Label combines holograms, 2D datamatrix and thermal monitoring

Scriba Nanotecnologie has launched a miniaturised 2D datamatrix technology that can be combined with holograms and other reflective surfaces to provide authentication, cold-chain and traceability features.

"The evolving role of holograms lies in their ability to combine authentication with detection, which is the reason why some of the largest pharmaceutical companies have recognised the need to make holograms an integral part of their anti-counterfeiting strategies," said Scriba.

The En-Tag technology takes the form of a 2D datamatrix - roughly one-tenth the size of a typical code but able to hold 20-30 times the volume of data - that can be printed directly within the body of any security hologram using a standard laser-marking process.

The labels are barely visible to the human eye but can be used to store a wealth of digital data such as company logos, videos, or drug pedigree information, including the name, dosage form and strength, expiration date and lot number of a medicine, according to Scriba. A 1mm² tag can contain around 300 text characters, it said.

Meanwhile, the tags can also help monitor the pharmaceutical cold chain by acting as thermal monitoring devices at the unit dose level, thanks to the integration of a polymer layer that changes the look of the hologram when a specified temperature threshold is breached.

"For temperature-sensitive products in particular, such as biologics, food products, wine, etc., the technology is a first-in-class security feature with a clear-cut value proposition," said Dr. Claudio Rota, business development advisor at Scriba.

"At the pallet level, drug makers have many options when it comes to ensuring that their temperature-sensitive products are properly delivered to the end user," added Rota.

"However, none of the existing technologies, including dataloggers, RFID or insulated shippers can really be used to monitor the thermal history of each package or blister pack."