Microjet Reactor Nanoparticle Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing nanoparticles are limited by difficulties in controlling particle size, high energy input, toxicity of solvents, and challenges in scaling up production, which hinder their use in the pharmaceutical industry for drug delivery and targeting.
Innovation Solution
A method using a microjet reactor where the collision of solvent and non-solvent jets with controlled temperature, flow rates, and gas pressure allows for precise control of particle size, enabling the production of surface-modified nanoparticles with narrow size distribution, suitable for drug targeting and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional nanoproduction methods are used, then nanoparticles can be produced, but particle size control is difficult and size distribution is broad
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls particle size by systematically varying process parameters including solvent-to-non-solvent ratio, mixing speed, temperature, and addition rate. This allows precise control over nucleation and growth kinetics, producing particles within a narrow size range (e.g., 100-500 nm) with low polydispersity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic control of the precipitation process through continuous adjustment of mixing conditions and reagent addition rates during the reaction. This dynamic approach allows real-time optimization of particle formation, maintaining narrow size distribution while achieving target particle sizes
2Length of moving object
If mechanical comminution processes are used, then particles can be reduced in size, but microbial contamination and degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical comminution processes with a chemical precipitation approach. Particles are formed in-situ through controlled phase separation in a liquid medium, eliminating the need for mechanical grinding that causes contamination and degradation. The process occurs under sterile conditions with no physical contact between particles and external surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a controlled precipitation medium as an intermediary environment where particles form and grow without direct mechanical intervention. The solvent system acts as a protective medium that prevents microbial contamination and chemical degradation while enabling precise size control through thermodynamic and kinetic parameters
3Quantity of substance
If high energy input methods are used, then nanoparticles can be produced, but energy consumption is high and scaling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs self-organizing precipitation processes where particles form and grow through spontaneous nucleation and aggregation driven by thermodynamic gradients. The system utilizes the inherent energy of mixing and phase separation to drive particle formation without requiring continuous high-energy input, enabling easy scaling from laboratory to industrial production
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits phase transition phenomena during solvent-to-non-solvent conversion to drive particle formation. The phase separation process releases energy that drives nucleation and growth, eliminating the need for external high-energy input while maintaining control over particle size and distribution
4Shape
If conventional precipitation methods are used, then particles can be formed, but surface modifications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates surface-modifying agents in the initial precipitation mixture, allowing simultaneous particle formation and surface functionalization. The surface modifiers are present during nucleation and growth, ensuring uniform distribution and covalent or strong adsorption bonding to the particle surface, creating multifunctional nanoparticles in a single step
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
This method enables the production of nanoparticles with controlled size and surface modifications, enhancing bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties, while avoiding the limitations of existing techniques, such as microbial contamination and energy-intensive processes.
Implementation Method 1
controlled precipitation, co-precipitation and self-organization processes in microjet reactors
Implementation Method 2
collision of solvent and non-solvent jets with defined pressures and flow rates are mixed in a microjet reactor, with a very rapid precipitation
Implementation Method 3
The rapid formation of nanoparticles is caused by the Maragoni effect as a result of the turbulence at the collision point of the solvent with the non-solvent
Implementation Method 4
the diffusion of the solvent into the non-solvent
Implementation Method 5
The rapid formation of nanoparticles is caused by the Maragoni effect as a result of the turbulence at the collision point of the solvent with the non-solvent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing microparticles or nanoparticles of water-soluble and water-insoluble substances by controlled precipitation, co-precipitation, and self-organization processes in microjet reactors, wherein a solvent, which contains at least one target molecule, and a non-solvent are mixed as jets hitting each other in a microjet reactor at defined pressures and flow rates, wherein a very fast precipitation, a co-precipitation, or a chemical reaction occurs, whereby microparticles or nanoparticles are formed. In order to create such a method, in which the particle size of the resulting microparticles or nanoparticles can be specifically controlled, the particle size is controlled by the temperature at which the collision of the solvent with the non-solvent occurs, the flow rate of the solvent and the non-solvent, and/or the gas amount, wherein smaller particles sizes are obtained at lower temperatures, at a high flow rate of the solvent and the non-solvent, or in the complete absence of gas.