BEE International Blog

Legal cannabis consumption is sweeping the nation. Today, 33 states (including Washington, DC) permit marijuana to be used medicinally, with 11 of them allowing it also to be used recreationally. This doesn’t mean that just anyone can start growing, manufacturing and selling cannabis products in these areas. Strict laws and ordinances exist at both state and local levels that regulate cannabis cultivation, production and distribution. Thus, each cannabis product meant for legal sale in the U.S. must first undergo analysis by a state-licensed lab. These labs test for potency (active amounts of THC and CBD), as well as safety, screening samples for possible contaminants such as pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals, residual solvents, bacteria and other possibly harmful analytes. Only if a product meets all compliance requirements is it released for distribution and sale. Take a look at how homogenization helps the cannabis industry comply with state laws so that patients and recreational customers alike have access to high-quality cannabis products:

But First, What is Homogenization?

Homogenization is the process by which the components of a substance are each broken apart into particles that are equal in size and structure and then thoroughly mixed back together. Such a process ensures that a sample maintains the same molecular composition in each of its segments should it ever be divided.

How is Homogenization Used in the Cannabis Industry?

Homogenization is critical for the manufacturing and the testing of cannabis-related products.

Manufacturing

During the production of cannabis products (including, but not limited to, oils, edibles, concentrates, solids and liquids), homogenizers reduce the size of cannabis particles, standardize their composition and disperse them evenly across the final product. Having small, uniform cannabis particles equally distributed throughout a sample guarantees:

• Increased Bioavailability - Small particles maximize surface area and allow for increased dissolution and absorption of the active ingredient by up to 75%.

• Reduced Need for More Active Ingredient - Because more active ingredient is able to be absorbed, less is needed to make an effect.

• Faster User Response - And a better active ingredient that dissolves quickly means users feel a faster response, as well.

• Better Appearance (and Taste, When Applicable) - Properly mixing a product makes it look (and taste) better.

• Longer Shelf Life - Homogenization combines a product’s particles so effectively that they can’t separate, creating goods that last longer.

Testing

Homogenization is also critical for the testing and analysis of cannabis products. In order to assess potency and search for certain analytes, lab technicians must first homogenize a cannabis sample so that all its particles are evenly dispersed and can be trusted as an accurate and reliable representation of the cannabis product as a whole. Properly mixing a sample especially helps labs verify the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenoids, those ingredients that most influence a cannabis product’s overall efficacy. Furthermore, homogenization enables the effective grinding of a sample so that further assay testing can occur.

Want to Learn More?

The burgeoning cannabis industry is strengthened by the homogenization process. To learn how you can use homogenizers for cannabis products, contact our team at BEE International. Our proprietary high pressure homogenizers guarantee cannabis products that are effective, safe and profitable.

You might also like to download our free eBook, “3 Reasons Why High Pressure Homogenization Improves Cannabis Products,” for additional information regarding the value of homogenization for the cannabis industry.

High pressure processing (HPP) is a pasteurization method by which parasitic and microbial contaminants (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) are deactivated with pressure rather than heat. Also known as pascalization, HPP provides many benefits over traditional pasteurization techniques. It not only effectively pasteurizes food samples while preserving their nutritional quality, flavor and texture (elements often diminished or otherwise negatively affected when exposed to high temperatures), but it can lyse cells and reduce the particle size of substances, as well, making it especially valuable for industries beyond the food and beverage one. Here’s a quick run-down of what you need to know about high pressure processing equipment:

HPP Equipment Applications

As mentioned, high pressure processing equipment can be (and is!) used for more than pasteurizing food items. In addition to extending the shelf life, quality and appearance of food products for the food and beverage industry, HPP equipment also helps the chemical, biotech and pharmaceutical industries (among others) process and maintain their own samples with maximum results.

HPP Equipment Benefits by Industry

High pressure processing equipment (or “homogenizers,” for short) allow different industries different advantages:

Food and Beverage Industry

For the food and beverage industry, HPP equipment permits simultaneous pasteurization and homogenization, breaking apart and thoroughly mixing a sample while at the same time destroying all of its pathogens so that final food products last longer, taste better and have more nutrients than those processed via other means.

