINSEIS analytical instruments can be used to study aging and stability processes throughout the entire product life cycle—from the development of new formulations to quality control during production.
Relevant Questions
- How does a product change during storage?
- What temperatures affect stability and effectiveness?
- How does moisture affect the material?
- When do oxidation or decomposition processes begin?
- Which type of packaging offers the best product protection?
- How can shelf life be extended?
- What storage conditions ensure maximum stability?
- How do wordings change over long periods of time?
Relevant Material and Process Parameters
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | Effect on storage stability and material condition |
| Moisture Absorption | Evaluation of hygroscopic properties and storage conditions |
| Oxidation Stability | Resistance to oxygen and aging processes |
| Thermal Stability | Resistance to Temperature Stress |
| Change in mass | Loss of moisture, solvent release, and decomposition |
| Crystallization Behavior | Impact on Stability and Product Quality |
| Heat Capacity | Thermal Behavior During Storage and Transport |
| Sorption Behavior | Interaction with Air Humidity and Water Vapor |
Measurement Methods for Aging and Shelf Life
Thermogravimetry (TGA)
Determination of moisture loss, volatile components, and thermal decomposition.
Analysis of
- Moisture Loss
- Solvent content
- Decomposition
- Mass change
- Thermal stability
Typical Applications
- Medicines
- Food
- Excipients
- Biomaterials
- Quality Control
Gravimetric Sorption Analysis (GSA)
Analysis of sorption and desorption behavior under defined humidity conditions.
Analysis of
- Moisture absorption
- Water Vapor Sorption
- Hygroscopy
- Sorption isotherms
- Storage Stability
Typical Applications
- Powder
- Tablets
- Food
- Packaging
- Pharmaceutical Formulations
Recommended Measuring Instruments for Aging & Shelf Life
DSC L63
Case Study: Thermal Stability of Therapeutic Proteins
Thermal Stability of Bacterial Cellulose Produced from Mango Waste
Why Analyzing Aging and Shelf Life Is Crucial
A product’s stability determines its efficacy, safety, and quality throughout its entire life cycle. Even minor changes in storage conditions can lead to undesirable changes in the material.
The combination of modern analytical methods makes it possible to:
- Assessment of Thermal Stability
- Study of Moisture and Sorption Behavior
- Analysis of Glass Transitions and Crystallization
- Determination of Oxidation and Decomposition Processes
- Optimization of Packaging and Storage
- Extending the Product’s Lifespan
- Support for Stability and Shelf-Life Studies
Applications – Pharmaceuticals, Food & Life Sciences
FAQ – Aging & Shelf Life
Why are thermal analyses important for stability studies?
Thermal analysis methods detect changes such as glass transitions, crystallization, or thermal decomposition at an early stage. This makes it possible to define appropriate storage conditions and reliably assess a product’s shelf life.
What role does moisture play in aging?
Many active pharmaceutical ingredients and food products are sensitive to moisture. Water can accelerate chemical reactions, alter crystal structures, or impair a product’s efficacy. Sorption analyses provide important information for selecting appropriate packaging and storage conditions.
Why is the glass transition studied?
The glass transition affects the mechanical properties and stability of amorphous materials. Understanding it is crucial for storage, transportation, and the development of stable formulations.
Which measurement methods are suitable for aging studies?
DSC, TGA, GSA, and STA complement each other perfectly. While DSC analyzes thermal transitions, TGA determines moisture and mass losses. GSA examines moisture behavior, and STA combines changes in heat and mass in a single measurement.
Which products can be tested?
LINSEIS systems are suitable for pharmaceuticals, vaccines, food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, biomaterials, packaging materials, and pharmaceutical excipients.
