Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion System: The Key to Reliable IVPT
2026-06-19
In pharmaceutical and transdermal research, accuracy is paramount. The Franz diffusion cell has been the industry standard since 1975, especially in the case of evaluating in-vitro release and permeation of drugs through biological and/or synthetic membranes. When sampling is done manually, it increases the amount of time you spend working on the task, the amount of effort you have to apply while working on the task, and it increases the chances you'll make a mistake. The Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion System is one of the latest introductions to the market and is already proving to be a major game changer in the area of transdermal testing.
Why Automatic Sampling? The Shortcomings of Manual Sampling
Classic Franz diffusion studies rely on manual sampling, which poses difficulties such as scheduling sampling, prompt and frequent media changes, and a constant presence in the lab. These sometimes require the experiments to be extended for over 24 hours. This works particularly difficult because sink conditions must be maintained in the receptor medium. Any lapse in sampling or media replacement corrupts the entire dataset.
The Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion System addresses these issues by:
•Rounding the clock automation of sampling and system refill functions
•Removing timing variation that relies on the operator
•Reducing the risk of cross-contamination
•Providing permeation data that is more reproducible and reliable
According to the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2025, “Otto [the Franz autosampler robot] improved the quality of permeation data over manual sampling by automatically maintaining sink conditions around the clock."
Market Intelligence: The Automation Trend
The automated transdermal sampling system market was valued at around USD 72 Million in 2024, and is expected to grow at an 8.20% CAGR through 2031. Growth will be attributed to the rising needs of generic drug development with topical formulations, an increased focus for R&D on transdermal delivery systems, and increased data integrity mandates per FDA 21 CFR Part 11.
The market leaders in the segment are:
•Teledyne Hanson (Microette Plus series)
•Logan Instruments (SYSTEM 913 series)
•Copley Scientific
•Raytor Instruments
•Electrolab
Compliance and USP <1724>
Every credible Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion System will meet USP Chapter <1724>, which concerns the requirements for testing the performance of semisolid dosage forms. For example:
| Parameter | USP <1724> Requirement |
| Temperature control | ±0.5 °C |
| Stirring of the receptor medium | Must be consistent and validated |
| Permeation interface Bubble-free | Critical |
| Cell configuration | At least 6 positions for full testing |
Compliance is critical, as it directly impacts the regulatory acceptance of your data by the FDA, EMA, and other authorities.
Comparison of Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion Systems
Let's see how the major automated systems compare to one another.
Teledyne Hanson Microette Plus
The Microette Plus incorporates Hanson's AutoPlus technology, integrating a state-of-the-art six-channel syringe pump complete with Teflon valves and tubing. Key specifications include:
•Automatic sampling from groups of six diffusion cells
•Media replacement at time of sampling
•MultiFill collector for HPLC vial sample collection
•Handles surfactants, saline, and hydroalcoholic receptor solutions
Logan Instruments SYSTEM 913 Series
Logan's automated system supports up to 24 cells with modular flexibility. Notable features:
•Aliquot or full media replacement programmability (for both IVRT and IVPT)
•Automated tilting feature for bubble-free membrane contact
•Data audit tracking compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11
Raytor Instruments RT800 & RT814 Series
Raytor offers a comprehensive range of both manual and automated Franz diffusion systems. The RT800 features a 7-channel synchronized automatic sampling system (6 test cells + 1 blank) with short-pipeline design that significantly reduces sample residue and carryover.
Raytor Instruments: Precision Engineered for Modern Labs
Make Scientific Experiments Easier — this isn't just a tagline for Raytor; it's the engineering philosophy behind every instrument they build.
Since 2015, Raytor Instruments has dedicated itself to the research, development, production, sales, and service of high-quality laboratory scientific instruments. Their product portfolio supports a wide range of dosage forms — including oral, transdermal, and subcutaneous delivery — serving both pre-formulation research and quality control applications.
Spotlight: Raytor RT806 Vertical Franz Diffusion Cell Tester
The RT806 is a solid choice for labs with a limited budget that need a manual vertical diffusion system they can trust. It is a compact vertical Franz diffusion cell system that is designed with built-in heating and an integrated stirrer. RT806 is also designed to be portable.
