The selection of solids with suitable physical and chemical characteristics is a key factor within pharmaceutical development strategies. Advances in pharmaceutical sciences in the last decade has generated interest in the drug candidates; new and old, to be able to provide enhanced therapeutic value by particle engineering. Specific characteristics of particles (size, shape, surface, crystal structure and morphology) are among the important factors to control technological and biopharmaceutical properties of drug products. Particle engineering is a term coined to encompass means of producing particles having a defined morphology, particle size distribution, and composition. In a stricter sense, particle engineering is associated with particle size reduction techniques, such as milling, grinding, homogenization, and micro- or nanoparticle formation techniques, such as spray-drying, supercritical fluid technologies, and precipitation. The constant requirement for the targeted delivery of therapeutically active agents has been the key driver in particle engineering and processing.
展开▼
