Micromeritics
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Micromeritics is the science and technology of small particles. The knowledge and control of the size of particles is of importance in pharmacy and materials science. The size, and hence the surface area of a particle, can be related to the physical, chemical & pharmacologic properties of drugs. Clinically, the particle size of a drug can affect its release from dosage forms that are administered orally, parenterally, rectally & topically. The successful formulation of suspensions, emulsions & tablets; both physical stability & pharmacologic response also depends on the particle size achieved in the product.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Origin
The term was created by J. M. DallaValle in his book MICROMERITICS: THE TECHNOLOGY OF FINE PARTICLES. It was derived from the Greek word for small and part. The size range which he covered in the book was from 10-1 to 105 micrometers. Anything smaller than this but bigger than a molecule were referred to at the time as colloids but are now often referred to as nanotechnology. Applications included Soil physics, Mineral physics, Chemical Engineering, Geology, and Hydrology. Characteristics discussed included particle size & shape, packing, Electrical, optical, chemical and surface science. [5]
Applications
Release & dissolution
Particle size & surface area influence the release of a drug from a dosage form that is administered orally, rectally parenterally & topically. Higher surface area brings about intimate contact of the drug with the dissolution fluids in vivo & increases the drug solubility & dissolution.
Absorption & drug action
Particle size & surface area influence the drug absorption & subsequently the therapeutic action. Higher the dissolution, faster the absorption & hence quicker & greater the drug action.
Physical stability
Micromeritic properties of a particle i.e the particle size in a formulation influences the physical stability of the suspensions & emulsions. Smaller the size of the particle, better the physical stability of the dosage form owing to the brownian movement of the particles in the dispersion.
Dose uniformity
Good flow properties of granules & powders are important in the manufacturing of tablets & capsules. The distribution of particles should be uniform in terms of number & weight.
Notes
- ^ Brittain, H. G. (1995). Physical characterization of pharmaceutical solids. New York: M. Dekker. p. 254. ISBN 0-8247-9372-2.
- ^ Carstensen, Jens Thurø (1993). Pharmaceutical principles of solid dosage forms. Lancaster, Pa: Technomic Pub. p. 211. ISBN 0-87762-955-2.
- ^ Martin, Alfred N.; Patrick J Sinko (2006). Martin's physical pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences: physical chemical and biopharmaceutical principles in the pharmaceutical sciences. Phila: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. pp. 533–560. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/0-7817-5027-X
\url=http://books.google.com/books?id=nt-crAJEtVYC%7C0-7817-5027-X
\url=http://books.google.com/books?id=nt-crAJEtVYC]].
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: invalid character (help); line feed character in|isbn=at position 15 (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Orr, Clyde (1997). Analytical methods in fine particle technology. Norcross, Ga: Micromeritics Instrument Corp. ISBN 096567830x.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: invalid character (help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Dallavalle, J. M. (1943). MICROMERITICS: THE TECHNOLOGY OF FINE PARTICLES. New York: Pitman publishing corporation. pp. v–x.
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