Solubility analysis

Solubility analysis determines the amount of a substance that can dissolve in a given solvent, most often water or an organic solvent. This parameter is essential in the human food, cosmetics, animal nutrition, nutraceutical, and functional materials sectors. Solubility directly influences the efficacy of an active ingredient, the bioavailability of a nutrient, the texture of a finished product, and the performance of a water-soluble polymer. Understanding and controlling this property is crucial for developing stable, effective formulations that meet industrial and regulatory requirements.

Industrial challenges of solubility

Solubility directly influences the behavior of products under their conditions of use. Good solubility ensures homogeneous dispersion, optimal bioavailability, and rapid action. Conversely, insufficient solubility can lead to sedimentation, textural defects, loss of functional efficacy, and even regulatory non-compliance. In the food industry, solubility, for example, determines the dissolution of instant powders. In cosmetics, it impacts the stability of gels, lotions, and emulsions. In materials and polymers, it helps determine a material's compatibility with aqueous or organic environments.

Analytical methods: gravimetry and dissolution profiles

The solubility test involves bringing a sample into contact with a precise volume of solvent under controlled conditions of temperature, agitation, and duration. Once equilibrium is reached, the amount dissolved is measured gravimetrically. The results can be expressed in g/L, as a percentage, or as dissolution curves to study the solubilization kinetics.

Depending on the requirements, the analysis may include:
• comparison of the solubility of different raw materials
• study of the influence of pH, temperature, or solvent type
• characterization of the dissolution of functional actives
• preparation of dissolution profiles for complex products

This data is essential for optimizing a formulation, adjusting a manufacturing process, or predicting the product's behavior in its application environment.

Matrices analyzed and applications

Solubility analysis applies to a wide variety of products: food powders, plant extracts, nutritional actives, vitamins, minerals, water-soluble polymers, functional additives, cosmetic ingredients, micronized materials, and technical substances. It is particularly relevant in the development of food supplements, emulsions, fortified beverages, cosmetic gels, and materials intended to interact with aqueous environments.

In industry, this analysis is used:
• in formulation to select the most suitable ingredient
• in quality control to verify the conformity of a batch
• in R&D to study the dissolution of new active ingredients
• in process optimization to improve dispersion or stability

YesWeLab Support

YesWeLab provides access to a network of specialized laboratories in physical chemistry, rheology, and materials analysis. Rigorously selected, most are certified and accredited according to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards, guaranteeing reliable and precise measurements. Our digital platform allows you to centralize your analysis requests, track your samples in real time, and easily access your results. Our scientific team assists you in choosing test conditions, interpreting data, and optimizing your formulations. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have entrusted us with their analytical projects related to the solubility and performance of materials.

Other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

• Apparent viscosity analysis
• Hygroscopic analysis
• Specific surface area measurement (BET)
• Complete rheology analysis
• Stability and dissolution studies