Scientists at Novosibirsk State Technical University (NGTU) have developed an unusual rotary mill manufactured using 3D printing. It was this mill that allowed them to solve a problem that researchers had been working on for several years – learning to control the creation of a special crystalline form of drugs capable of improving their solubility.
The development is intended for mechanochemical synthesis – a technology in which new materials are obtained not through complex chemical reactions, but through mechanical action. This approach requires fewer solvents, speeds up production, and is considered more environmentally friendly.
The new mill rotates smoothly and practically eliminates impact loads. Thanks to this, researchers were able to precisely control the formation of co-crystals based on the anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam. Such forms allow increasing the solubility of the drug without changing its chemical formula and maintaining its ability to penetrate body cells.
In addition, scientists have developed an original method for process control: they analyze the sound and shape of the shock wave inside the setup to understand exactly how the synthesis proceeds.
According to the project authors, the technology can be used in the creation of new drug formulations with improved solubility, and therefore – potentially higher efficacy without changing the active substance.