For 50-plus years, micronization was used to increase the bioavailability of drugs by decreasing the particle size and increasing their dissolution rate. Micronization is a valuable process, but can micronization still be an effective solution to bioavailability, or has it been usurped by other forms of improving poorly soluble drugs?
What Is Micronization?
Micronization is particle size reduction, or the process of reducing the diameter of a certain material. Micronization focuses on food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and chemical ingredients that need to be simplified to improve the product’s effectiveness. Micronization is a very versatile process and can be used on materials with varying chemical profiles as it only affects the physical state of the materials.
Micronization Techniques
Micronization involves the use of milling, bashing, or grinding techniques. You can use either jar mills or fluid energy mills, typically sold by companies that sell industrial use products for mineral industries. Typically, crushing and cutting methods produce rougher products around the edges and are usually used for products at the beginning of the process. Crushing involves using tools and impact to break apart materials, while cutting uses sharp blades to the same effect.
In spiral jet mills, fluid is distributed at high pressure and speeds to impact the particle until it begins to break apart. The particle size reduction effects depend on the chamber size and feeding rate of the fluid, in addition to the pressure and speed. The product then exits through a screen cartridge or gap separator. Opposite jet mills throw materials into three nozzles, and as the particles and fluid interact, particle size reduction occurs. The efficacy of opposite jet mills depends on the rotation speed applied to the particles in the chamber.
What Is Bioavailability?
Bioavailability is the percentage of a drug absorbed into the body’s circulation, either from people or living organisms. There may be great differences in bioavailability from person to person, but generally speaking, the solubility of a material needs to be at a sufficient level to ensure effectiveness. 100% bioavailability in humans involves direct contact with the bloodstream, but bioavailability reduces when introducing consumption methods like pills that can be broken down by stomach acids. As such, it’s important to be able to maximize solubility — and as a result, maximize the bioavailability — of products to combat differences in organisms.
How Effective Is Micronization in Increasing Bioavailability?
In the modern-day, there has been an increase in the number of drugs that have poor solubility, reducing their effectiveness. Micronization is one of the best and most effective ways to increase solubility without negative effects on the particles. Mills are great options for the industry as they allow for consistent and continuous production and can also advance the industry by combining particles to improve its effectiveness.
There have been numerous studies on the effects of micronization, and many of them have returned positive results. Almost 70% of newer drug candidates have poor water solubility, a strong inhibitor in their effectiveness. Micronization was found to have strong effects on increasing the bioavailability of Metoprolol, Diltiazem, and Propranolol, in addition to Phenytoin, Nifedipine, and Danazol. Overall, micronization is one of the most effective methods of increasing bioavailability and will be a staple in improving the effectiveness of drugs in the near and long-term future.
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The best way to micronize particles is with professional equipment from an industry-leading professional. At JERSEY CRUSHER, our products are professional-grade and made with your industry’s demands in mind. Get our specially designed LUMPBUSTER® to increase the bioavailability of your products, or consider Particle-izers to reduce various materials in your arsenal.
