Enteric-coated tablets have a special outer layer. This layer protects the drug from stomach acid. It helps the drug reach the intestine before it dissolves. Why is this important? Some drugs can cause stomach irritation. Others lose their effectiveness in acid. So, enteric coating makes sure the drug works as it should.
Dissolution studies check how fast and how well tablets break down. These studies help scientists understand drug release. They also ensure that drugs work properly inside the body. But why do these tests matter? If a drug dissolves too fast or too slow, it may not work correctly.
Researchers want better ways to study drug release. They look for tools that mimic the human body more closely. The goal is to create safer and more effective medicines. But what are these new methods? One important tool is the RT3 Reciprocating Cylinder Apparatus.

Importance of Dissolution Studies in Drug Release
How Dissolution Affects Drug Absorption and Effectiveness
Dissolution is the process of a tablet breaking down in liquid. It helps the drug enter the bloodstream. If a drug does not dissolve well, the body may not absorb it properly. When this happens, the drug may not work as expected.
Enteric-coated tablets are made to release drugs in the intestine. The stomach has strong acid, which can destroy some drugs. Other drugs may cause stomach irritation. The enteric coating prevents this. It keeps the drug safe until it reaches the intestine. Then, the coating dissolves, and the drug is released.
If dissolution is not controlled, the drug may release too soon or too late. This can affect how well it works. So, testing dissolution is important. It helps ensure that drugs act at the right time and in the right place.
Challenges in Testing Enteric-Coated Tablets
Testing enteric-coated tablets is not easy. The coating must stay intact in stomach acid. But it must dissolve quickly in the intestine. This makes testing complicated.
Scientists use different methods to check how these tablets dissolve. They need to simulate real conditions in the stomach and intestines. However, the human body is complex. The stomach and intestines have different pH levels, movements, and enzymes. So, testing must be very precise.
If a test is not accurate, the results may be wrong. This can lead to drugs that do not work properly. It can also cause safety problems. So, researchers use advanced methods to improve testing. One such method is the RT3 Reciprocating Cylinder Apparatus.
Experimental Parameters
To study dissolution, scientists use special equipment. The RT3 Reciprocating Cylinder Apparatus is one of these tools. It helps test how enteric-coated tablets dissolve. The main test conditions are:
- Temperature: 37°C ± 0.5°C (same as the human body)
- Medium Volume: 200 mL
- Reciprocating Stroke: 10 mm
- Reciprocating Rate: 10 DPM (Dips Per Minute)
Dissolution Medium and Time:
- 0-60 min: pH 1.2 (HCl)
- 60-75 min: pH 6.5 (PBS)
- 75-90 min: pH 6.8 (PBS)
- 90-120 min: pH 7.2 (PBS)
- 120-180 min: pH 7.5 (PBS)
These conditions help mimic the human digestive system. This makes the test results more reliable.
Experimental Results
Dissolution Performance of Enteric-Coated Tablets
Scientists tested six enteric-coated tablets. The results showed that the tablets did not release any drug in the first two hours. This means the coating protected the drug in stomach acid.
After two hours, the conditions changed to match the intestine. The tablets started to dissolve quickly. Within 30 minutes (120-150 min), the drug release increased from 1.91% to 92.00%. Then, the release slowed down and reached a steady level.
The test also showed consistent results. The RSD% (Relative Standard Deviation) ranged from 0.91% to 7.83%. This shows that the test was reproducible.

Advantages of the Reciprocating Cylinder Method
The reciprocating cylinder method is very useful. It can automatically switch between different pH levels. This makes the test more accurate. It also reduces errors because it does not need manual adjustments.
The method closely mimics the human digestive system. It provides better results compared to older methods. Also, it improves reproducibility. This means the test can be repeated with similar results each time.
Because of these advantages, many researchers prefer the reciprocating cylinder method. It helps ensure that enteric-coated tablets work as intended.
RT3 Reciprocating Cylinder Apparatus: A Game Changer
Advanced Dissolution Testing with RT3
The RT3 Reciprocating Cylinder is a modern tool for dissolution testing. It helps researchers study how drugs dissolve. It works by copying the movements inside the body. These movements affect how drugs break down. The RT3 provides precise control over these conditions.
The device has a special cover. This cover helps reduce evaporation loss. Less evaporation means more accurate test results. It also has a single-piece water bath. This design improves heating efficiency. It ensures that the temperature stays stable. Temperature control is important for reliable tests.
Flexible Settings for Accurate Testing
The RT3 allows users to adjust many settings. They can change the stroke length, speed, and immersion time. These controls help match real-life conditions.
The system has a high-precision filtration device. It removes unwanted particles from the test samples. Clean samples improve the accuracy of results. Researchers can trust the data. The RT3 is built for high-performance drug testing.
Easy-to-Use Touchscreen Interface
The RT3 has a touchscreen for operation. The screen size is 8.4 inches. It helps users set up tests easily. The design follows strict FDA regulations. The system meets the FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
This touchscreen makes the RT3 simple to use. It allows scientists to monitor tests in real time. They can adjust settings without stopping the test. The system is designed for accuracy and convenience.
Key Features and Benefits of RT3
Improved Testing for Different Drug Forms
The RT3 uses advanced water movement. This makes it better for testing different drug forms. It is useful for enteric-coated tablets, soft capsules, and dissolving tablets. It can also test functional gummies.
The RT3 simulates the body’s pH levels. The digestive system has different pH levels in different areas. The RT3 copies these conditions. This makes lab tests more realistic.
Precise Results and Reliable Data
The RT3 gives accurate and repeatable results. It is built with strong materials and precise engineering. This makes it a reliable tool for drug research.
The system also helps with data management. It ensures that results are recorded properly. Researchers can track and store data. This helps meet strict industry regulations. Reliable data improves drug safety.
Special Design Features
The RT3 has several advanced design features:
- Co-axial Mounting Bracket: This allows quick replacement of the reciprocating cylinder.
- Automatic Dissolution Vessel Cover: The cover opens and closes on its own. This reduces evaporation loss.
- One-Piece Water Bath: The water bath has no dead spots. It is easy to clean and fully drain.
These features improve efficiency. They also make the RT3 easier to maintain.
Recent Research and Industry Applications
RT3 in Real-World Dissolution Testing
Researchers have tested the RT3 in different studies. The results show that it provides better accuracy. It improves testing for enteric-coated drugs. It also helps test new drug formulations.
Pharmaceutical Companies Using RT3
Many pharmaceutical companies now use the RT3. They choose it because it gives consistent results. It also meets global testing standards. The RT3 helps companies develop better medicines.
Raytor‘s Commitment to Innovation
At Raytor, we focus on advancing technology. We work with global partners to improve drug testing. Our research and development teams continue to innovate. We also have strong sales and manufacturing networks. We ensure high quality at every step.
Final Words
The RT3 Reciprocating Cylinder Apparatus is a high-precision tool for drug dissolution testing. It controls movement, temperature, and filtration with great accuracy. It mimics real digestion conditions. It ensures reliable drug release studies. The automatic vessel cover reduces evaporation. The one-piece water bath improves heating efficiency. The touchscreen makes operation simple. The filtration system gives clean test results. The RT3 helps researchers get precise data. It improves drug formulation and testing. It meets strict industry standards. Many pharmaceutical companies trust RT3. Upgrade your lab with RT3. Ensure accurate and repeatable results. Get the RT3 for better drug testing today.