Chemical Industry

In chemical applications, HPP equipment helps to create more stable emulsions and dispersions by effectuating a tighter distribution of smaller-sized particles, increasing the surface area of a sample’s particles so that improved chemical reactions can occur more quickly and without the disruption of existing particle morphologies or the need for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Specifically, HPP equipment can aid in the manufacture of acrylic and solvent-based polymers, adhesives and pastes, carbon nanotubes and more. 

Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry uses HPP equipment in order to tailor the mixing process across all stages of a drug’s development: R&D, clinical trials, FDA approval and manufacturing. With BEE International homogenizers, specifically, researchers and manufacturers alike can vary the forces applied to each product formulation, ensuring micro and nano emulsions and dispersions that guarantee longer shelf life, better bioavailability and increased digestibility (where indicated). Our high pressure processing equipment also includes proprietary software and customizable features, making it easier for our customers to modify their research and production procedures no matter the sample size, and ensuring reliable and consistent results in fewer passes that always scale up when necessary.

Biotech Industry

And because the biotech industry uses living organisms to make products, biotech companies often need high pressure processing equipment to help them rupture cell membranes without compromising cell contents. Too often, chemical or other mechanical cell lysis methods (like freezing or autoclaving), can either destroy essential cell components and/or be too time consuming to be beneficial in any way. High pressure homogenizers allow them to work with microorganisms, as well as plant and animal tissues, effectively breaking down cellular walls and reducing particle size so that the integrity of the cells is always maintained.

The Bottom Line

High pressure processing equipment can save companies valuable time and countless resources, advantages that also save them money! At BEE International, our proprietary homogenizing systems have the added benefit of being fully customizable, further compounding their efficiency and making them compatible with any industry needing to break apart and/or mix substances. Contact our team to learn more.

You might also wish to download our free eBook, “7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cell Lysis Method,” for additional tips on matching your needs with the right high pressure processing equipment.

High pressure homogenizers use pressure to force cell suspensions through narrow channels which break cellular bonds (also called cell lysis) and create uniform particles that are easier to manipulate. It enables businesses across a wide variety of industries (such as the pharmaceutical, chemical, biotech and food ones) to make products that are more stable and, thus, more reliable. Take a look at three common problems that high pressure homogenizers can solve for businesses needing to effectively disrupt cells as part of their manufacturing and/or laboratory processes:

Consistency

All industries, whether they make ice cream or sell flip flops or test medical vaccines, must maintain consistent product output or risk losing the public’s confidence (i.e., money). This means that each of their products and processes must be reproducible in the same way every time. And for many cosmetic, food and chemical businesses (to name just a few), it can also mean that each of their products has a physical consistency (viscosity) that is pliable and appropriate for its intended use. By using high pressure homogenizers with customizable controls, manufacturers and scientists alike are guaranteed uniform particle sizing. This necessarily yields products with the same ingredients and the same textures/densities with each manufacturing run, a great solution for a “constant” problem. 

Quality

Consistency is also unavoidably tied to quality. In the pharmaceutical industry, especially, it can be the difference between life and death. Often manufacturers and/or scientists encounter quality issues stemming from subpar materials and/or subpar processing. To solve these types of problems, they can use high pressure homogenizers which consistently deliver the same size and number of particles in any solution. Furthermore, high pressure homogenizers also effectively reduce particle dimension and tighten particle distribution, thereby ensuring that final products have less waste and more reliable ingredients. It’s critical for people needing drugs that actually have the right amount of active ingredients in them. And even when our lives don’t depend on it, it’s nice that we can buy mayonnaise that doesn’t separate and lotion that’s easily applied!

