The assessment of spray drift damage for ten major crops in Belgium

According to the Council Directive 91/414/EC pesticide damage should be assessed by considering the risk for persons arising from occupational, non-dietary exposure and risk to the environment. In this research an assessment for the pesticide damage by droplet spray drift was set up. The percentages of spray drift were estimated with the Ganzelmeier drift curves and the IMAG drift calculator. Knowing the percentages of drift and the applied doses of pesticide formulations in a given crop, the human and environmental exposures (water and bottom) were predicted. Thereupon risk indices were calculated for water organisms, soil organisms and bystanders. A risk index is the ratio of a predicted exposure to a toxicological reference value and gives an indication of the incidence and the severity of the adverse effects likely to occur. Considering the risk index it is possible to define the minimal width of an unsprayed field margin or "buffer zone" to reduce this risk at an acceptable level.     

Field evaluation of a tunnel sprayer and effects of spray volume at constant drop size on spray deposits and efficacy of disease control on apple

An air assisted tunnel sprayer (the Noric Joco EX2) incorporating CDA rotary atomisers (Volume Median Diameter (VMD) =c. 140 μm, volume rate = 50 litre ha^-1 forward speed = 3.9 km h^-1) gave at best equal but in some cases significantly poorer control of apple powdery mildew and scab than the standard commercial practice of spraying with an axial fan sprayer with Micron XI rotary atomisers (VMD =c. 90 μm, volume rate = 50 litre ha^-1, forward speed = 7.2 km h^-1). Approximately 30% of the spray volume applied was collected for recycling with the tunnel sprayer. Increasing spray volumes at approximately constant drop size (c. 140 μm) from 50 to 100 to 200 litre ha^-1 with the tunnel sprayer consistently improved efficiency of mildew and scab control. Bulk spray deposits on leaves, and their gross distribution in the tree, was similar with the different spraying methods and volumes. The mean percentage leaf area covered with spray deposit increased with spray volume as did the number of spray deposits per unit area. The tunnel sprayer at 50 litre ha^-1 gave a similar though less variable mean level of cover than the axial fan sprayer at the same volume rate. It gave 2–3 times more cover on upper than on lower leaf surfaces. The axial fan sprayer gave approximately equal cover on upper and lower leaf surfaces. The main limitations of the tunnel sprayer were its slow maximum forward speed and the restricted tree size and shape on which it can be used.     

Nano-liposomal dry powder inhaler of tacrolimus: preparation, characterization, and pulmonary pharmacokinetics

The studies were undertaken to evaluate feasibility of pulmonary delivery of liposomaly encapsulated tacrolimus dry powder inhaler for prolonged drug retention in lungs as rescue therapy to prevent refractory rejection of lungs after transplantation. Tacrolimus encapsulated liposomes were prepared by thin film evaporation technique and liposomal dispersion was passed through high pressure homogenizer. Tacrolimus nano-liposomes (NLs) were separated by centrifugation and characterized. NLs were dispersed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) pH 7.4 containing different additives like lactose, sucrose, and trehalose, and L-leucine as antiadherent. The dispersion was spray dried and spray dried powders were characterized. In vitro and in vivo pulmonary deposition was performed using Andersen Cascade Impactor and intratracheal instillation in rats respectively. NLs were found to have average size of 140 nm, 96% +/- 1.5% drug entrapment, and zeta potential of 1.107 mV. Trehalose based formulation was found to have low density, good flowability, particle size of 9.46 +/- 0.8 microm, maximum fine particle fraction (FPF) of 71.1 +/- 2.5%, mean mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) 2.2 +/- 0.1 microm, and geometric standard deviation (GSD) 1.7 +/- 0.2. Developed formulations were found to have in vitro prolonged drug release up to 18 hours, following Higuchi's Controlled Release model. In vivo studies revealed maximal residence of tacrolimus within lungs of 24 hours, suggesting slow clearance from the lungs. The investigation provides a practical approach for direct delivery of tacrolimus encapsulated in NLs for controlled and prolonged retention at the site of action. It may play a promising role as rescue therapy in reducing the risk of acute rejection and chronic rejection.     

