Formation of ultrafine aspirin particles through rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS)

The performance of pharmaceuticals in biological systems can be enhanced by reducing the particle size of pharmaceuticals. Rapid expansion from supercritical solution (RESS) has provided a promising alternative to comminute contaminant-free particles of heat-sensitive materials such as drugs. In this work, aspirin has been successfully precipitated by the RESS technology. The performances of the RESS process under different operating conditions are evaluated through the analysis of the particle characteristics. Our results show that extraction pressure and extraction temperature can significantly affect the morphology and size of the precipitated particles whereas the nozzle diameter and pre-expansion temperature are not observed to apparently influence the RESS particles. The RESS process could produce ultrafine spherical particles (0.1-0.3 μm) of aspirin as reflected by SEM observations.     

Micronization of creatine monohydrate via Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solution (RESS)

In the pharmaceutical industry, an even greater number of products are in the form of particulate solids. In the case of pharmaceutical substances the particle size is quite important since it can limit the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. Since the mid-1980s, a new method of powder generation has appeared involving crystallization with supercritical fluids. In this study, RESS was used to micronize the creatine monohydrate particles. The RESS process consists in solvating the product in the fluid and rapidly depressurizing this solution through an adequate nozzle, causing an extremely rapid nucleation of the product into a highly dispersed material. In addition, the effect of six different RESS parameters including, extraction temperature (313-333 K), extraction pressure (140-220 bar), nozzle length (2-15 mm), effective nozzle diameter (450-1700 μm), spraying distance (1-7 cm) and pre-expansion temperature (353-393 K) were investigated on the size and morphology of the precipitated particles of creatine monohydrate. The characterization (size and morphology) of the precipitated particles of creatine monohydrate was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show great reduction in the size of the precipitated particles of creatine monohydrate (0.36-9.06 μm) compared with the original particles of creatine monohydrate. Moreover, a slight change into spherical form was observed for the precipitated particles of creatine monohydrate while the original particles were irregular in shape.     

超临界快速膨胀法制备植物甾醇超细微粒

通过药物颗粒的微细化,降低其粒度,增大比表面积,进而提高药物颗粒的溶解度,可以有效地改善难溶药物的生物利用度。该文采用超临界流体快速膨胀法(RESS)微细化植物甾醇颗粒。利用SEM分析了沉淀颗粒的形貌及粒径大小。分析了过程参数与所制备颗粒粒度的关系。研究发现,当喷嘴内径Dn从60μm减小到40μm,植物甾醇颗粒粒径由10～20μm减小为5μm;预膨胀压力p0从15MPa增加到25MPa时,颗粒粒径由10～15μm降至5μm;预膨胀温度T0由318K升高到333K时,颗粒粒径由5～10μm减小为1μm,粒径分布也趋于均匀。喷嘴温度Tn对粒径无显著影响。该法制备得到1～20μm无定形植物甾醇微细颗粒,且具有更高的溶解速率,比原料植物甾醇早3h达到饱和溶解度。     

Micronization of ketoprofen by the rapid expansion of supercritical solution process

The particle size of the pharmaceutical substances is important for their bioavailability (the percentage of the drug absorbed compared to its initial dosage). The absorption rate can be increased by reducing particle size of the drug particles. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the extraction pressure (140–220 bar), extraction temperature (308–338 K), nozzle length (2–15 mm), effective nozzle diameter (450–1700 μm), and collection distance (1–10 cm) on the size and morphology of the precipitated ketoprofen particles. The characterization (size and morphology) of the particles was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average particle size of the original material was 115.42 μm, while the average particle size of the micronized particles is between 0.35 and 7.03 μm near to quisi-spherical, needle and irregular shape depending upon the experimental conditions.     

