In collaboration with researchers from Harvard University, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), and Yale Universtiy, BASF scientists have developed a new process that makes amorphous nanoparticles with increased solubility.

Specifically, the research team developed a microfluidic nebulizer to create nanoparticles from drugs that are first dissolved in a solvent and then exposed to a stream of air with the speed of 600 meters per second. The high-speed air flow enables fast evaporation of the solvent, which leaves no time for the molecules to arrange themselves in the form of a crystal. Molecules, therefore, arrange themselves randomly in an amorphous structure and are ten times easier to dissolve, according to Dr. Christian Holtze, research manager at BASF, which explained the research in a company release.

The process can be applied to both organic and inorganic substances.The increased solubility means higher uptake of active ingredients.

Source: BASF