Mixing It Up

Mixing technology seems like a basic capability with little room for further advancement. Nothing could be further from the truth. Whether working with just solids, solids and liquids, or just liquids, there are numerous factors that must be considered when combining different materials. For solids, there is particle size and size distribution and the stability of the particles. When mixing a solid and liquid, the dissolution rate of the solid and the viscosity and shear stability of the liquid are important. Suspensions involve yet another set of variables.

As a result, each mixing process is unique and requires unique parameters and process conditions.  Recognition of this fact can lead to improvements in mixing and blending processes for even the simplest ingredients.

Have you had such an experience you can share?

I am also curious about the adoption of newer mixing technologies by the pharmaceutical industry.

For example, is resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) (from Resodyn Acoustic Mixers), which is an impeller-free mixing technology that uses propagation of a low frequency, high intensity acoustic wave through the material to cause both bulk flow and micro-scale mixing, appropriate for mixing of pharmaceutical formulations, or is it only suited for mixing processes related to the manufacture of intermediates and APIs?

Are there any other novel mixing methods that are finding use in the pharmaceutical industry?

Any ideas? Let me know!

And maybe I’ll see you at INTERPHEX. Stop by the Pharmaceutical Technology booth (#4139) to say hello!

Don’t forget, if you haven’t already, you can sign up for the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manufacturing & Marketplace Report here.

Cynthia A. Challener, PhD

Editor

The Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manufacturing & Marketplace Report