Cost

Finally, one of the biggest challenges facing businesses is how to reduce expenses and increase ROI. High pressure homogenizers have several features that make them the solution of choice for this problem. For instance, high pressure homogenizers so successfully reduce the size of and disperse particles that companies needing to mix ingredients in order to make a product can do so with a lot fewer processing passes. Fewer passes save companies both time and money.

In addition, most high pressure homogenizers are also capable of processing high volumes with higher yields than other options. And our patented high pressure emulsifying system here at BEE International further ensures that products made with our machines are more stable with longer shelf lives, creating long-lasting items that consumers feel confident buying and using. Finally, our high pressure homogenizers are easy to use, clean and service, compounding their value since less time, money and effort are spent on their maintenance. 

Learn More Now

These are just a few of the problems that high pressure homogenizers can solve. If you would like to learn how a high pressure homogenizer can streamline your manufacturing process and help you deliver superior quality and value to your customers and clients, contact our team at BEE International. We can help you better understand the various benefits of high pressure homogenization in all its applications.

 You might also like to download our free eBook, “How to Achieve Efficient & Consistent Particle Size Reduction,” for additional information.

Homogenization is the process of breaking apart one substance (a gas, liquid or solid) and mixing it into another (usually liquid) one with which it normally wouldn’t combine. It’s not a particularly complicated concept, except when you consider the fact that it relies on one or more external sources of energy exerting the necessary force to break the substance(s) apart, often into nanoparticles. Many industries utilize homogenization to facilitate more stable mixtures with better bioavailability, controlled consistencies and longer shelf lives. The type of equipment they use to supply the force they need — called a homogenizer — directly depends on the type of substances being mixed, as well as the finished product’s intended use. Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know about homogenizers on the market today:

Types of Homogenizers

There are many types of homogenizers, ranging from common kitchen implements like mortars and pestles and blenders to more sophisticated equipment like bead mills and cell lysers. They are classified according to the type of force they supply, with the most basic ones being:

1. Mechanical Homogenizers - which make use of turbulent agitation, stirring, shearing and/or impact to effectuate the breakdown and mixture of substances. Specific examples of mechanical homogenizers include bead mills, rotor-stator homogenizers and blade homogenizers.

2. High-Pressure Homogenizers (HPH) - which force pressurized cell suspensions through small tunnels or holes in order to disrupt their bonds. Many of these types of homogenizers also include some sort of high velocity impact of the product (in addition to pressure) to better ensure cell disruption.

3. Ultrasonic Homogenizers - which combine extreme sonic pressure waves in varying types of vessels to form microbubbles that eventually implode (also called cavitation), breaking covalent bonds and prompting the blending process.

How Homogenizers are Used

As discussed, homogenizers are used in a variety of industries for a variety of purposes. Some of the most common ones are:

1. Food and Beverage - Food and beverage manufacturers rely on homogenizers to improve the stability and appearance of their products. The homogenization process keeps milk from separating into cream and other liquid and viscous substances (like orange juice, milk, mayonnaise, salad dressings and yogurt) from dividing back to their individual parts.

2. Biotech Industry - The biotech industry includes those companies that make products out of living organisms. These types of businesses, mostly concentrated in the medical and agricultural fields, work with microorganisms (like bacteria, fungi and viruses), as well as plant and animal tissues, to modify crops and livestock, create and test medicines and engineer biofuels. They use homogenizers to lyse cells, reduce particle size and create micro and nano particles for both research and production objectives. Specially, homogenizers help ensure that biotech processes consistently maintain scalable results while always preserving the integrity of cell contents.

3. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries - Whether they use chemicals to manufacture drugs, plastics or other products, both pharmaceutical and industrial chemical companies need homogenizers to help them break apart one substance so that it can be evenly dispersed into another one. Not only does this facilitate easier and more uniform mixing, it creates a final product with “a tighter distribution of smaller particles." This increases the bioavailability and lengthens the shelf life of pharmaceutical products, and it increases conductivity and improves surface cohesion of products used for industrial chemical applications. Indeed, chemical products of all kinds, from life-saving medications to paint, need homogenizers to effectively blend product particles, sustain uniformity and cut down costs.