Assessment of the Influence Factors on Nasal Spray Droplet Velocity Using Phase-Doppler Anemometry (PDA)

Droplet velocity is an important parameter that can be used to characterize nasal spray products. In this study, a phase-Doppler anemometry (PDA) system was used to measure the droplet velocities of nasal sprays. A survey of seven commercial nasal spray products showed a range of droplet velocities from 6.7 to 19.2 m/s, all significantly different from each other. A three-level, four-factor Box–Behnken design of experiments (DOE) methodology were applied to investigate the influences of actuation parameters and formulation properties on nasal spray droplet velocity using a set of placebo formulations. The DOE study shows that all four input factors (stroke length, actuation velocity, concentration of the gelling agent, and concentration of the surfactant) have significant influence on droplet velocity. An optimized quadratic model generated from the DOE results describes the inherent relationships between the input factors and droplet velocity thus providing a better understanding of the input factor influences. Overall, PDA provides a new in vitro characterization method for the evaluation of inhalation drugs through assessment of spray velocity and may assist in product development to meet drug delivery equivalency requirements.     

A long-lasting topical deltamethrin treatment to protect dogs against visceral leishmaniasis

To develop long‐lasting, topical pour‐on insecticides for dogs to control zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis, two deltamethrin‐based formulations (emulsifiable concentrate [EC] and suspension concentrate [SC]) were tested for their efficacy against the phlebotomine sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva (Diptera: Psychodidae), vector of Leishmania infantum Nicolle (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). The entomological outcomes tested were anti‐feeding effect (proportion of female sandflies unfed), lethal effect (24‐h female sandfly mortality) and these two effects combined, and the insecticide persistence time at 50% (residual activity, RA₅₀) and 80% (RA₈₀) efficacy. On initial application, the proportions of female flies that demonstrated anti‐feeding activity or were killed were similar for both formulations, at 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.856–0.977) vs. 0.81 (95% CI 0.763–0.858) (anti‐feeding) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.787–0.920) vs. 0.76 (95% CI 0.698–0.817) (24‐h mortality) for EC and SC, respectively. The RA₅₀ rates for anti‐feeding and mortality caused by the EC formulation were 4.7 months (95% CI 4.18–5.84) and 2.5 months (95% CI 2.25–2.90), respectively, compared with 1.1 months (95% CI 0.96–1.15) and 0.6 months (95% CI 0.50–0.61), respectively, for the SC formulation. The RA₅₀ for the combined anti‐feeding and mortality effects of EC was 5.2 months (95% CI 4.73–5.96), compared with only 0.9 months (95% CI 0.85–1.00) for the SC formulation. The four‐ to six‐fold superior residual activity of the EC formulation was attributed to the addition of a solvent‐soluble resin in the formulation which improved fur adhesion and acted as a reservoir for the slow release of the active ingredient. These results identify the potential of such a low‐cost formulation to reduce the inter‐intervention interval to 5–6 months, similar to that recommended for deltamethrin‐impregnated dog collars or for re‐impregnation of conventional bednets, both of which are currently used to combat Leishmania transmission. Finally, a novel bioassay was developed in which sandflies were exposed to fur from treated dogs, revealing no detectable tolerance (24‐h mortality) in wild‐caught sandflies to the insecticide formulations up to 8 months after the initiation of communitywide application of the insecticides to dogs.     

Effect of spray application technology on the biological control of aphids in Brussels sprouts

A field trial was carried out to evaluate different application techniques for crop penetration and biological efficacy of aphid control in Brussels sprouts. Six different application techniques were tested at a pressure of 4.0 bar in a field trial in 3 parallels at the Provincial Vegetable Research Centre in Kruishoutem (PCG): a standard ISO 02 flat fan nozzle (at 200 l/ha), an ISO 04 twin air inclusion nozzle (at 800 l/ha), an ISO 03 drift reducing nozzle, an air injection nozzle (Airjet,) droplegs in combination with an ISO 03 drift reducing nozzle and an ISO 03 air inclusion nozzle (all at 400 l/ha). Best biological control of the aphids and spray distribution was found for the twin air inclusion nozzle, the air inclusion nozzle and the airjet-system. These are all drift reducing techniques because of their coarse droplet size spectrum or the effect of air support which makes the droplets faster. Both effects improve crop penetration. No added value was found for the droplegs for this type of spray treatments. Fine droplets, produced by a standard flat fan, did not give good results on biological control or penetration into the crop.     

