Dosage-form testing
Franz Diffusion Cell (Vertical Diffusion Cell)
A two-chamber glass cell used to measure how fast drug is released from creams, gels and ointments, or permeates through skin. Drug passes through a membrane into a stirred receptor medium that is sampled over time.
- Pharmaceutical (topicals and transdermals)
- Cosmetics
- Research and academia
TROUBLESHOOTING
Common problems, causes and fixes
Low, variable release in some cells
Likely causes
- • Air bubble under the membrane
- • Uneven dosing
- • Membrane wrinkled
What to do
- • Remove bubbles before dosing
- • Weigh the dose and spread evenly
- • Mount membrane flat
Receptor medium leaking
Likely causes
- • Clamp loose
- • Chipped joint
What to do
- • Tighten clamp
- • Replace damaged cell
Release levels off early
Likely causes
- • Loss of sink conditions
- • Product drying out
What to do
- • Use a larger receptor volume or add solubiliser
- • Occlude the donor chamber
Temperature out of range
Likely causes
- • Water bath set wrongly
- • Poor circulation
What to do
- • Adjust bath to give 32 °C at the membrane
- • Check circulation tubing
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management
Keep every Franz cell in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.