If you’re reading this article, you have probably already recognized your laboratory’s need for a homogenizer. You know that you need it to aid in production of one or more pharmaceutical products, but don’t necessarily know what features your homogenizer should have. Which measurable criteria should you look out for? How will you differentiate high-quality from not-so-great equipment? In this edition, we will address specific pharmaceutical-related factors to look for in your potential homogenizer.
- Motor Power
This feature is key in that a homogenizer with a higher motor power capacity typically confers a decreased noise level and quicker homogenization. Particularly for researchers who handle high volumes of samples, they should seek out a homogenizer with high motor power capacity for optimal processing efficiency. This will help conserve two critical elements: time and spending on resources and reagents.
- Maximum Operating Pressure
Operating pressure is critical in that it correlates directly with both uniformity and size of particles. Because it can also affect other parameters as well, you should establish a method of evaluation to determine what your maximum operating pressure needs to be. For example, some products may require higher viscosity and others may require lower particle sizes; by determining your exact needs before purchasing anything, you will likely end up with a product better suited to your laboratory’s needs.
- Particle Size Reduction Capability
Perhaps the most recognizable quality of a good homogenizer, the ability to reduce particle size is key to qualities such as efficacy, uniformity, and texture. Pharmaceutical products such as tablet coatings and vaccine adjuvants require particles to be at or below 100 µm. If the equipment you are looking at can achieve this, particularly in only 1-2 passes, you will know you are looking at a decent product. Any product that can achieve 10 µm in 1-2 passes is of exceptional quality, and of high potential value in your laboratory.
Many pharmaceutical products, such as inhalants, vaccinations, anesthetics, injectables, and tablets require the above-listed factors and many more to achieve both safety and efficacy. In particular, if your laboratory is making a product that requires particle sizes at or below 100 µm, you will be able to significantly narrow down your shopping field of homogenizers. Although many high pressure homogenizers can produce particle sizes as small as 100 µm, a select few can achieve a minimum of 0.1 µm. Pion is one of few corporations that offers equipment such as the Micro DeBEE, which can achieve 0.1 µm particle sizes, and would therefore be an optimal selection for pharmaceutical researchers. If you are able to identify even one of the above criteria as a priority, you will be able to conduct your homogenizer search in a more focused manner; this should result in a purchase that provides maximum laboratory output while still maintaining the safety and efficacy that are so critical to pharmaceutical products.
You can begin your search by comparing the laboratory homogenizers from Pion. Our products are trusted by pharmaceutical researchers and lab managers around the world for delivering an array of key benefits; these include production of nano/micro emulsions, dispersions, lipids, and suspensions. In addition, we have extensive experience in the challenges that our customers face as they transition through the drug development process; from concept, through R&D, clinical trials, all-important FDA approval, and the final manufacturing step, we can support you in both equipment troubleshooting and idea conceptualization.
Read more about Pion's pharmaceutical homogenizers to see how we can improve your pharmaceutical application.