The effect of air support on droplet characteristics and spray drift

Air assistance on field sprayers creates a forced airstream under the spray boom which blows the spray droplets into the crop. The advantages of this relative new technique are less drift of spray droplets and the possibility to reduce the amount of pesticides and spray Liquid. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of air assistance on the characteristics of spray droplets and their driftability. Based on air velocity measurements on an air assisted field sprayer, a system of air assistance was developed in addition to a laser-based measuring set-up for the characterisation of spray droplets. With this set-up, the effect of air support on the droplet characteristics was investigated for different settings of the air assistance. The effect on spray drift was quantified based on field drift measurements. A reducing effect on the total amount of spray drift was demonstrated for the Hardi ISO F 110 02, F 110 03 and LD 110 02 nozzles with drift reduction factors a(d) of, respectively, 2.08, 1.77 and 1.53. The use of air support had no significant effect for the LD 110 03 nozzles on the total amount of spray drift. Comparing droplet size and drift results, it was found that air support has the highest impact on the amount of spray drift for the finer sprays by increasing droplet velocities. The effect of air support on droplet sizes is rather limited.     

Bio-efficacy of different oil carriers in ultra low volume sprayer for management of pod borer,Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in pigeonpea ecosystem

A study was conducted to evaluate the bioefficacy of different oil carriers (sunflower oil, seamum oil, neem oil, mineral oil), sugar solution and water formulation to be used in ultra low volume sprayer (ULV) along with rynaxypyr 18.5 SC (Coragen) for the management of pod borer at the Agricultural Research Station, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India during the kharif season of 2011–2012. The results revealed that the sesamum oil carrier fits well with rynaxypyr 18.5 SC and recorded the lowest mean pod borer larval population after last spray (1.0 per five plants) the lowest pod damage (23.20%), grain damage (18.30%) and higher grain yield (9.43?q/ha) with a high B:C ratio of 3.64 in the plot sprayed with the sesamum oil carrier. The findings suggested that the sesamum oil carrier in ULV sprayer is suitable and practicable in pigeonpea ecosystem for effective management of pod borer with no risk of phytotoxicity, spray drift and operational difficulties. The foregoing studies indicated that the performance of sesamum oil carriers was superior to other carriers in terms of suppression of larval population, reduction in pod damage and harnessing higher yield.     

Improving the biological efficacy of small droplets of permethrin by the addition of silicon-based surfactants

Oil-soluble and oil-dispersible silicon-based, non-ionic surfactants were incorporated in two oil-based formulations of permethrin. At the optimal concentration of surfactant, 40 μm droplets of the insecticide were twice as effective against whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) larvae as droplets without surfactant. The addition of a surfactant to a formulation containing 10 g/litre permethrin resulted in a spray mixture which was at least as effective as the same formulation containing 100 g/litre permethrin without surfactant. These improvements in efficacy were not attributable to droplet spread or perimeter on the leaf surface, or to differences in the surface tension of the mixtures. The implications of these results for ultra-low volume spraying are discussed. A statistical model based on the zero-cell of the Poisson distribution is described and used to analyse the bioassay results.     

Aerial ultra-low-volume application of naled: impact on nontarget imperiled butterfly larvae (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) and efficacy against adult mosquitoes (Aedes taeniorhynchus)

