Micronization of water-soluble pharmaceuticals with a low-temperature Bubble Dryer

Fine particles of water-soluble pharmaceuticals were prepared using a new micronization method, Carbon Dioxide Assisted Nebulization in a Bubble Dryer(CAN-BD). The process utilized mixtures of CO$_2$ in aqueous solution at supercritical conditions to form an emulsion. The aerosols were dried with pre-heated nitrogen, and the drying chamber was operated at near atmospheric pressure. The dry particles were collected on membrane filter at the bottom of the drying chamber. Several processing parameters such as flow rate, temperature, pressure, solid concentration and processing scale were accessed using NaCl, human serum albumin, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor as model pharmaceuticals. (omitted)