ABSTRACT
Design and fabrication of pharmaceutical particulate systems is still largely an art as opposed to a fundamental science. However, a more systematic design and manufacture of particulate systems including nanoparticles is being enabled by the application of novel technologies, such as supercritical fluid (SCF) technology, which is the focus of this chapter (1). A fluid is supercritical when it is compressed beyond its critical pressure (Pc) and heated beyond its critical temperature (Tc). SCF technology has emerged as an important technique for particle manufacturing. In many industrial applications, it is poised to replace the conventional recrystallization and
milling processes, mainly because of the quality and the purity of the final particles and environmental benefits. There are a variety of SCFs available as listed in Table 1.