We assessed the exposure and acute toxicity of naled, applied aerially as an ultra-low-volume spray for mosquito control, on late instar larvae of the Miami blue (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) (Comstock and Huntington 1943) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), an imperiled South Florida butterfly. We concurrently evaluated the control efficacy against caged adult female salt-marsh mosquitoes (Aedes taeniorhynchus) (Wiedemann 1821) (Diptera: Culicidae). This 3-yr study was conducted in north Key Largo (Monroe County, FL) beginning in 2006. The field trials incorporated 15 sampling stations: nine in the target spray zone, three in the spray drift zone at varying distances from the target zone, and three in the control zone not subjected to naled spray drift. A total of six field spray trials were completed, three at an altitude of 30.5 m (100 feet), and three at 45.7 m (150 feet). For all trials, the ultra-low-volume application of Trumpet EC insecticide (78% naled) at a rate of 54.8 ml/ha (0.75 fl. oz/acre) was effective in killing caged adult mosquitoes in the target zone. Butterfly larvae survival was significantly reduced in the spray zone compared with drift and control zones. Analysis of insecticide residue data revealed that the mortality of the late instar butterfly larvae was a result of exposure to excess residues of naled. Additional research is needed to determine mitigation strategies that can limit exposure of sensitive butterflies to naled while maintaining mosquito control efficacy.     

两种杀虫真菌制剂对茶小绿叶蝉的田间防效评价

于2002年盛夏在浙江遂昌一高山茶园对茶小绿叶蝉(Empoasca spp．)进行了真菌杀虫剂的田间药效试验。所用菌剂为球孢白僵菌(Beauveria bassiana)和玫烟色拟青霉(Paecilomyces fumosoroseus)的纯孢子悬乳剂及其与3％吡虫啉10％可湿剂的混配剂．各菌剂稀释500倍喷雾2次,间隔12d．结果表明。两种真菌的混配剂明显优于纯菌剂,其中球孢白僵菌混配剂的最高防效达83．4％,而玫烟色拟青霉的最高防效为71．3％．根据25d期间历次调查结果计算平均防效,球孢白僵菌混配剂达66．8％,玫烟色拟青霉混配剂为62．1％,含微量吡虫啉的矿物油为50．3％,球孢白僵菌和玫烟色拟青霉的纯菌剂分别为49．5％和19．0％,结合试验期间气候及田间种群结构特征,讨论了各处理问差异的来源及提高真菌杀虫剂控制茶小绿叶蝉效果的可能途径。     

Acute, sublethal and combination effects of azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis toxins on Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae

The efficacy of neem (1500 ppm azadirachtin (AI)), Delfin WG, a biological insecticide based on selected strain of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) subspecies kurstaki, and Cry1Ac protein, either individually or in combination, were examined against first to fourth instar Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) larvae. Using an oral administration method, various growth inhibitory concentrations (EC) and lethal concentrations (LC) were determined for each bioagent. Combinations of sublethal concentrations of Bt spray formulation with azadirachtin at EC50 or EC95 levels not only enhanced the toxicity, but also reduced the duration of action when used in a mixture. The LC20 and LC50 values for Cry1Ac toxin were 0.06 and 0.22 microg ml-1, respectively. Bt-azadirachtin combinations of LC50+EC20 and LC50+EC50 result in 100% mortality. The mortality also was significant in LC20+EC20 and LC20+EC50 mixtures. These studies imply that the combined action is not synergistic but complimentary, with azadirachtin particularly facilitating the action of Bt. The Bt spray-azadirachtin combination is more economical than combinations that involve isolating the toxic protein, as the Bt spray formulations can be combined in a spray mixture with neem. These combinations may be useful for controlling bollworm populations that have acquired resistance to Bt as they may not survive the effect of mixture. Azadirachtin may be useful as a means of reducing the endotoxin concentrations in a mixture, to promote increased economic savings and further reduce the probability of resistance development to either insect control agent.     

Susceptibility of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) to Metarhizium brunneum F52 (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) using three exposure assays in the laboratory

An emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and granular (G) formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium brunneum strain F52 (formerly Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52) were tested against unfed adults and nymphs of Ixodes scapularis Say in the laboratory. Three exposure methods; dip, surface contact, and direct spray application, and three exposure time intervals (3, 30, and 300 min) were used to evaluate the EC formulation. Application rates ranged from 2.6 x 10(2) to 2.6 x 10(8) conidia/cm2. The surface treatment was used for granular formulation with concentrations ranging from 2.3 x 10(5) to 2.3 x 10(7) conidia/cm2 for same three exposure times. Both the EC and G formulations of this fungus were highly pathogenic against I. scapularis adults and nymphs. Logistic regression analysis found formulation, spore concentration, time of exposure, and observation period were significant or highly significant factors influencing tick mortality. For adult I. scapularis, the spray application with the EC formulation of M. brunneum F52 resulted in a lower LC50 (5.9 x 10(4) conidia/cm2) at 30 min than surface exposure to the EC (LC50 = 1.3 x 10(6) conidia/cm2) or G formulation (LC50 = 8.1 x 10(5) conidia/cm2). At higher concentrations, fungal activity was evident in adult I. scapularis held at 5 degrees C suggesting the fungus may provide control in the cooler fall season. While the observed pathogenicity of a fungus against ticks can be dependent upon the bioassay assessment, we found nymphs and adults of I. scapularis to be highly susceptible to M. brunneum F52, regardless of the exposure method used.     