The BEE International Difference

Most homogenizers utilize only one type of force, but BEE International homogenizers combine high pressure with turbulence, cavitation, impact and shear forces to maximize the time, energy and money of the companies who use them. Our patented Emulsifying Cell (EC) technology guarantees scalability of results with customizable options that can be effectively programmed for hundreds of applications. Contact us to learn how our proprietary processes can improve your products, as well as your bottom line.

Cough mixtures and syrups are staples in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for children and other individuals who cannot swallow tablets. Because they are liquids, however, these products face unique challenges in their production process. The mixing technology chosen for a given product will have a significant impact on its effectiveness and overall quality; here we analyze specific ways that the homogenization process will contribute to production of a high quality and effective syrup or mixture.

• Increased chemical stability

Most cough mixtures and pharmaceutical syrups are comprised of emulsions, which are mixtures of two immiscible liquids. Critical to the drug’s ability to function is its chemical makeup, specifically around its ability to remain a homogenous mixture. High pressure homogenization not only emulsifies, but also stabilizes the particles to prevent separation of layers.

• Smooth and agglomerate-free mixture

Syrups and mixtures typically require at least one thickening agent to achieve the ideal consistency. However, these ingredients can cause agglomeration that cannot be dispersed by conventional mixtures. High pressure homogenizers, however, use mechanical forces along with pressure to achieve a smooth and uniform product, so can overcome this problem.

• Preservation of active ingredients and improved bioavailability

Some mixing processes use heat, which can be effective when paired with appropriate products. However, the active ingredient in pharmaceutical mixtures can be damaged by heat, so temperature change should be avoided when possible. As indicated above, high pressure homogenization uses high pressure and mechanical forces instead of heat, which preserves the active ingredient and increases its bioavailability in vivo.

• Flexibility in particle size

Although smaller particle size is oftentimes preferred, it is a uniform product that actually creates consistency in patient outcomes. This is particularly important if the patient purchases product from more than one batch of syrups or mixtures. Most pharmaceutical mixtures are comprised of nanoemulsions; regardless of the particle size comprising your product, it is important to achieve consistent particle size across all batches.

BEE International: The Homogenizer Advantage

Are you in need of equipment to support synthesis of a pharmaceutical product? BEE International Technology is trusted by pharmaceutical researchers and lab managers around the world. We deliver an array of key benefits, such as production of nano/micro emulsions and dispersions and lipids and suspensions; these can be used for applications such as injectables, targeted drug delivery, inhalants, time release, anesthetics, and importantly, vaccinations.

In addition, we have extensive experience in the challenges that our pharmaceutical customers face as they transition from concept, through to R&D, clinical trials, all-important FDA approval, and finally to manufacturing.

Learn more by visiting http://www.beei.com/industry/pharmaceutical-process-equipment or download or FREE eBook about the advantages BEE Homogenizers have in the Pharmaceutical Industry now:

As an employee of the pharmaceutical industry, you are probably all-too-aware of how difficult it is for a product to see success, no matter how innovative it is.

That's why it's critical to have access to equipment that makes production techniques easier, in terms of time, cost, and product effectiveness. One example of such equipment is the high pressure homogenizer, which has numerous functions in the research setting.

In this edition of the BEEI blog, we have compiled a list of important uses for homogenizers, specific to the pharmaceutical industry.

1. Particle Size Reduction

Smaller particle size has been shown to confer enhanced function and increased bioavailability of pharmaceutical drugs. Frequently used products such as nutraceuticals, antibiotics, tablets, and vaccines require particle size reduction in their preparation; enhancing their biological function can therefore be easily accomplished in this step.

Homogenization is the most popular method for particle size reduction due to its ability to achieve both small particle size and uniform consistency. These qualities can be hugely beneficial to pharmaceutical products, as they can increase bioavailability and chemical stability, make tablet ingestion easier, and enhance physical appearance.

