Transition RMID Operations Between Handheld Raman Devices

Significance of Topic

Raman spectroscopy offers rapid, non-destructive raw material identification and verification (RMID) outside traditional labs, enabling manufacturers to ensure material consistency at the point of receipt, save time, and reduce costs.

Objectives and Study Overview

This Application Note explains how to transfer user libraries and verification models from the NanoRam 785 handheld Raman device to the MIRA P platform, preserving validated models and streamlining migration between instruments.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Data Export
  Export raw spectral libraries (identification) and method data (verification) from NanoRam ID software as CSV files.
• Format Conversion
  Convert exported CSV into Metrohm’s binary BRMS format using a dedicated conversion tool.
• Software Configuration
  Import converted libraries into MIRA Cal P, build or synchronize new libraries, and define operating procedures (OPs) for each material.
• Model Transfer and ROC Optimization
  Assemble training and validation sets, compute ROC curves, select optimal threshold, and integrate the validated model into the MIRA P device.

Instrument Details

• NanoRam 785: A discontinued but familiar handheld Raman spectrometer operating at 785 nm for RMID tasks.
• MIRA P: A rugged, high-efficiency portable Raman analyzer with Orbital-Raster-Scan technology. Compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and available in Basic, Advanced, and Flex configurations.

Main Results and Discussion

A lactose verification model was transferred successfully, with ROC-optimized settings including Principal Component Count = 3, Mean Center pretreatment, Combined distance, 95% confidence interval, Min/Max normalization, smoothing enabled, 13 points, polynomial order 3, derivative enabled, and IVC included. Validation using positive (target lactose variants) and negative (different lactose sources and other excipients) samples produced robust p-values, confirming high specificity and model performance despite the inherent fluorescence challenges of lactose at 785 nm.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Simplified migration of existing RMID libraries and models to new hardware without rebuilding models from scratch.
• Maintained high quality and consistency of verification results across instruments.
• Reduced downtime and retraining by leveraging pre-validated methods.

Future Trends and Applications

Expected developments include broader model interoperability across Raman platforms, integration of artificial intelligence for automated model tuning, enhanced cloud-based library management, and expanded use cases in regulated industries for real-time quality assurance.

Conclusion

Transferring RMID libraries and models from NanoRam 785 to MIRA P is a straightforward, efficient workflow that preserves the integrity of established verification methods. This process minimizes resource expenditure, accelerates deployment on new devices, and leverages Metrohm’s Raman ecosystem for reliable material analysis.

References

• Gelwicks, M. J. Real World Raman: Simplifying Incoming Raw Material Inspection. Analyze This – The Metrohm Blog, 2021.