Field activity and storage stability of Anagrapha falcifera nucleopolyhedrovirus (AfMNPV) in spray-dried lignin-based formulations

A multiple-embedded nucleopolyhedrovirus isolated from Anagrapha falcifera (Kirby) (AfMNPV) has potential to be developed into a microbial bioinsecticide because the host range includes several economic pests. We tested spray-dried AfMNPV formulations after storage for insecticidal activity based on bioassays with neonate Trichoplusia ni (Hübner). Eight experimental lignin-based spray-dried formulations, a glycerin-based formulation, and an unformulated sample were made with virus stock from three commercial production lots. Samples of these formulations were stored at 30 degrees C in individually sealed sample containers for destructive sampling after 1, 3, and 6 mo whereas the remaining product was stored in glass jars under refrigeration for up to 30 mo. Spray drying did not significantly reduce the initial LC50s of AfMNPV in experimental formulations compared with unformulated virus that was not spray dried. Refrigerated storage for 6 mo did not significantly lower virus activity of formulated samples compared with the unformulated AfMNPV stored frozen, while samples stored for 30 mo had higher LC50 values determined by both droplet and leaf feeding assays. When stored at 30 degrees C, most formulations (22 of 24) maintained insecticidal activity for 3 mo, but most (21 of 24) lost significant activity after 6 mo of storage. The glycerin-based formulation also lost activity within 6 mo of storage at 30 degrees C when compared with frozen unformulated virus, but did not lose activity when stored refrigerated for up to 30 mo. These formulations were evaluated after 7 mo at 4 degrees C for residual insecticidal activity when applied to field grown cabbage. Insecticidal activity was determined against T. ni neonates for treated leaf samples collected at 3, 7, 27, and 51 h after application of 2.5 x 10(12) obs/ha. Field tests showed no differences in activity among samples of stored formulations and one freshly made formulation. Spray-dried formulations had significantly higher insecticidal activity (67.5% mortality) compared with the unformulated treatment (30% mortality) sampled 3 h after application. At 3, 7, and 27 h after application, the spray-dried formulations had higher residual activity (67%, 59%, and 42% mortality, respectively), compared with the commercial glycerin-based formulation (61%, 38%, and 23% mortality, respectively). These experiments demonstrated that AfMNPV in lignin-based spray-dried formulations had a shelf-life of up to 3 mo at 30 degrees C and up to 30 mo at 4 degrees C, and with longer residual insecticidal activity in the field compared with unformulated or a glycerin formulation.     

The Studies of Phase Equilibria and Efficiency Assessment for Self-Emulsifying Lipid-Based Formulations

The study was designed to build up a database for the evaluation of the self-emulsifying lipid formulations performance. A standard assessment method was constructed to evaluate the self-emulsifying efficiency of the formulations based on five parameters including excipients miscibility, spontaneity, dispersibility, homogeneity, and physical appearance. Equilibrium phase studies were conducted to investigate the phase changes of the anhydrous formulation in response to aqueous dilution. Droplet size studies were carried out to assess the influence of lipid and surfactant portions on the resulted droplet size upon aqueous dilution. Formulations containing mixed glycerides showed enhanced self-emulsification with both lipophilic and hydrophilic surfactants. Increasing the polarity of the lipid portion in the formulation leaded to progressive water solubilization capacity. In addition, formulations containing medium chain mixed glycerides and hydrophilic surfactants showed lower droplet size compared with their long chain and lipophilic counterparts. The inclusion of mixed glycerides in the lipid formulations enormously enhances the formulation efficiency.     

