---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Polymorphism analysis laboratory"
description: "Polymorphism analysis and solid-state characterization What is polymorphism? skip render: ucaddon_section_textes_image Why characterize crystal phases? skip render: ucaddon_prestation_filab FILAB performs polymorphism analysis of your chemical substances The FILAB laboratory offers industrial companies technical expertise and state-of-the-art analytical equipment in order..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/analytical-chemistry-quantitative-and-reliability/polymorphism-analysis-laboratory/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_6347ceefdb5f9", "Anaïs DECAUX"]
timestamp: "2026-05-12T13:38:52Z"
published: "2023-03-31T08:38:26Z"
language: "en"
author: "bwa"
---

# Polymorphism analysis laboratory

## Polymorphism analysis and solid-state characterization

### What is polymorphism?

In chemistry, polymorphism is the ability of a chemical substance to crystallize in different structures depending on temperature and pressure conditions. These different forms derived from the same molecule can have very different physical and chemical properties. FILAB supports companies in the pharmaceutical, chemical... sectors in the polymorphism analysis of their chemical substances.

### Why characterize crystal phases?

##

 In the pharmaceutical industry, characterizing crystal phases (polymorphism) is critical because the same chemical molecule can arrange itself in different crystal structures, directly impacting the drug's performance. Here is why it is essential: Bioavailability & solubility
Different phases have different dissolution rates. A metastable phase might dissolve faster, while a stable phase might be poorly absorbed by the body.

 Stability & shelf life
Drugs can spontaneously transition from one phase to another over time. Characterization ensures the drug won't change its structure (and thus its effect) during storage.

 Processability
Crystal shape and hardness affect milling, mixing, and tablet compression. One phase might flow easily through machines, while another might cause "sticking" or "capping."

 Intellectual Property (Patents)
Pharmaceutical companies can patent specific crystalline forms. Characterizing your phase is vital for protecting your product or avoiding litigation with competitors.

 Safety & regulation
Regulatory bodies (like the FDA or EMA) require strict control of the crystalline form to ensure every tablet delivered to a patient has a consistent and predictable therapeutic effect.

### FILAB performs polymorphism analysis of your chemical substances

The FILAB laboratory offers industrial companies technical expertise and [state-of-the-art analytical equipment](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources.md) in order to respond as effectively and responsively as possible to their requests and provide them with the most suitable services and tailored support for polymorphism analysis.

## Our polymorphism analysis services

[Analysis of active ingredients](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/laboratory-analysis-active-ingredients.md) (API) by [XRD](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/x-ray-crystallography-laboratory-xrd.md) and [DSC](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/heat-capacity-analysis-by-dsc-in-laboratory.md)

Development of analytical methods for the quantification of polymorphic chemical substances

[Compatibility and stability study of chemical substances](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/stability-testing-medications-and-active-ingredients.md)

## Advanced technical resources for polymorphism analysis

X-ray diffraction ([XRD](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/analyse-et-caracterisation-des-materiaux-par-diffraction-des-rayons-x-drx-en-laboratoire/filab-caracterise-vos-mineraux-par-drx/)) for the determination of crystalline phases

Analyses [DSC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md) for determining melting and crystallization temperatures

[Raman spectroscopy](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-raman-spectroscopy.md), [Infrared spectroscopy](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-spectroscopy.md)

[Thermal analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/differential-thermal-analysis-dta-in-the-laboratory.md) (differential calorimetry, thermogravimetry)

[Optical microscopy](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-of-analysis-and-observation-by-optical-microscope-mo.md), [scanning electron microscopy](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md), [Raman microscopy](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/raman-microscopy-analysis-laboratory.md)

Development of analytical methods for the quantification of polymorphic chemical substances

### Polymorphic screening and stability studies

FILAB conducts comprehensive polymorphic screening to identify all possible crystalline, amorphous, or solvated forms of a substance. By simulating various manufacturing and storage conditions (temperature, pressure, humidity), our laboratory determines the thermodynamic stability of each phase. This is essential for preventing unwanted transitions – such as a powder turning into a different crystal form during compression or a suspension recrystallizing over time. 

### Impact of polymorphism on bioavailability and solubility

In the [pharmaceutical](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/analysis-industry-pharmaceuticals.md) industry, the crystal form of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) directly dictates its therapeutic efficacy. A polymorphism laboratory identifies which crystalline structure offers the optimal dissolution rate and bioavailability. Since different polymorphs have varying lattice energies, one form may be more soluble but less stable than another (metastable forms). Failure to monitor these variations can lead to inconsistent drug performance or shelf-life issues.

## Our FAQ

 How to get a quote from FILAB?
To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email.

Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.

 What is the typical duration of the analysis?
Turnaround times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.

However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.

 Can you detect small amounts of a secondary polymorph in a mixture?
Yes. Our polymorphism laboratory uses high-resolution **XRD** and **Raman spectroscopy** to detect and quantify low levels of polymorphic impurities, ensuring the purity of your crystalline phase.

 Is polymorphism analysis required for REACH or patent protection?
Absolutely. **REACH registration** requires accurate substance identification. Furthermore, characterizing a specific polymorph is often a key component of pharmaceutical patents and "sameness" studies for biosimilars.