A commonly asked question is how one should choose between Paddle and Basket apparatuses when selecting an apparatus? In short, there is no clear-cut answer, in particular, based on scientific merit or reasoning.
It is important to note that both of these apparatuses have been shown to provide highly variable and unpredictable results. Furthermore, the results obtained using these apparatuses often lack a link to the test products’ physiological or in vivo characteristics. These apparatuses usually provide two different sets of results for the same product under similar operating conditions. Thus, it would be impossible to know which one reflects the product’s actual/true dissolution behavior. Between the two, the Basket apparatus appears to provide more variable results than the Paddle apparatus.
It appears that traditional practices/views, rather than scientific merit, are used in selecting the apparatuses. For example, it is commonly suggested that the Basket apparatus may be preferred for products that may float in the dissolution vessels. On the other hand, such floatation may be controlled using a “sinker” if one prefers to use a Paddle apparatus. Eventually, it boils down to the personal preference of an analyst, as to what his or her expectations are for the dissolution behavior of the test product.
In short, current practices are to choose an apparatus that would provide desired dissolution results (behavior) of the test product. How useful or relevant would such results be? This remains an open and debatable question