Homogenization – also known as cell fractionation or micronization – is the process of dividing particles into microscopic sizes, ranging anywhere from 0.5 microns to 2 microns, depending on the application. Homogenizers play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry, and are commonly used for dispersions, emulsions, particle size reduction, and cell rupture.
Keep reading to discover the advantages of homogenizers for pharmaceutical products in the ever-growing pharmaceutical industry.
1. Reduced Particle Size
Effective homogenization results in a smaller particle size for a more even distribution of active ingredients. For topical pharmaceutical products, such as medicated creams, lotions, and ointments, this allows those critical medications to absorb more rapidly into the skin. A reduction in particle size increases the surface area of critical (and often expensive) active ingredients, which allows for an even dispersion of the active ingredients in the product, which increases efficacy of pharmaceutical products and lowers cost as well.
2. Increased Stability of Pharmaceutical Products
As mentioned above, high-quality homogenizers have the ability to reduce the particle size of critical active ingredients. Not only does this particle size reduction allow for even distribution of ingredients, it can also help improve the stability of otherwise unstable active ingredients. Some crucial active ingredients used in the pharmaceutical industry are solid at room temperature, and only moderately soluble in water or organic solvents.
Therefore by using effective homogenization, manufacturers and researchers can reduce these otherwise difficult to work with active ingredients into a smaller size. This way they have increased solubility in these mediums, many of which can work further to increase the shelf life and stability of the active ingredients.
3. Increased Reliability in Manufacturing Settings
Using a homogenizer means manufacturers and researchers have more control in their settings. Because a homogenizer utilizes many forces from shear to cavitation to impact, there are many more factors to adjust to create the most efficient particle size reduction method. So while testing can be a bit longer to find the right settings, the scalability and efficiency of the right homogenizer settings can make a huge difference in time and money when it comes to manufacturing.
Looking for a Homogenizer for Your Pharmaceutical Applications?
Pion's BEE brand has a number of first-class homogenizers that can meet the needs of manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry. Our industrial homogenizers are designed for cGMP manufacturing, and offer reliability suitable for all industries, including those with a 24/7 operating schedule. Our proprietary software offers touch screen guided operation, data collection, security, online maintenance schedules and alarms, and configurable recipes and capacities.
Pion's BEE brand industrial homogenizers and high pressure homogenizers are manufacturing pharmaceutical, chemical, life sciences, food, cosmetic products, and more. Call us today at 978-528-2020 or contact us here to discuss the benefits our homogenizers can bring to manufacturing your company’s products.
