Definition of degradation product:
A degradation product is an unwanted chemical that can develop during the manufacturing, transportation, and storage of drug products and can affect the efficacy of pharmaceutical products. In materials science, degradation refers to the process of internal energy dissipation, and the evolution of degradation is modeled using empirical methods. Biodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.
Product details:
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In pharmaceuticals, degradation products are impurities resulting from chemical changes that occur during drug manufacturing. They can also form during storage and transportation in response to changes in light, temperature, pH, and humidity, or due to inherent characteristics of the active pharmaceutical substance, such as their reaction with excipients or on contact with the packaging.
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In materials science, material degradation is a manifestation of internal energy dissipation. The evolution of degradation is modeled using empirical methods.
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In biodegradation, the process can be divided into three stages: biodeterioration, biofragmentation, and assimilation. Biodeterioration is sometimes described as a surface-level degradation that modifies the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the material. This stage occurs when the material is exposed to abiotic factors in the outdoor environment and allows for further degradation by weakening the materials structure.
Positive aspects of degradation:
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In biodegradation, the process is generally assumed to be a natural process.
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In the case of biodegradable plastics, the breakdown of the material is made possible through an attack of microorganisms on the material, which is typically a non-water-soluble polymer. Such materials can be obtained through chemical synthesis, fermentation by microorganisms, and from chemically modified natural products.
Negative aspects of degradation:
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In pharmaceuticals, even small amounts of degradation products can affect pharmaceutical safety because of the potential to cause adverse effects in patients. Consequently, it is crucial to focus on mechanistic understanding, formulation, storage conditions, and packaging to prevent the formation of degradation products that can negatively affect the quality and safety of the drug product.
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In materials science, degradation can lead to the loss of mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the material, which can affect its performance and lifespan.
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In the case of plastic degradation, the process can lead to the release of toxic byproducts and compounds that can harm the environment and living organisms.
Ingredients or materials involved in degradation:
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In pharmaceuticals, degradation products can result from chemical changes that occur during drug manufacturing, transportation, and storage. They can also form due to changes in light, temperature, pH, and humidity, or due to inherent characteristics of the active pharmaceutical substance, such as their reaction with excipients or on contact with the packaging.
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In materials science, degradation can occur due to exposure to abi...