Pharmaceutical analysis is focused on wet chemistry and powdering techniques. Wet chemistry is a form of analytical chemistry that uses classical methods such as observation to analyse materials. It is called wet chemistry since most analysis is done in the liquid phase. Wet chemistry is also called bench chemistry since many tests are performed on lab benches.

The techniques include:

• Thin-layer Chromatography (TLC)
• Karl Fischer (moisture determination)
• Loss on drying
  • Density  
  • Friability
  • Hardness
  • Titration
  • Conductivity

Physicochemical analysis is focused on solid state physicochemical studies and comparative API analysis and qualification, where RIIP^®/CENQAM^® specialises in the techniques listed below, in close partnership with other NWU research entities:

• Identifying Drug Polymorphic Forms – Raw Material / Solid State Dosage Forms using X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD);
• Compilation of comparative route of synthesis reports;
• Fingerprint or ID Analysis (FTIR);
• Pre-Formulation Studies of Drug API and IPI Interactions; and
• Monograph testing.