Opaque Container Analysis Capabilities of the Agilent Vaya Handheld Raman Spectrometer

Significance of the Topic

The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries require rapid and reliable verification of raw materials without opening or sampling opaque containers such as blue high-density polyethylene barrels. Conventional Raman spectroscopy is hindered by container interference, causing delays and increased labor. Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) overcomes this barrier by isolating subsurface spectra, enabling noninvasive material identification at reception.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note evaluates the capability of the Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer, employing SORS and a container subtraction algorithm, to identify common excipients and active ingredients directly through blue plastic drums. The study focuses on seven materials representing a range of Raman cross sections.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The workflow involved:

• Preparing 200 g samples of acetaminophen, citric acid, ibuprofen salt, lactose monohydrate, polyethylene glycol 8000, povidone, and sorbitol in clear LDPE bags and placing them in blue LDPE barrels.
• Performing UV-Vis-NIR transmission measurements on empty barrels to confirm light-blocking in the laser wavelength region (830 nm).
• Using the Vaya spectrometer to collect zero-offset (surface) and offset (subsurface) Raman spectra through the barrels.
• Applying the onboard container subtraction algorithm to remove barrel contributions and optimize material signatures.

Main Results and Discussion

Optimized SORS-based methods yielded clear, distinctive Raman fingerprints for each of the seven materials through the blue drums. The instrument successfully suppressed container interference, delivering spectra comparable to reference measurements in glass vials. Average scan time was approximately 50 seconds per sample. The workflow requires minimal user training and no sample exposure or consumables.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Noninvasive raw material identification in quarantine without opening containers.
• Reduced risk of contamination and exposure to hazardous substances.
• Elimination of preparatory steps such as vial transfers, sampling booths, and personal protective equipment.
• Faster throughput and simplified compliance with regulatory standards (eg 21 CFR Part 11; USP and EP Raman chapters).

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in handheld spectroscopy and SORS algorithms will further enhance in-line and at-line quality control. Integration with digital workflows and cloud-based spectral libraries can streamline material verification across global supply chains. Expanding the range of container types and materials tested will broaden applicability to diverse industries.

Conclusion

The Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer with SORS effectively identifies pharmaceutical excipients and APIs through opaque colored barrels, providing a rapid, safe, and cost-effective solution for raw material verification at point of need.

Instrumentation

• Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer with spatially offset Raman spectroscopy
• Agilent Cary 5000 UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer in transmission mode