Preparation of submicron-sized RDX particles by rapid expansion of solution using compressed liquid dimethyl ether

Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) was precipitated to submicron-sized particles with spherical morphology by the rapid expansion from supercritical solution (RESS). Compressed liquid dimethyl ether (DME) was used as a solvent for the RDX. This study examined the influence of extraction temperature (293-333 K), extraction pressure (8-20 MPa) and size of orifice nozzle (50, 100, 200, and 250 μm) on the size and morphology of the RDX particles in the RESS process. The precipitated RDX particles were characterized by using the following instruments: field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), image analyzer, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The precipitated RDX particles showed granular and spherical morphologies, submicron-sized particles, and narrow particle size distributions. The mean particle size of the precipitated RDX ranged from 2.48 to 0.36 μm, and the crystallinity of the precipitated RDX decreased. The enthalpy change for the exothermic decomposition of the precipitated RDX (ΔH = 714.4 J/g) was much higher than that of the original RDX (ΔH = 381.5 J/g).     

Micronization of salicylic acid and taxol (paclitaxel) by rapid expansion of supercritical fluids (RESS)

The particle sizes of the pharmaceutical substances are important for their bioavailability. The bioavailability can be improved by reducing the particle size of the drug. In this study, salicylic acid and taxol were micronized by the rapid expansion of supercritical fluids (RESS). Supercritical CO₂ and CO₂ + ethanol mixture were used as solvent. Experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of extraction temperature (318–333 K) and pressure (15–25 MPa), pre-expansion temperature (353–413 K), expansion chamber temperature (273–293 K), spray distance (6–13 cm), co-solvent concentration (ethanol, 1, 2, 3, v/v, %) and nozzle configuration (capillary and orifice nozzle) on the size and morphology of the precipitated salicylic acid particles. For taxol, the effects of extraction pressure (25, 30, 35 MPa) and co-solvent concentration (ethanol, 2, 5, 7, v/v, %) were investigated. The characterization of the particles was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, and LC–MS analysis.The particle size of the original salicylic acid particles was L/D: 171/29–34/14 μm/μm. Depending upon the different experimental conditions, smaller particles (L/D: 15.73/4.06 μm/μm) were obtained. The particle size of taxol like white crystal powders was reduced from 0.6–17 μm to 0.3–1.7 μm The results showed that the size of the precipitated salicylic acid and taxol particles were smaller than that of original particles and RESS parameters affect the particle size.     

Micronization of drug particles via RESS process

The rapid expansion of a supercritical solution (RESS) process is an attractive technology for the production of small, uniform and solvent-free particles of low vapour pressure solutes. The RESS containing a nonvolatile solute leads to the loss of solvent power by the fast expansion of the supercritical solution through an adequate nozzle, which can cause solute precipitation. The nozzle configuration plays an important role in RESS method and has a great effect on the size and morphology of the precipitated particles. In this study, ibuprofen was used as a simple test. In addition, besides the nozzle configuration, the effect of other parameters including extraction pressure (140-220 bar), extraction temperature (313-333 K), spraying distance (1-10 cm) and pre-expansion temperature (363-423 K) was investigated on the size and morphology of the precipitated particles of mefenamic acid. The SEM images also show that the precipitated particles of ibuprofen and mefenamic acid had a slight modification in morphology.     

Preparation and Characterization of Micronized Artemisinin via a Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solutions (RESS) Method

The particle sizes of pharmaceutical substances are important for their bioavailability. Bioavailability can be improved by reducing the particle size of the drug. In this study, artemisinin was micronized by the rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS). The particle size of the unprocessed white needle-like artemisinin particles was 30 to 1200 μm. The optimum micronization conditions are determined as follows: extraction temperature of 62 °C, extraction pressure of 25 MPa, precipitation temperature 45 °C and nozzle diameter of 1000 μm. Under the optimum conditions, micronized artemisinin with a (mean particle size) MPS of 550 nm is obtained. By analysis of variance (ANOVA), extraction temperature and pressure have significant effects on the MPS of the micronized artemisinin. The particle size of micronized artemisinin decreased with increasing extraction temperature and pressure. Moreover, the SEM, LC-MS, FTIR, DSC and XRD allowed the comparison between the crystalline initial state and the micronization particles obtained after the RESS process. The results showed that RESS process has not induced degradation of artemisinin and that processed artemisinin particles have lower crystallinity and melting point. The bulk density of artemisinin was determined before and after RESS process and the obtained results showed that it passes from an initial density of 0.554 to 0.128 g·cm(-3) after the processing. The decrease in bulk density of the micronized powder can increase the liquidity of drug particles when they are applied for medicinal preparations. These results suggest micronized powder of artemisinin can be of great potential in drug delivery systems.     

