Particle Society of Minnesota Fall Luncheon

Speaker Series

Over the fall of 2003, the Particle Society presented several talks on a broad range of particle science topics during the noon hour. All members of the Particle Society were invited to join us for lunch and an interesting particle science presentation.

Luncheon Speaker Series, December 3: Highlights from the 2003 International Controlled Release Society Meeting.
By: Dr. Gary Reineccius, University of Minnesota Department of Food Science.

Abstract: The Controlled Release Society is a professional organization that focuses on the controlled release of actives, often from microcapsules or other specially prepared particles. The actives are by necessity encapsulated to make controlled release possible, and thus there is an equal focus on encapsulation technologies and strategies. This society has its roots in the consumer area (primarily foods) but has expanded over the years to include cosmetics, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Today the society is, in fact, dominated by the pharmaceutical field.

My presentation to the Particle Society will offer my view of the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and cosmetic aspects of this meeting, and will reflect the meeting focus on pharmaceuticals. It is my belief that advances in our respective fields will be brought about most often from crossing disciplines profiting from .non-conventional. thinking. I found the meeting most stimulating in this respect and will share my perspective.

Luncheon Speaker Series, November 5: Applications of Nanoparticles in Surface and Interfacial Phenomena.
By: Dr. Jimmie Baran, the 3M Company.

Abstract: Nanoparticles can be used as alternatives to surfactants in many, but not all, applications. The nanoparticles do not lower the surface tension of the system like surfactants, but instead act as a barrier to coalescence by a physical means. Both positive and negative characteristics of nanoparticles versus surfactants will be highlighted. A proposed functional mechanism will also be discussed.

Luncheon Speaker Series, October 30: The Physics of Granular Materials.
By: Dr. James Kakalios, University of Minnesota, Department of Physics.

Abstract: In addition to its intrinsic scientific interest and geological significance, the study of the statics and dynamics of granular materials has profound industrial and commercial applications. Expenses involved with powder processing in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and construction industries in this country alone are estimated to be on the order of $80 billion a year. In this talk I will discuss some recent advances in our understanding of dynamical properties of granular media. One of the more striking phenomena exhibited by granular materials is the size or mass segregation of two or more different granular species when dynamically driven. Rather than leading to further mixing, as would be expected, spontaneous segregation can be observed when mixtures are rotated in a horizontal cylinder about its long axis or simply poured into a vertical Hele-Shaw cell with narrow plate separations. The former case, termed Axial Segregation, has important consequences for drum mixers (and traffic jams in highway flow!), while the second example, termed Avalanche Stratification, has applications for both geological and industrial problems.

Luncheon Speaker Series, September 9: A Technical Review of Inhalation Drug Delivery Systems.
By: Brian Gabrio of 3M's Inhalation Drug Delivery Systems Group.

Abstract: This talk will review current technology for the delivery of aerosolized medications to the lung, including nebulizers, dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs). The current art will be reviewed as well as the most recent advances in aerosol delivery systems within the pharmaceutical industry. Technological, laboratory testing, and regulatory challenges facing the industry will also be discussed.

Copyright 2006, Particle Society of Minnesota