Particle formation using supercritical fluids: pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

Small particles in the micrometre to nanometre range have attracted growing interest for increasingly sophisticated drug delivery and targeting systems. The design of particles for this application has to address specific and demanding needs, such as particle size and morphology control, polymorphic purity, batch consistency and regulatory compliance. These needs have highlighted the limitations of conventional particle formation processes. Supercritical fluid (SCF) processing is emerging as an alternative technology that addresses and fulfils some of these needs. This paper reviews the process concepts using SCF processing methods for controlled particle formation disclosed in recent patent literature, and provides perspectives of applications and future development of SCF technology in pharmaceutical/biological formulations and drug delivery systems.

• drug delivery systems
• drug targeting
• encapsulation
• microparticles
• microspheres
• particle formation
• supercritical fluids