Evaluation of biological and chemical insecticide mixture against Aedes aegypti larvae and adults by thermal fogging in Singapore

To improve the operational efficiency of dengue vector control in Singapore, larvicide and adulticide were applied together by thermal fog generator (Agrofog AF40). The mixture consisted of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Vectobac 12 AS) as biological larvicide at 1.5 L/ha and pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 50 EC) as adulticide at 100 g ai/ha, diluted 10-fold with water. Aerosol of this mixture was evaluated against the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) in bioassays using cages of 10 adult females exposed at heights of 0.3-2.4 m and distances of 3-12 m from the hand-held generator. Cups containing 200 mL water were treated at ground level by exposure to the aerosol application at the same distances from the generator. Subsequent larval bioassays on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-spray involved exposing 20 larvae/cup for 48 h. Droplets had VMD 57 microm and female mosquitoes were killed by 2 s exposure to the aerosol at 3 m. We obtained 92-100% mortality of the adult mosquitoes and 100% control of larvae at 3 m distance, but only 10-13% mortality at 12 m from the fogger. In treated cups, larvae showed high mortality (92%) when exposed for 48 h even 1 month post-treatment. Results demonstrate the practical advantage of using this mixture of Vectobac 12AS and Actellic 50 EC for simultaneous control of Aedes adults and larvae, with prolonged larvicidal efficacy in treated containers.     

斜纹夜蛾药剂防治综合决策的研究

根据不同药剂对斜纹夜蛾的防治效果、防治工本费、对天敌的影响、防治后挽回的产量损失等资料,以净收益最大作为最优防治目标,运用优化理论和多目标决策方法,对11种药剂防治措施进行了综合分析。结果表明,在11种药剂防治措施中,以每667m^2施1．8％阿维菌素乳油16．7ml最优,其次是1．8％阿维菌素乳油25ml,20％氰戊菊酯乳油25ml,2．5％功夫乳油16．7ml,2．5％功夫乳油25ml,20％氰戊菊酯乳油50ml,4．5％高效氯氰菊酯乳油50ml,4．5％高效氯氰菊酯乳油25ml,50％辛硫磷乳油50ml,10％除尽悬浮剂16．7ml,10％除尽悬浮剂25ml,为合理地选择农药和用量提供了科学依据。     

Factors affecting the uptake of chlormequat into cereal leaves

The effects of site of application, growth environment, droplet size, and formulation adjuvants on the retention and uptake of ¹⁴C-chlormequat by wheat cv. Avalon and barley cv. Sonja have been examined using solutions applied by a micro-sprayer. Wheat plants retained a higher proportion of droplets on initial impaction than barley irrespective of growth stage, site of application or formulation. Leaf retention increased approximately two-fold with increase in surfactant concentration (0·03·0–3% w/v) or decrease in droplet size (200-125 μm) but declined markedly with age of leaf. Uptake, which was greater into wheat than barley, increased with increase in surfactant concentration, growth temperature and droplet size, with a combination of decrease in irradiance plus a rise in soil moisture, and after exposure to simulated dew. Droplet reflection increased and chlormequat uptake declined when the fungicide preparations Bavistin and Radar replaced Agral 90 in the spray mixtures. Droplets impacted more readily and spread more extensively over the damaged surfaces of field grown leaves. Both tissue combustion and autoradiography showed that chlormequat translocated readily only in immature tissues.     

Evaluation method for the drying performance of enzyme containing formulations

A method is presented for fast and cheap evaluation of the performance of enzyme containing formulations in terms of preserving the highest enzyme activity during spray drying. The method is based on modeling the kinetics of the thermal inactivation reaction which occurs during the drying process. Relevant kinetic parameters are determined from differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) experiments and the model is used to simulate the severity of the inactivation reaction for temperatures and moisture levels relevant for spray drying. After conducting experiments and subsequent simulations for a number of different formulations it may be deduced which formulation performs best. This is illustrated by a formulation design study where 4 different enzyme containing formulations are evaluated. The method is validated by comparison to pilot scale spray dryer experiments.