2. Scaling for Drug Development

The pharmaceutical industry is a booming business because of the researchers who continue to discover innovative cures, treatments, and preventative regimens. The drug development process is not easy, however, and most products developed in the R&D stage never see the daylight of manufacturing.

However, for those products that do make it to clinical trials and further, their success largely depends on the scalability of their technique. While many mixing methods exist, homogenization is impressively scalable, which can increase cost savings, lower time requirements, and decrease the product’s likelihood of failure.

3. Synthesis of Essential Drug Components

Molecules such as emulsions and dispersions are key to the development of many commonly used pharmaceutical products, and both can be easily produced through homogenization. Emulsions are mixtures of two immiscible liquids, and comprise oral and topical products. They work to mask unpleasant chemical taste, increase absorption rate, optimize viscosity, and enhance washability.

In contrast, dispersions are comprised of finely divided solid particles dispersed in a liquid, and make up most oral, parenteral, and inhalant/aerosol products. High quality dispersions can minimize clotting, mask bitter tastes, improve chemical stability, and control drug release.

BEE International: The Homogenizer Advantage

Are you in need of equipment to support synthesis of a pharmaceutical product?

BEE International Technology is trusted by pharmaceutical researchers and lab managers around the world. We deliver an array of key benefits, such as production of nano/micro emulsions and dispersions and lipids and suspensions; these can be used for applications such as injectables, targeted drug delivery, inhalants, time release, anesthetics, and importantly, vaccinations.

In addition, we have extensive experience in the challenges that our pharmaceutical customers face as they transition from concept, through to R&D, clinical trials, all-important FDA approval and finally, to manufacturing.

Learn more by visiting http://www.beei.com/industry/pharmaceutical-process-equipment.

The drug development industry is one of trial and turmoil. Only about 12.5% of products that enter clinical trials will make it to manufacturing, and an even smaller fraction will successfully move from R&D to clinical trials. (1) It truly is a shame to think that many of the products which consumers will never see held the potential for successful drug therapy. One way to ensure your pharmaceutical product does not meet this fate is by scaling homogenizer equipment, which is frequently used along the drug development process. Keep reading to improve your understanding of why scalability is important when selecting a homogenizer.

Increased Cost Savings

You may be reading this from one of many perspectives: that of an independent lab researcher, in-house, or contracted by a large corporation. No matter the category you fall under, you are probably all-too-familiar with the fact that conducting research is incredibly expensive, particularly in the drug development industry. Particle size reduction via homogenization is frequently used in the pharmaceutical industry. The ability of this method to be scaled ensures that you can invest in a project with the confidence that it will still work on the larger machinery. Alternatively, if the method could not be scaled, significant monetary funds would be required to order more reagents and begin again at the small-scale level.

Lower Time Requirement

By developing a scalable particle size reduction technique from day 1, significant amounts of time can be saved. Importantly, it is not just the technique itself that needs to be optimized; it is the equipment the technique is being used on that may determine its success. By using a particle size reduction on scalable equipment starting at R&D, the same technique should easily work on a pilot-plant homogenizer in clinical trials. No researcher wants to get stuck with an optimized R&D technique that doesn’t work when their product moves to clinical trials or manufacturing.

Overall Decreased Likelihood of Failure

As mentioned above, scalable equipment should be used from the start of R&D all the way through the manufacturing stage. Failure to do so will cost both time and money, as any technique that didn’t scale will have to be re-optimized on the lab bench. Importantly, if the equipment you have access to can support a scaled process, your chances of making it to the golden manufacturing stage are higher.

A number of homogenizer manufacturers have different models available for each phase of drug development; for example, BEE International is renowned for their homogenization equipment and ability to help a customer through the drug development process. They offer laboratory homogenizers for R&D, pilot scale homogenizers for clinical trials, and industrial homogenizers for the manufacturing phase. The scalability of these homogenizers- e.g., a method that was successful with the laboratory homogenizer will also be successful with the industrial homogenizer- is a huge benefit that can save both time and cost.

