Suspension Phase Research Articles

Effect of the composition of emulsifiers and the dispersion medium on the properties of bases for semi-solid preparations

The aim. To study the effect of cetostearyl alcohol (CSA) on the rheological properties of bases with different dispersion media, the release of propylene glycol (PG) from them, and the ability of these bases to absorb water.
 Materials and methods. Micelles of a non-ionic surfactant and its aggregates with CSA in a mixed solvent where the structure of water prevails, mixed solvent PG – macrogol 400 (M400) and hydrophilic bases-vehicles with different dispersion media were studied. The research was carried out by the spin probe method using a probe simulating a cationic surfactant and by rotational viscometry. The microstructure of the bases was studied by optical microscopy. The in vitro release test to study the release of PG and M400 from solutions and bases was performed using vertical diffusion chambers. The content of PG and M400 in the dialysate was determined by gas chromatography according to the validated analytical procedures. The absorption of water by solutions and bases was determined by dialysis through the membrane.
 Results. CSA, which was the part of the bases together with surfactants in certain ratios, was a significant factor in increasing their rheological parameters, reducing the parameters of PG release during in vitro release tests, as well as reducing water absorption. The mechanisms of such influence are different for bases with different structures of the dispersion medium. In the bases, where the structure of water prevailed, lateral phase separation occurred in the supramolecular structures of surfactant and CSA with the formation of liquid domains of surfactant and solid domains of CSA, which contributed to the formation of coagulation structures. In the mixed non-aqueous solvent PG – M400, surfactant micelles and mixed aggregates of surfactant and CSA molecules were not formed; at 25 oC, surfactants and CSA became separate dispersed phases of suspensions, which contributed to the formation of gels. When CSA was added into an aqueous solution of poloxamer 338, PG, M400 and cationic surfactant, the flow behaviour changed, and the rheological parameters increased, which led to a decrease in the release rate and extended for PG and M400 as well as in the ability to absorb water. The rate and extent of PG release from the solution were greater compared to the M400 release.
 Conclusions. The addition of CSA in combination with surfactants into the bases for semi-solid preparations is a significant factor for modifying their rheological parameters, the kinetics of PG release from them, and water absorption during experiments in vitro. The mechanisms of such an effect are different and depend on the composition and structure of the dispersion medium of the base

DEVELOPMENT OF OPTIMAL COMPOSITION OF DRILLING FLUID FILLER FOR OPEN HOLE WELL COMPLETION

Experimental studies were carried out to determine the effect of inert fillers on the filtration properties of clay cakes during their formation. The sequence of experiments corresponds to the sequence of stages: formation of the main structure of the filter cake (simulation of the opening process by drilling), treatment of the bottomhole zone to restore the initial permeability (for example, during chemical destruction of the filter cakes) and washing out of process fluid filtrates from the bottomhole zone into the well. The solid phase in the drilling fluid can be represented by both structure-forming clay particles and fillers (barite, crushed cuttings, bridging agents, etc.). Moreover, fillers can have individual particles of a size of a colloidal degree of dispersion and significantly affect the filtration performance of drilling suspensions. It is especially important to evaluate the influence of the composition of the solid phase of the clay suspension on the filtration properties at the stage of formation of the main structure of the filter cake. This stage is characterized by a non-stationary filtration process. In essence, the bulk of the studies of filtration processes is carried out in this mode. In our case, it is necessary to determine the dependence of the filtration index of solutions Пр on the composition of the solid phase. In the course of experimental studies, it was confirmed that subsequent filtration through the cakes formed at stage 1 equally depends on the magnitude and nature of the drawdown application, as in stage 1, as well as on the permeability of the filter cake and the clogging zone. Therefore, the research methodology at stage 2 required supplementing experiments with the formation and modification of filter cakes during filtration through permeable sand packs.

Use of gold nanoparticle-silibinin conjugates: A novel approach against lung cancer cells.

