Ivermectin Particle Size Reduction via High Shear Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for reducing the particle size of ivermectin are inefficient in simultaneously increasing its purity, and high shear mixing techniques are unsuitable due to potential degradation of the compound.
Innovation Solution
A process involving high shear mixing in a wet medium with a solvent mixture, including an organic solvent and water, to reduce particle size while purifying ivermectin and preventing air oxidation using antioxidants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If high shear mixing is used to reduce particle size, then particle size reduction is achieved, but compound degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (antioxidant) that mediates between the high shear mixing process and the ivermectin compound. The antioxidant acts as a protective intermediary that absorbs the harmful effects of oxidation during high shear mixing, allowing particle size reduction while preventing compound degradation. This is achieved by adding antioxidants to the system that scavenge free radicals generated during the high shear mixing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional purification methods are used, then purity is improved, but particle size reduction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate processes (purification and particle size reduction) into a single integrated high shear mixing process. By combining the purification function with the particle size reduction function in one operation, the process achieves both goals simultaneously. The high shear mixing environment enables both impurity removal and particle size reduction without requiring separate processing steps.
3Length of moving object
If ivermectin is processed in wet medium, then particle size reduction is achieved, but air oxidation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of air oxidation into a beneficial process by using the oxidation environment to purge related substances from the ivermectin while simultaneously protecting the main compound with antioxidants. The controlled oxidation conditions, combined with antioxidant protection, transform what would be a harmful process into a purification mechanism that removes impurities while maintaining compound integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively reduces ivermectin particle size and impurity levels without decomposing the compound, achieving high yields and improved stability for pharmaceutical formulations.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the medium comprising the particles to mixing in a high shear mixer
Implementation Method 2
preventing the decomposition of ivermectin by air oxidation during the micronization, using adequate antioxidants acting as radical scavengers
Implementation Method 3
using adequate antioxidants acting as radical scavengers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a process to reduce the particle size of ivermectin wherein the process comprises incorporating ivermectin particles in a wet or liquid medium and subjecting the medium comprising the particles to mixing in a high shear mixer.