Considering a Coating Technology as an Alternative to Silicone Oil

[...]silicone droplet accumulation or migration may result in a higher reject rate during final product release, which in turn will have an impact on productivity and the total cost of ownership. In a new coating technology (SG Alba platform, Stevanato Group), a cross-linked silicone chain leads to improved layer structure using covalent bonds, increasing the connection force between the silicone and glass while retaining lubrication performance. The filling solution was selected according to the average excipient concentration commonly used by pharma companies; this placebo solution includes an acetate buffer (1.3 mL) was used that is known to induce a change in the silicone layer distribution and affect mechanical performance (2). Using technology based on the principles of white light reflectometry and laser interferometry (RapID Layer Explorer, Unchained Labs) for silicone layer thickness and distribution measurement, it was established that SG Alba presented a reduction in thickness of approximately 30% compared to the conventional coating.