Although this writing focused centrally on the pharmaceutical industry, homogenizers are frequently used in the chemical, biotechnology, and food & beverage industries as well. BEE delivers an array of key benefits to each industry, such as production of nano/micro emulsions, dispersions, lipids, and suspensions. When selecting a company that offers scalable particle size reduction equipment, begin with BEE; not only do they manufacture the highest quality equipment, but they also offer customization and proprietary software to help optimize processes.

Learn more about how BEEI can help you scale your process with our high pressure homogenizers. Or if you're interested in reading more about how BEE's homogenizers benefits pharmaceutical applications, download our FREE eBook now:

Cell lysis is not just a simple and natural process. Conversely, it is both intentional and complex, and critical to researchers involved in a variety of industries. As a researcher, you are probably all-too-familiar with cell lysis and the need for pure lysates. Keep reading for factors that you can adjust to improve the quality of your cell lysate. (1)

1. Cell Type

Regardless of your end goal, if you are lysing cells you are likely looking to extract intracellular contents. However, some cell types lend themselves easier to this process than others. Fungi, yeast, and bacterial have tough cell walls that must first be penetrated; these will therefore confer additional steps compared to an animal cell, whose easy-to-penetrate cell membrane is the only barrier between you and its intracellular contents.

2. Disruption Method

Scientists have the option of using either non-mechanical or mechanical methods of cell disruption. Non-mechanical methods include enzymes, beads, sonication, and detergents; these are advantageous in that they typically require less equipment and only simple reagents. However, non-mechanical methods are best for small sample sizes, and would likely be overwhelmed with a larger sample size. In contrast, mechanical methods such as rotor-stator and valve-type processors, have in common the use of high pressure and better ability to handle large sample sizes. Your laboratory’s specific lysate and product needs will dictate whether a mechanical or non-mechanical method is the best fit.

3. Sample Size

Interestingly, using a sample size that doesn’t match the method can be one of the most significant errors you make. Small sample sizes, commonly used for R&D and independent research, can easily produce a pure intracellular product. However, a larger sample size may pose difficulty in terms of reproducibility and purity of product, particularly when using non-mechanical methods of cell lysis. Homogenization is one of the only methods that achieve a uniform and pure product for both small and large sample sizes.

BEE International: Cell Lysis Homogenizers

Use of a homogenizer to lyse your samples will provide numerous benefits, some of which were touched on above. And there are plenty of homogenizers on the market to choose from. However, the lysate can be of higher quality and more even consistency when run through a top-shelf homogenizer. BEE International Technologies is trusted by researchers around the world for both their laboratory homogenizers and their associated customer support. Cell lysis is just one of a variety of applications for BEEI homogenizers; nano/micro emulsions, lipids, suspensions, and dispersions are also easily achievable. Additionally, the homogenizer processes can be controlled to suit your product, which will allow you to customize to your cell type. And finally, the equipment is easy to use, produces higher yield in less time, and achieves results that are reproducible and scalable.

Learn about how to make your cell lysis protocol more effective by checking out BEE's high pressure homogenizer equipment. Or you can learn more about how to optimize your cell lysis application, download our FREE eBook below:

When I think back to my college chemistry classes, I recall wondering how humans know so much about molecules that we can’t even see; I thought that the researchers behind these findings were amazing! As a working professional in the science field, I now know that I was right- those researchers truly were and are extraordinary individuals. But they also had access to chemical processing equipment that made their jobs easier in terms of both time and accuracy. In particular, the diverse and essential function of homogenizers makes this piece of equipment indispensable in any chemical laboratory or plant. Read on to better understand how having a homogenizer in your laboratory will benefit your chemical process.

Essential Functions

When selecting a high pressure homogenizer for chemical processing, it is essential to choose a company and model that will provide you with high quality output. Those on the higher market end will reduce the particle size of challenging materials; although most homogenizers can reduce particle size, only the best will process challenging materials, oftentimes in very few passes and with uniform output. These decreased particle sizes correspond with increased surface area, a valuable quality in chemical reactions.

