J Sebastian Kaerger1, Robert Price. 1. Pharmaceutical Technology Research Group, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The objective was to develop a single-step pharmaceutical particle engineering technique able to produce particles within a well-defined particle size range while controlling macroscopic spherical morphology and mesoscopic surface topography. METHODS: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) aerosol droplets were generated by spraying a solution via either an electrohydrodynamic atomizer (EHDA) or an air pressure atomizer. The highly supersaturated droplets were collected in a suitable nonsolvent of the drug and crystallized by ultrasonication. Suspended particles were filtered, and their physicochemical properties characterized. RESULTS: The SAXS processed particles showed a relatively homogeneous particle size distribution between 1 and 5 microm. Particles were nominally crystalline in structure. The chemical structure of the active ingredient did not apparently alter during processing. Controlling the solute concentration of the air pressure atomized solution provided a means of controlling the degree of sphericity and particle-size characteristics. In comparison to micronized paracetamol particles, SAXS-produced particulates were generally more uniform in shape with increased nanometer surface roughness. CONCLUSIONS: The SAXS process provides a novel means of producing crystalline particles in a well-defined particle size range. Furthermore, the method offers a range of opportunities in controlling physical properties including surface topography and particle shape.
PURPOSE: The objective was to develop a single-step pharmaceutical particle engineering technique able to produce particles within a well-defined particle size range while controlling macroscopic spherical morphology and mesoscopic surface topography. METHODS:Paracetamol (acetaminophen) aerosol droplets were generated by spraying a solution via either an electrohydrodynamic atomizer (EHDA) or an air pressure atomizer. The highly supersaturated droplets were collected in a suitable nonsolvent of the drug and crystallized by ultrasonication. Suspended particles were filtered, and their physicochemical properties characterized. RESULTS: The SAXS processed particles showed a relatively homogeneous particle size distribution between 1 and 5 microm. Particles were nominally crystalline in structure. The chemical structure of the active ingredient did not apparently alter during processing. Controlling the solute concentration of the air pressure atomized solution provided a means of controlling the degree of sphericity and particle-size characteristics. In comparison to micronized paracetamol particles, SAXS-produced particulates were generally more uniform in shape with increased nanometer surface roughness. CONCLUSIONS: The SAXS process provides a novel means of producing crystalline particles in a well-defined particle size range. Furthermore, the method offers a range of opportunities in controlling physical properties including surface topography and particle shape.
Authors: M D Ticehurst; P A Basford; C I Dallman; T M Lukas; P V Marshall; G Nichols; D Smith Journal: Int J Pharm Date: 2000-01-05 Impact factor: 5.875
Authors: Sarma P Duddu; Steven A Sisk; Yulia H Walter; Thomas E Tarara; Kevin R Trimble; Andrew R Clark; Michael A Eldon; Rebecca C Elton; Matthew Pickford; Peter H Hirst; Stephen P Newman; Jeffry G Weers Journal: Pharm Res Date: 2002-05 Impact factor: 4.200