Key Advantages of the RT806:
•USP <1724> Compliance
•Bubble-Free Filling Point: the RT806 allows easy removal of air bubbles. These specialized filling points eliminate a bug that is almost certain to create an experimental error.
•Compact Footprint: Integrates easily into lab environments with limited bench space.
•Environmental Control: Ambient to 55°C (≤±0.5°C), with stirring at 200-900, (≤±10%) errors.
•Wide Application Range: Diffusion of creams, ointments, patches, gels, etc., over synthetic and biological membranes.
For ultra-high-throughput labs, the RT814 (14-position) and RT800 (7-channel) fully automatic systems are also available, with fully synchronized automatic sampling, independent temperature control of all cells, with optional full/partial sampling.
Why Raytor for Transdermal Testing?
1. Short-Pipeline Testing
The RT800 and RT814 feature a short pipeline design that eliminates carryover permitting uninterrupted permeability testing.
2. Data Integrity and Readiness
The Raytor systems' combined audit trail and e-signatures, integrated with an SQL database, qualify them as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant systems. The operating software is equipped with over 200 test methods and 100 users.
3. Independent, Concurrent Testing
The design of the Raytor systems allows for the simultaneous operation of two groups of diffusion cells.
4. Integrated Bubble Prevention
RT800 and RT814 have integrated, automated bubble removal systems, while RT806 incorporates a bubble marking fill point. All of these systems help prevent air entrapment, which causes erroneous results in bubble permeation.
5. Flexible Sampling Capabilities
Raytor Systems offers everything from manual sampling on the RT806 to fully automated 14-channel synchronized sampling on the RT814, allowing the systems to cater to developers in early-stage formulation as well as in high-throughput quality control.
Application Focus: What Can You Test?
Raytor automatic Franz diffusion systems are ideal for:
•Creams and Ointments — Testing release rates through synthetic membranes
•Transdermal Patches — Measuring flux and permeability through biological skin
•Gels and Lotions — Testing consistency and stability of direct and cross-continuous formulations
•Cosmeceuticals — Testing skin permeation of actives in sunscreens, face masks, and lotions
Final Thoughts: Automate with Confidence
Moving from manual to automatic sampling provides the business advantage of faster, lower-cost sampling with the added benefit of increased quality and reliability of the data, which are vital for securing regulatory approvals. With the expanding market for transdermal drug delivery systems, a laboratory with a state-of-the-art Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion System will clearly have the competitive advantage.
Raytor Instruments brings together regulatory compliance, precision engineering, and user-friendly design in a way that makes advanced transdermal testing accessible to laboratories of all sizes — from academic research to commercial QC.
About Raytor Instruments
Make Scientific Experiments Easier
Raytor Instruments is dedicated to the research, development, production, sales, and service of high-quality laboratory scientific instruments. Since our founding in 2015, we have provided extensive solutions in analytical instruments and application testing for key areas that include discovery of new compounds, drug permeability, drug dissolution/solubility, and transdermal diffusion. We have products that support research for quality control (QC) and pre-formulation for oral, transdermal, and subcutaneous dosage forms.
Want to know how an Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion System can improve your transdermal testing? Reach out to Raytor Instruments.
FAQs
Q1. What is an Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion System?
An Automatic Sampling Franz Diffusion System automates the process of sampling and refilling of receptor medium in Franz cell studies. This improves accuracy when sampling and provides safer methods of sampling.
Q2. What benefits come with using automated sampling as opposed to manual sampling?
The advantages of automatic sampling are that sampling errors are eliminated, sink conditions can maintained continuously, and sample permeation data are more reproducible.
Q3. Will the system meet the requirements of USP <1724>?
Yes, Raytor RT806 and RT800 are high-quality systems designed and manufactured to comply with the IVRT and IVPT provisions of the USP <1724> standard.
Q4. Which formulations are suitable for testing?
Testing can be done on creams, ointments, gels, patches, lotions, and all semisolid and transdermal formulations.
Q5. How many cells does an automatic system support?
Raytor RT800 supports 6 cells and Raytor RT814 supports 14 cells, whereas other systems support a different number of cells.