Particle size reduction is one of those techniques that, while seemingly simple, can have a significant impact on the final product. Multiple mixing methods can reduce particle size, some more efficiently than others. When hunting for a particle size reduction machine, it is important for scientists and researchers to consider the drawbacks of inefficient machines. Below is a compilation of consequences that can be expected as a result of inefficient particle size reduction (larger particles), taken from industries that frequently use this method.
- Food Industry: Detrimental to Health Status
Foods containing smaller, as compared with larger, particle sizes confer a number of health benefits to the consumer; this also reflects highly on the food manufacturer. On the other end, foods comprising larger particles has the potential to be detrimental to health status. This may manifest in reduced growth among adolescents and increased food intake as a result of later satiety. (1)
- Pharmaceutical Drugs: Decreased Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the fraction of an active drug ingredient that gets absorbed into circulation. A drug product’s bioavailability is directly correlated with its effectiveness; larger and inconsistent particle sizes in hydrophobic drugs therefore decrease their oral bioavailability and ability to achieve the intended function. Solubility and stability are also negatively affected by larger particle sizes, and can be partially attributed the smaller surface area in large particles. (3)
- Chemical Products: Low Quality
In addition to pharmaceutical and food products, reduced particle size has significant benefits for materials within the chemical industry. This also means that larger particle size is a huge limitation to high quality product function in lower particle packing, reduced particle coating during formulations, decreased conductivity, and rougher surface quality. These can affect an array of chemical products like adhesives & pastes, pigment & ink dispersions, polymers, and resin additives.
Pion: High Quality Particle Size Reduction Equipment
The above-listed criteria paint a rather dismal picture of the downstream effects of making products with large particles. However, these consequences can be easily avoided by choosing equipment that can achieve consistent and low particle size. One such example is the high pressure homogenizer by Pion. Their products are trusted by pharmaceutical researchers and lab managers around the world for key benefits, such as production of nano/micro emulsions, dispersions, and suspensions; importantly, this equipment can achieve consistent particle sizes at or below 100 nm, a key benefit for any product requiring small particle size.
Learn more about how Pion can aid your particle size reduction process by visiting website.
