Electrohydrodynamic atomization: An emerging technique

Electrohydrodynamic atomisation (EHDA) is an emerging technique for the production of micron and nano-scaled particles. The process often involves Taylor cone enablement, which results in a fine spray yielding formulated droplets, known as electrospraying, which then undergo drying during deposition.

Multi tip devices have been designed and engineered to be utilised in potential up-scaled EHDA, in comparison to the traditional single needle system.

The physical properties of solutions used in this technique have an undeniable impact on the particles formed. The physical characteristics of the solutions are but not limited to: viscosity (dependant on polymer concentration); surface tension and electrical conductivity. The properties can be manipulated to result in the sister technique of electrospinning, the formation of fibres, as oppose to particles with electrospraying.

Multiple characterisation techniques can be applied to this engineering technique in order to ensure desired particles are formed, these are but not limited to: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The applications of EHDA are vast and have demonstrated high potential in both the pharmaceutical and biomedical field. Most recently, research into the use of EHDA and mesoporous material to create drug delivery systems has been extremely popular worldwide. Furthermore, research into its utilisation in food science is fast emerging. As a result, the advantages of this one step engineering method have overcome limitations faced in these sectorsc.

Author(s): B.Yousef

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