Method and Apparatus for Coating a Single Particle

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This invention relates to a method and device for coating a single particle, such as a pharmaceutical minitablet or pellet, in a contactless manner using acoustic levitation. The process involves suspending the particle in mid-air using ultrasonic standing waves, surrounding it with a controlled gas flow, and then applying a coating material via aerosolization (for example, with an ultrasonic sprayer). The coating process is monitored in real-time using a measurement technique, preferably an optical method like shadowgraph imaging, to ensure precise control and optimization.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Pharmaceutical research and manufacturing for precise coating of individual minitablets or pellets.
• Optimization and quality control of particle coating processes in drug production prior to large-scale implementation.
• Development of advanced coating procedures for sensitive or high-value materials in the chemical, food, or electronics industries.
• Fundamental research into particle-surface interactions and coating process dynamics under controlled conditions.
• Coating of small, irregularly shaped or delicate particles that would be damaged by contact methods.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables contactless, contamination-free coating of individual particles, reducing defects and preserving particle integrity.
• Allows detailed, real-time monitoring and optimization of the coating process for individual particles, leading to higher quality and reproducibility.
• Facilitates rapid testing and adjustment of process parameters (e.g., temperature, spray rate, material composition) without large material waste.
• Can replicate and simulate fluidized bed (bulk) coating processes at the single-particle level, saving cost and enabling precise scale-up.
• Suitability for working with various particle shapes and sizes, including fragile or non-standard forms.
• Potential to improve pharmaceutical formulations, controlled drug release, or encapsulation performance through better coatings.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for coating an individual particle and makes it possible to carry out and examine the coating process under controlled conditions. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for coating an individual particle, wherein: a) the individual particle (5) is kept suspended in a contactless manner by means of acoustic levitation, b) a moving gas flow surrounding the individual particle (5) is formed, c) the individual particle (5) kept in suspension and traversed by the gas flow is coated with a coating agent, and d) the coating process is monitored by means of a measurement method.