Apparatus 3 for hard gelatine capsule (in vitro)

Hello, the use of Apparatus 3 has been recommended and used for hard gelatin capsules and several other formulations.  It does allow for higher shear forces which can be helpful to overcome mild cross-linking.  It also has the benefit of being able to limit enzyme use to the 1st row in order to have fewer filtration issues, etc. in subsequent rows.  Apparatus 1 and 2 are still the most common way to test these products though.  Another possible consideration is the stationary basket over paddle method which is now mentioned in USP <711>.  This approach also has much higher shear forces than a traditional Apparatus 1 and 2 system.