Pharmaceutical and biomaterial engineering via electrohydrodynamic atomization technologies

Abstract

Complex micro- and nano-structures enable crucial developments in the healthcare remit (e.g., pharmaceutical and biomaterial sciences). In recent times, several technologies have been developed and explored to address key healthcare challenges (e.g., advanced chemotherapy, biomedical diagnostics and tissue regeneration). Electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technologies are rapidly emerging as promising candidates to address these issues. The fundamental principle driving EHDA engineering relates to the action of an electric force (field) on flowing conducting medium (formulation) giving rise to a stable Taylor cone. Through careful optimization of process parameters, material properties and selection, nozzle and needle design, and collection substrate method, complex active micro- and nano-structures are engineered. This short review focuses on key selected recent and established advances in the field of pharmaceutical and biomaterial applications.

Electrically atomised formulations of timolol maleate for direct and on-demand ocular lens coatings

“…Various physical properties (viscosity, density and surface tension) also influence the resulting size and morphologies of the structures produced. This process is a versatile technique with great potential for enhancing bio-interfaces [20]. A large array of materials including temperature and stress sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)/materials (e.g.…”

Coaxial electrohydrodynamic atomization toward large scale production of core‐shell structured microparticles

“…The morphology and core-shell structure of the produced particles both are the key indicators to demonstrate the quality of the product, which will impact the release profile of encapsulated actives such as drug. 40 Therefore, maintaining the particle morphology and structure during the fabrication process plays a crucial role in large scale production. Figure 7 provides the SEM images and confocal microscopic images of microparticles produced by single-nozzle CEHDA system.…”

Poly(ethylene carbonate)-containing polylactic acid microparticles with rifampicin improve drug delivery to macrophages

“…The particles produced are typically in the optimal range for pulmonary drug delivery via inhalation (aerodynamic particle diameter of 1–5 μm) making it convenient and well‐suited for such applications. Electrospraying further provides the preparation of microparticles in a one‐step process without the use of elevated temperatures which may otherwise compromise the stability of components in the microparticle products . A study by Hong et al .…”

“…Electrospraying further provides the preparation of microparticles in a one-step process without the use of elevated temperatures which may otherwise compromise the stability of components in the microparticle products. [23] A study by Hong et al [24] investigated electrosprayed PLGA microparticles loaded with rifampicin intended for pulmonary delivery and tuberculosis treatment and demonstrated tunable size and morphology but did not look into drug release kinetics and biological performance of the microparticles.…”