Minnesota's Mocon announces its OpTech-O2 technology can optically determine oxygen headspace, ingress in flexible, rigid packaging, allowing for non-invasive, non-destructive testing on thermoformed blister packaging

Lorena Madrigal

MINNEAPOLIS , February 14, 2012 (press release) – MOCON, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOCO), the world’s leading manufacturer of permeation instrumentation, is announcing new capability for its OpTech® – O2 system.

Non-invasive, non-destructive thermoformed blister package testing is now possible due to the development of an optical sensor that will “fluoresce” or give off light directly related to the amount of oxygen present. OpTech® – O2 technology is ideal for determining oxygen headspace and ingress in flexible and rigid packaging.

“Some blister packaging applications depend on gas flushing to enhance the product’s shelf life. However, modified atmosphere can be compromised by poor packaging seals, material breakdown, weak barrier properties, pinholes, etc. This is why using a precise and sensitive package performance test method is so important—especially for drug packaging,” said Ed Emerson, manager, healthcare business development, MOCON.

Until now, blister testing alternatives either involved invasive testing or complicated off-line procedures. Other blister testing procedures are labor intensive, or without the degree of accuracy that the OpTech® – O2 system provides.

“This breakthrough technology will have a dramatic impact on how pharmaceutical companies conduct oxygen analysis,” explained Emerson. “The OpTech® – O2 system offers a simple method to quickly evaluate what is happening inside a closed blister package under real-life conditions.”

About MOCON
MOCON is a leading provider of instrumentation and consulting and laboratory services to medical, pharmaceutical, food and other industries worldwide. See www.mocon.com for more information.

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