Nanoparticle Preparation Using Solid Fat Solvent and Supercritical Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing nanoscale particles face challenges such as nozzle clogging, limited solute and solvent options, and difficulties in commercial-scale production, particularly due to issues with particle uniformity and coagulation when using supercritical fluids.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a mixture with active ingredients and solid fat, followed by pressurization with a supercritical fluid to remove the solid fat, allowing for the production of nanoscale or amorphous particles without the need for precise nozzle control and minimizing coagulation risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If mechanical milling is used to reduce particle size, then particle size can be decreased to tens of micrometers, but contamination risk increases and particle size cannot be reduced below this limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical milling systems with a chemical dissolution-precipitation system. Active ingredients are dissolved in a solvent and then precipitated to form nanoparticles, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and thus preventing contamination while achieving smaller particle sizes than mechanical methods can provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the solvent (liquid to gas) to control the precipitation process. By evaporating the solvent, the dissolved active ingredient precipitates as fine particles, enabling particle size reduction without mechanical intervention and avoiding contamination associated with mechanical milling.
2Length of moving object
If wet milling is used to prepare nanoscale particles, then particle size can be reduced to hundreds of nanometers, but processing time increases to 1 day or longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary dissolution of the active ingredient in the solvent before precipitation. This pre-dissolution step ensures complete solubilization, and when the solvent is subsequently evaporated, nanoparticles form rapidly without requiring extended milling time, thus reducing overall processing time while achieving nanoscale particle sizes.
3Loss of time
If high shear media mill is used to reduce processing time to 1 day, then nanoscale particles can be produced, but corrosion of grinding media and vessel occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high shear mechanical milling system with a chemical dissolution-precipitation system. This eliminates the mechanical stress and corrosion of grinding media and vessel while maintaining rapid processing, as nanoparticles form through solvent evaporation rather than prolonged mechanical action.
4Shape
If spray drying is used to obtain powder form from nanoscale particles, then powder can be produced, but particle coagulation occurs during drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the evaporation rate and temperature parameters during the drying process to prevent coagulation. By carefully managing these parameters, the solvent evaporates uniformly, allowing nanoparticles to maintain their dispersion and form a stable powder without agglomeration, thus preserving particle size distribution in the final powder product.
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 uniformly sized nanoparticles with improved dispersability and stability, reducing the risk of nozzle clogging and expanding the range of applicable solutes and solvents, facilitating commercial-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing the mixture comprising one or more active ingredients and solid fat to the critical pressure or more by adding the gas of a supercritical fluid into the mixture, and then removing the solid fat from the mixture by releasing out the solid fat together with the gas of the supercritical fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing nanoscale or amorphous particles using solid fat as a solvent. According to the present invention, nanoscale or amorphous particles of active ingredients are prepared by using fat as a solvent, wherein the fat is in solid phase at room temperature. The nanoscale or amorphous particles of active ingredients can be advantageously used in medicine, cosmetics, functional foods or the like.