用含夹带剂丙酮的超临界CO2快速膨胀法制备灰黄霉素的微细颗粒

Griseofulvin (GF) is an antifungal drug whose pharmaceutical activity can be improved by reducingparticle size. In this study the rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) was employed to micronize GF.Carbon dioxide with cosolvent acetone was chosen as a supercritical mixed solvent. The solubility of GF in super-critical CO2 with cosolvent acetone was measured using a dynamic apparatus at pressures between 12 and 32 MPa,temperatures at 313, 323 and 333K and cosolvent concentration at 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0% (by mole). The effect ofpre-expansion pressure, extraction temperature, spraying distance, nozzle size and concentration of cosolvent on theprecipitated particles was investigated. The results show that the mean particle size of griseofulvin precipitated byRESS was less than 1.2 μm. An increase in pre-expansion pressure, extraction temperature, spraying distance andconcentration of cosolvent resulted in a decrease in particle size under the operating condition studied. With thedecrease of nozzle diameter the particle size reduces. The crystallinity and melting point of the original material andthe processed particle by RESS were tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).No evident modification in the crystal habit was found under the experimental conditions tested. The morphologyof particles precipitated was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Supercritical anti-solvent micronization of marigold-derived lutein dissolved in dichloromethane and ethanol

This work aims to study supercritical anti-solvent (SAS) micronization of lutein derived from marigold flowers. Lutein solution in dichloromethane (DCM) or ethanol was atomized into the stream of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) through a concentric nozzle in a pressurized vessel. The effects of pressure and SC-CO₂ flow rate on morphology, mean particle size (MPS) and particle size distribution (PSD) were investigated. The reduction in lutein MPS from 202.3 μm of unprocessed lutein to 1.58 μm and 902 nm could be achieved by SAS micronization using DCM and ethanol, respectively. In both solvent systems, no significant effects of pressure and SC-CO₂ flow rate on particle morphology were observed. However, pressure was found to have a significant effect on MPS and PSDs of lutein particles.     

Interfacial sol–gel processing for preparation of porous titania particles using a piezoelectric inkjet nozzle

The aim of the present work is to apply the liquid–liquid interfacial crystallization using a piezoelectric inkjet nozzle to the sol–gel processing. The instillation process was compared with the batch process to elucidate the effectiveness of the inkjet technique on the liquid–liquid interfacial sol–gel processing. The effect of frequency and water concentration in titanium tetraisopoxide (TTIP) solution on titania particle properties was investigated for sol–gel processing with a piezoelectric inkjet nozzle. Titania particles produced by each process were calcined at 500 °C. The crystal structure, morphology, pore size distribution and specific surface area of titania particles were evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen physisorption measurement. The photocatalytic activity of titania particles was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue solution under UVC light irradiation.     

Supercritical fluid-micronized ipratropium bromide for pulmonary drug delivery

Ipratropium bromide (IB) was micronized by means of a CO₂-based aerosol solvent extraction system (ASES) in order to improve the particle shape and size characteristics for use in inhalation therapy. The particle size parameter most relevant to pulmonary delivery is the aerodynamic diameter. In this study, ASES experiments were conducted using various liquid solvents for IB such as dimethylformamide (DMF), ethanol (EtOH), and mixtures of ethanol and acetone (EtOH/Ac). Several operating parameters were varied including temperature, pressure, IB concentration in the liquid solution, and the solution injection rate. The particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The true density of the particles was measured using a pycnometer and the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) determined. The results indicate that the size and morphology of the microparticles are most sensitive to solvent choice. Optimum results were obtained when IB particles were precipitated from DMF. The particles were more regular in shape, slightly elliptical, not agglomerated, and within the aerodynamic diameter range of 0.6-3.0 μm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies indicate no structural deformation as result of the ASES process. The regional depositions of inhaled IB particles were estimated using a multiple-path model of particle deposition (MPPD). The results indicate that IB particles with MMAD in the range of 2-3 μm deposited mainly in the respiratory airways in the lung.     

