High-Throughput Segmentation Analysis for PLM Images
Transform qualitative Polarized Light Microscopy into fast, repeatable measurements of crystalline domains and morphology, without using up scarce early material.
Solid-state characterization
Conventional PLM Has Real Limits
- Qualitative & SubjectiveStandard workflows rely almost entirely on visual, expert interpretation rather than quantitative metrics.
- Slow, Manual MeasurementMeasuring particles one by one in image software is slow, so only a small sample of each image set ever gets sized.
- Unused Data PotentialValuable image sets captured during pre-formulation are rarely analyzed quantitatively.
- Iterative Material LossWithout reliable, non-destructive quantitative data, teams risk inefficient characterization cycles and depleted early lots.
Getting More From Limited Early Material
In early discovery pharmaceutics, new APIs and intermediates such as spray-dried dispersions (SDDs) and granulations come in small lots, and most of that material is already spoken for by release and in vivo testing. That leaves room for only a few non‑destructive tests.
Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) is one of them. It needs very little sample and uses none of it up, which makes it a natural first look at crystalline domains and particle morphology. The images just rarely get measured. segHT PLM measures them at essentially no material cost, before the lot goes on to its intended use.
Polarized light microscopy
Introducing segHT PLM
segHT PLM is a software module for the automated detection and analysis of crystalline and amorphous domains in PLM images, for APIs and intermediates such as SDDs and granulations. Every image becomes quantitative crystalline domain and morphology data.
| Core capability | How it works |
|---|---|
| Dual Deep Learning Models | One model separates crystalline from amorphous domains. The other outlines every particle. |
| Automated Run | Runs each analysis step in sequence, automatically, as soon as images are imported. |
| Crystalline Domains and Morphology | Reports crystalline area % and crystalline count %, plus particle and domain size distributions, from standard PLM images. |
| Integrated Image Longevity | Stores images and quantitative records together in a structured database. |
Impact on your workflow
Every run delivers crystalline domain and morphology metrics, so qualitative visual estimates give way to repeatable, quantitative data. Because images and records are stored together, your characterization data stays available for future studies.
Particle size analysis
One-Click Analysis Workflow
segHT PLM turns image processing into a hands‑off procedure designed for busy discovery labs.
- 01
Upload
Import raw PLM images directly into segHT PLM.
- 02
Automate
Just press play. The deep learning models run each analysis step automatically.
- 03
Quantify
In about a minute, get quantitative particle sizing, segmentation overlays and a structured analytical report.
- 04
Compare
Line up runs across lots in the stored database to spot shifts in crystalline area or particle size before they cost you material.
Pharmaceutical R&D
Built for Solid-State & Pre-Formulation Teams
segHT PLM is designed for the demands of pharmaceutical R&D, for teams across big pharma, mid-sized biopharma and specialty chemical applications.
- Pre-Formulation Scientists & DirectorsAccelerate solid-state characterization and decisions before in vivo testing.
- Solid State Analytical ChemistsStandardize quantitative particle sizing and reduce variation between visual reviewers.
- Particle Engineers & Process ChemistsGet rapid, non-destructive insight into particle size distributions.
- Materials ChemistsBuild a reliable historical database of early discovery lots.
Dissolution modeling
From PLM Image to Release Prediction
The particle size distribution segHT PLM measures goes straight into dissoLab, digiM’s dissolution modeling software. Add material properties such as solubility and density, and dissoLab predicts how each API will release, so two samples that look alike under the microscope can be compared on predicted release while material is still scarce.
Pharmaceutical imaging
The digiM Advantage
digiM brings deep specialization in pharmaceutical imaging, with years of domain expertise in materials characterization and neural network development. segHT PLM applies that expertise to crystalline and amorphous material alike, from new APIs to intermediates such as SDDs and granulations, and turns each PLM image into quantitative crystalline domain and morphology data.
Ready to Quantify Your PLM Workflows?
Schedule a live demonstration with digiM’s solid-state imaging specialists and see what segHT PLM can do with your pre-formulation images.
Request a Live Demo