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Processing of spherical crystalline particles via a novel solution atomization and crystallization by sonication
J Sebastian Kaerger1, Robert Price
1Pharmaceutical Technology Research Group, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
Pharmaceutical Research
|March 23, 2004
Summary
A novel single-step process creates uniform crystalline paracetamol particles with controlled size and surface features. This pharmaceutical particle engineering technique offers enhanced control over particle morphology and topography.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Pharmaceutical particle engineering is crucial for drug delivery and efficacy.
- Controlling particle size, morphology, and surface topography remains a challenge.
- Existing methods often involve multiple steps and lack precise control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a single-step technique for pharmaceutical particle engineering.
- To produce crystalline particles with a defined size range (1-5 micrometers).
- To control macroscopic spherical morphology and mesoscopic surface topography.
Main Methods:
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) solutions were atomized using electrohydrodynamic (EHDA) or air pressure atomizers.
- Highly supersaturated droplets were crystallized in a nonsolvent via ultrasonication.
- Physicochemical properties of the resulting particles were characterized.
Main Results:
- The developed process yielded crystalline paracetamol particles with a homogeneous size distribution (1-5 micrometers).
- Particle sphericity and size were controllable by adjusting solute concentration in air pressure atomization.
- SAXS-processed particles exhibited more uniform shapes and increased nanometer surface roughness compared to micronized paracetamol.
Conclusions:
- The SAXS process is a novel method for producing crystalline particles with controlled size.
- This technique offers significant opportunities for tailoring physical properties like surface topography and particle shape.
- The single-step approach simplifies pharmaceutical particle engineering.