Effects of extraction temperature, extraction pressure and nozzle diameter on micronization of cholesterol by RESS process

Micronized cholesterol particles were produced via the Rapid Expansion of Supercritical CO₂ Solutions (RESS) process. Taguchi design was used for designing the experimental plan to investigate the effects of three parameters including extraction temperature (40-60 °C), extraction pressure (100-160 bar) and nozzle diameter (0.15-0.24 mm) on the size and morphology of the cholesterol particles produced by the RESS process. The characterization of the particles was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements to evaluate the performance of RESS process. The average particle size of the original material was 55 μm ± (2.84) while the average particle size of cholesterol after size reduction via the RESS process was between the minimum of 0.62 μm ± (0.03) and the maximum of 4.83 μm ± (0.18) depending upon the experimental conditions used. It was observed that both increasing the temperature from 40 to 60 °C and increasing the nozzle diameter from 0.15 to 0.24 mm result a reducing effect on the average particle size, whereas extraction pressure (100-160 bar) change has slight effect on the average particle size.     

Micronization of Three Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Using the Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solution Technology

The rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) technology was applied to recrystallize and micronize three active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of monobenzone, ethylparaben, and kojic acid. All unprocessed (original) APIs had a large mean particle size over 200 μm with wide particle size distribution. Supercritical carbon dioxide served as the solvent to extract each API in a high-pressure vessel. The nearly saturated supercritical solution was then expanded through a capillary spray nozzle to ambient pressure state. The APIs were recrystallized in a very short time period. The final API particles with submicron sizes were obtained with much less intensity of crystallinity. The optimal RESS process parameters and the improved result of the in vitro dissolution test for the API of ethylparaben are reported.     

Preparation of anthracene fine particles by rapid expansion of a supercritical solution process utilizing supercritical CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The rapid expansion of a supercritical solution (RESS) process is an attractive technology for the production of small, uniform and solvent-free particles of low vapor pressure solutes. The RESS containing a nonvolatile solute leads to loss of solvent power by the fast expansion of the supercritical solution through an adequate nozzle, which can cause solute precipitation. A dynamic flow apparatus was used to perform RESS studies for the preparation of fine anthracene particles in pure carbon dioxide over a pressure range of 150–250 bar, an extraction temperature range of 50–70 °C, and a pre-expansion temperature range of 70–300 °C. To obtain fine particles, 100, 200 and 300 μm nozzles were used to disperse the solution inside of the crystallizer. Both average particle size and particle size distribution (PSD) were dependent on the extraction pressure and the pre-expansion temperature, whereas extractor temperature did not exert any significant effect. Smaller particles were produced with increasing extraction pressure and preexpansion temperature. In addition, the smaller the nozzle diameter, the smaller the particles and the narrower the PSD obtained.     

Recrystallization of tetracycline hydrochloride using supercritical anti-solvent process

Tetracycline hydrochloride (TTC) was micronized by an Aerosol Solvent Extraction System (ASES) using supercritical CO₂. The effects of solvent, pressure and temperature of CO₂, solution concentration, and solution feed rate on particle size were investigated. Mean particle sizes of processed TTC were 0.16–0.31 μm, but the morphologies of processed particles were affected by agglomeration between the primary particles. Mean particle sizes of unprocessed TTC were ca. 200 μm and the shapes were irregular with rough surfaces. Especially, particle sizes increased from 0.18 to 0.31 μm as CO₂ temperature increased. In addition, particle sizes increased from 0.18 to 0.23 μm as TTC concentration increased. Powder X-Ray diffractometry revealed that processed particles were amorphous whereas unprocessed particles showed strong crystallinity.     

Preparation of cefuroxime axetil nanoparticles by rapid expansion of supercritical fluid technology

As a poorly water-soluble drug, cefuroxime axetil (CFA) features a low solubility and dissolution rate in the gastrointestinal tract, which limits its effective absorption and bioavailability. The objective of this study was production of amorphous CFA nanoparticles directly without any additive by rapid expansion of supercritical solution technology. The effects of process parameters, such as the temperature of nozzle (50-70 °C) and extraction port (60-90 °C) were investigated each in three levels, on the properties of the formed particles by a full factorial design. The particles were then analyzed for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size, zeta potential and dissolution properties. Z-average particle size of different nanoparticles was between 158 and 513 nm and zeta potential also changed from − 4.29 to − 42.8 mV. The lowest particle size was seen in sample with nozzle temperature at 60 °C and the extraction temperature at 90 °C. However, when temperatures of nozzle and extraction column were decreased to 50 °C and 75 °C respectively, the particle size was increased to 465 nm. More than 90% of the some nano-sized CFA formulations were dissolved in 3 min and complete dissolution occurred within 20 min, while the commercial CFA did not achieve complete dissolution (only about 50%) during 60 min of the testing period.     

The effect of particle size distribution on the microstructure and properties of Al2O3 ceramics formed by stereolithography

Stereolithography (SL) shows advantages for preparing alumina-based ceramics with complex structures. The effects of the particle size distribution, which strongly influence the sintering properties in ceramic SL, have not been systematically explored until now. Herein, the influence of the particle size distribution on SL-manufactured alumina ceramics was investigated, including bending strength at room temperature, post-sintering shrinkage, porosity, and microstructural morphology. Seven particle size distributions of alumina ceramics were studied (in μm/μm: 30/5, 20/3, 10/2, 5/2, 5/0.8, 3/0.5, and 2/0.3); a coarse:fine particle ratio of 6:4 was maintained. At the same sintering temperature, the degree of sintering was greater for finer particle sizes. The particle size distribution had a larger influence on flexural strength, porosity and shrinkage than sintering temperature when the particle size distribution difference reached 10-fold but was weaker for 10 μm/2 μm, 5 μm/2 μm and 5 μm/0.8 μm. The sintering shrinkage characteristics of cuboid samples with different particle sizes were studied. The use of coarse particles influenced the accuracy of small-scale samples. When the particle size was comparable to the sample width, such as 30 μm/5 μm and 5 mm, the width shrinkage was consistent with the height shrinkage. When the particle size was much smaller than the sample width, such as 2 μm/0.3 μm and 5 mm, the width shrinkage was consistent with the length shrinkage. The results of this study provide meaningful guidance for future research on applications of SL and precise control of alumina ceramics through particle gradation.     

Simulation of mass and heat transfer of Quercus leaf particles during hydrothermal extraction

Mass and heat transfer models of Quercus leaf particles during hydrothermal extraction were developed in COMSOL Multiphysics. The main physical properties used in the model were measured. The results showed that the average particle size was 116.7 μm, and after soaking in water for 24 h, the average particle size increased to 127.3 μm. However, the average particle size increased from 116.7 to 132.8 μm after soaking in a 60% (v/v) ethanol solution for 40 min, and decreased to 127.3 μm after 60 min. The Quercus leaf particles have a higher ability to absorb ethanol solution than water. The simulations showed that it took 3.2 s for the ethanol concentration and 0.5 s for the temperature in the particles to tend stably after soaking in a 60% (v/v) ethanol solution at 40°C. From the edge of the particle to the centre, the increasing rates of ethanol concentration and temperature gradually slowed down, while the changing rates of the centre accelerated with the increase in solution concentration and temperature, respectively. When the particles soaked at the lowest concentration, the central concentration first reached stability, and at the lowest temperature, the centre temperature first stabilized.     

The use of latex rubber-modified polystyrene as a model system for HIPS: Effect of particle size

The effect of particle size in high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) is difficult to determine because of a size polydispersity and changes in particle morphology during the HIPS synthesis process. In this study, poly(n-butyl acrylate) rubber core/polystyrene shell particles were made by emulsion polymerization methods such that the only difference was in particle diameter, which ranged from 0.4 to 6.2 μm. The latexes were subsequently incorporated into a polystyrene matrix to form a toughened composite that acted as a simple model for HIPS. Charpy impact energies (notched and unnotched) of the composites showed that there was no toughening for particle sizes less than 2μm in diameter. The optimal impact energy was obtained with particle diameters in the region of 2–3 μm at 8 wt % rubber loading. The results imply that craze stabilization is the most important aspect of the toughening process. A simple toughening model based on the crack opening displacement of craze breakdown between adjacent rubber particles is suggested, with interparticle distance as the most important variable. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.