Microflow system promotes acetaminophen crystal nucleation

Eng Life Sci. 2020 Jul 14;20(9-10):395-401. doi: 10.1002/elsc.202000021. eCollection 2020 Sep.

Abstract

It is known that interfaces have various impacts on crystallization from a solution. Here, we describe crystallization of acetaminophen using a microflow channel, in which two liquids meet and form a liquid-liquid interface due to laminar flow, resulting in uniform mixing of solvents on the molecular scale. In the anti-solvent method, the microflow mixing promoted the crystallization more than bulk mixing. Furthermore, increased flow rate encouraged crystal formation, and a metastable form appeared under a certain flow condition. This means that interface management by the microchannel could be a beneficial tool for crystallization and polymorph control.

Keywords: anti‐solvent method; laminar flow; liquid–liquid interface; metastable form; polymorph control.