In addition, homogenizers are beneficial to researchers who are either trying to replicate old processes or experiment with new processes. For example, the equipment can preserve existing particle morphologies or alternatively yield new and unusual particle morphologies. Finally, a high quality homogenizer should provide you with high aspect ratio, one-step blending and formulation, purification, and an accelerated chemical process, any of which is critical to successful experimentation.

Applications

Ideal dispersions and finer particles are, as described above, significant functions of a chemical processing homogenizer. By attaining these, you can expect to see maximum particle packing, better particle coating during formulations, increased conductivity, smoother surface quality, and finer printed features. A variety of industrial products can benefit from these characteristics; just a few include polymers (e.g. acrylic emulsions, solutions and dispersions, urethane prepolymers, and solvent-based emulsions), pigment and ink dispersions, carbon nanotubes, additives, resins, adhesives, and pastes.

BEEI: Makers of High Quality Chemical Process Equipment

Are you in need of a high pressure homogenizer for your chemical process? BEE International Technologies is trusted by lab managers and researchers around the world. Our chemical process equipment customers are improving a wide range of materials by expanding their capabilities and creating more diverse reactions. For example, our particle size reduction technology creates more consistent emulsions and dispersions with a tighter distribution of smaller particles. Additionally, our modular technology offers unique processing setups such as dual feeds, dual jets, and high viscosity chemical process equipment solutions.

Learn more about how BEEI homogenizers can improve your chemical process by visiting us here! Or to learn more information on how your chemical processing equipment can benefits your particle size reduction applications, download our FREE eBook here:

In 2015, nearly 15% of people worldwide used a pharmaceutical tablet; add half a billion people to that statistic and you have the 2018 estimates. (1) The pharmaceutical tablet market is booming, with no sign of letting up in the near future. Researchers involved in the ingredient production process must therefore select ingredients that will help their product stand out in an already saturated market. In this post, we tackle the excipient ingredients, specifically the sugar sphere and four key advantages of using it as a tablet core.

1. Spherical Shape

Sugar spheres are porous pellets that are typically composed of sucrose and starch. Comprising a tablet’s core, the pellets are blended with other tablet ingredients, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Because they are most commonly found in sustained release tablets, other excipients may also be found in the mixture. Its spherical shape is ideal due to its flowability, particularly when being poured in bulk. Additionally, after blending the pellet with APIs and other excipients, compression of the newly-formed tablet occurs; this process is easier and more efficient with a spherical pellet.

2. Range of Available Particle Sizes

To ensure uniform application of APIs, sugar spheres particle size should be closely distributed. The international sieve series defines μm limits for particle size based on American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard sieves. A wide range of particle sizes are available on the market, which is hugely beneficial to laboratories that require a variety of sizes for different tablets.

3. Low Friability

Pellets that are friable are easily crumbled; this trait can be good in some situations, but is certainly not a desirable trait for pharmaceutical tablets. Sugar spheres are advantageous because of their low friability, which allows them to withstand the rigorous tablet coating, handling, and other production processes. Specifically, one study cited friability values of 0.6-1.7% as acceptable for withstanding these processes. (2)

BEEI: Quality Tablet Production Equipment

Once you have sugar spheres available for use, layering of APIs and other excipients over the pellet can take place. This process requires use of a high quality laboratory homogenizer, which can have downstream effects for the consumer, including ease in swallowing, visual attractiveness, and appropriate internal release.

BEE International Technology, maker of laboratory homogenizers, is globally renowned by laboratory managers and researchers. We produce homogenizers that can yield a variety of relevant products, such as emulsions, suspensions, dispersions and lipids. Importantly, these products and more are incorporated into sugar sphere-based tablets described above. In addition, BEEI has extensive experience assisting its product users as they transition through the drug manufacturing process.

Visit BEEI here to learn more about how their homogenizers can help you synthesize a high quality pharmaceutical tablet. To find out more information about how homogenization can help your particle size reduction applications, download our FREE eBook below: