microfluidizers

A microfluidizer is a high-pressure homogenizer used to reduce particle size and create stable emulsions or dispersions. It operates by forcing a fluid through a narrow channel or gap at extremely high pressures. This high velocity and the resulting shear forces, cavitation, and impact break down particles and droplets into smaller, more uniform sizes.

The process typically involves pumping the fluid mixture to pressures ranging from a few thousand to over 100,000 psi. The fluid then enters a micro-channel, often a Y-shaped or interaction chamber, where it encounters opposing streams or impinges on a surface. These conditions create intense mechanical forces that disrupt the particles.

Microfluidizers are employed across various industries, including pharmaceuticals for drug delivery systems and vaccine production, food and beverage for creating stable emulsions and improving texture, and biotechnology for cell disruption and nanoparticle synthesis. Their ability to achieve sub-micron particle sizes and create fine, stable dispersions makes them valuable for applications requiring precise control over material properties. The continuous flow nature of microfluidization allows for scalable production.