Micronized

Micronized refers to a material that has been ground or processed to particle sizes in the micron scale, typically 1 to 10 micrometers. The term is widely used across pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and materials science to indicate a finer particle distribution than millimeter- or centimeter-scale powders. Micronization can also describe the equipment or process used to achieve this size reduction.

Micronization methods include jet milling, ball milling, rotor-stator jet mills, high-pressure homogenization, and spray-drying-based approaches. Some processes rely on cryomilling at low temperatures to prevent heat-sensitive materials from degrading. The choice of method depends on material hardness, moisture sensitivity, and the desired particle size distribution.

In pharmaceuticals, micronization is used to improve the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. By increasing the total surface area in contact with fluid, dissolution follows surface-area-driven kinetics, enabling faster onset of action. Micronized active pharmaceutical ingredients must be characterized for size distribution, morphology, and polymorphism, with attention to stability and packaging considerations.

In other industries, micronization enhances mixing, compounding, and reactivity of powders. It is used in pigments, catalysts, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and advanced materials where high surface-area requirements influence performance. Particle size control affects flowability, compaction, optical properties, and reactivity, making micronization a common step in formulation and material engineering.

Safety and measurement: handling fine powders requires appropriate controls to minimize inhalation and aggregation risks. Particle size is characterized by laser diffraction, sieving, and imaging methods; metrics such as D50 and D90 describe the distribution. Regulatory considerations apply for pharmaceuticals, including stability, quality attributes, and comparative bioavailability when relevant.