Using high velocity compressed gas, jet milling accelerates particles to supersonic speeds to achieve sub-10-micron particle distributions. A compressed gas source is used for accelerating API particles in a tornado-like flow path within the grinding chamber of the jet mill. As particles travel in the circular path, particle-on-particle attrition is affected and particle size reduction occurs. Large particles continually migrate to the outside of the mill via centrifugal force, while micronized particles migrate to the center mill outlet via drag force.
The resultant superfine particles have Gaussian distribution curves with excellent reproducibility.
Connected experts in particle size engineering
High containment capabilities support particle size reduction of high potent and cytotoxic compounds. A range of mechanical and jet milling capabilities are used within isolators or glove boxes designed to meet containment levels to 1mcg / cubic meter.
For APIs with elastic or semi-solid properties, we utilize this technology to meet target particle size distributions. Liquid nitrogen gas allows for chilled jet milling at extremely low temperatures (to -30C), which results in more friable powder and facilitates improved particle size reduction than is possible at ambient conditions.
Micronization is an established technology and manufacturing technique for producing APIs within a 1–10 micron average particle size. Phase-appropriate jet mills are in place for non-GMP development studies and cGMP production of clinical and commercial intermediates. Specialized processing is in place for handling highly potent compounds and APIs with elastic or semi-solid properties. Our particle size reduction services have a range of applications for oral, inhaled and transdermal drug delivery:
Head of Research and Development
Monteggio, Switzerland
Salvatore Mercuri serves as head of Research and Development at Lonza’s site in Monteggio, Switzerland, which is Lonza’s European Center for Excellence for Particle Engineering, specializing in particle size control through micronization. Salvatore’s expertise includes the development of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs) and the formulation of modified-release solid oral dosage forms.
Our locations
Our Monteggio site serves as the European Center of Excellence for particle engineering and provides particle size control expertise through micronization technologies. The Monteggio site is an integral component of our drug product design, development and manufacturing services network.
With 19 production suites and 37 cGMP jet and pin mills, the site is well equipped to support your compound at any point of the product lifecycle. We provide micronization services from a few grams to tons of APIs. Dedicated areas for steroids, cryogenic capabilities for elastic and semi-solid milling, and isolation for highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs) are available. Our skilled team of engineers and technical staff evaluate your compound carefully and adapt equipment and processing parameters to address dissolution rate, stability, flowability and other performance issues required to meet target product profiles for oral solid, inhaled and other drug delivery routes.