The Bombay Technologist

Nanoparticle Engineering using Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solutions

Shilpa S. Mahamulkar

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Department

Keywords: Nanoparticle, Supercritical Fluid.

---

Abstract

In the case of pharmaceutical substances the particle size is quite important since it can limit the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. Nanoparticle formation has been proposed and utilized as a method to improve oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Since the mid-1980s, a new method of nanoparticle generation has appeared involving supercritical fluids. Carbon dioxide is the most widely used solvent and its innocuity and ''green'' characteristics make it the best candidate for the pharmaceutical industry. This article gives an overall view of the RESS (Rapid expansion of supercritical solutions) and its various modifications. It also provides the information and resources necessary for startup research involving particle formation using supercritical fluids. The various stages of particle formation by supercritical fluid processing can be broadly classified into delivery, reaction, pre-expansion, expansion and collection. The importance of each of these processes in tailoring the particle morphology is discussed here.