Lung cancer presents one of the most challenging carcinomas with meager 5-year survival rates (less than 20%), high metastasis and high recurrence due to chemo- and radio- resistance. An alternative or complementation to existing prognosis modalities is the use of phytochemicals such as silibinin, which targets essential cytokines, angiogenic factors and transcription factors for a profound anti-tumor effect. However, the problems of low solubility in an aqueous physiological environment, poor penetration, high metabolism and rapid systemic clearance limit the therapeutic use of silibinin. Conjugation of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with silibinin may overcome the above challenges along with distinct advantages of biocompatibility, optical properties for monitoring and causation of cytotoxicity in cancer cells. The current study thus aims to develop silibinin conjugated gold nanoparticles (Sb-GNPs) with pH responsive release in the cancer microenvironment, optimizing several parameters for its higher activity and further evaluate the nanoplatform for their efficacy in inducing cell death in vitro against A549 lung cancer cells. GNPs was synthesized using trisodium citrate dihydrate as the reducing agent and further used for the conjugation of silibinin. The synthesized GNPs were found to be monodispersed and spherical in shape. The silibinin was successfully conjugated with gold nanoparticles and long-term stability of GNPs and Sb-GNPs nanoconjugates in suspension phase was confirmed by FTIR and DLS. Anticancer properties of Sb-GNPs were confirmed by different assay using MTT, Trypan blue dye exclusion assay and cell cycle analysis assay. After conjugation of silibinin with GNPs, the efficacy of silibinin increased 4–5 times in killing the cancer cells. This is the first report on using silibinin gold nanoconjugate system for lung cancer therapy with promising future applications.

ZHOU Mei-sheng's academic thought and clinical application of "three-phase moxibustion sensation"

This paper collects professor ZHOU Mei-sheng's academic thought, "three-phases moxibustion sensation" and expounds its clinical value. Proposed by professor ZHOU, in accordance with the occurrence and development characteristics of the moxibustion propagated sensation, three time phases of moxibustion propagated sensation are divided, i.e. directional conduction phase (the first time phase), effect onset phase (the second time phase), and descending suspension and along-meridian re-transmission phase (the third time phase). In terms of the different characteristics among these three time phases, the clinical therapeutic regimens are designed accordingly. It provides a novel approach to the clinical application of moxibustion.

Do we all walk the walk? A comparison of walking behaviors across tetrapods.

A walking gait has been identified in a range of vertebrate species with different body plans, habitats, and life histories. With increased application of this broad umbrella term, it has become necessary to assess the physical characteristics, analytical approaches, definitions, and diction used to describe walks. To do this, we reviewed studies of slow speed locomotion across a range of vertebrates to refine the parameters used to define walking, evaluate analytical techniques, and propose approaches to maximize consistency across subdisciplines. We summarize nine key parameters used to characterize walking behaviors in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. After identifying consistent patterns across groups, we propose a comprehensive definition for a walking gait. A walk is a form of locomotion where the majority of the forward propulsion of the animal comes from forces generated by the appendages interacting with the ground. During a walk, an appendage must be out of phase with the opposing limb in the same girdle and there is always at least one limb acting as ground-support (no suspension phase). Additionally, walking occurs at dimensionless speeds <1 v* and the duty factor of the limbs is always >0.5. Relative to other gaits used by the same species, the stance duration of a walk is long, the cycle frequency is low, and the cycle distance is small. Unfortunately, some of these biomechanical parameters, while effectively describing walks, may also characterize other, non-walking gaits. Inconsistent methodology likely contributes to difficulties in comparing data across many groups of animals; consistent application of data collection and analytical techniques in research methodology can improve these comparisons. Finally, we note that the kinetics of quadrupedal movements are still poorly understood and much work remains to be done to understand the movements of small, exothermic tetrapods.

Use of a Scattered Light Sensor for Monitoring the Dispersed Surface in Crystallization

AbstractThe specific surface area of the dispersed phase in suspensions, emulsions, bubble columns and aerosols plays a decisive role in the increasement of heat and mass transfer processes. This has a direct effect on the space‐time yield in large‐scale chemical/process engineering production plants. Initial investigations show that an easy‐to‐install optical backscatter sensor outputs the dispersed surface area as a direct primary signal under certain boundary conditions. The article describes the construction, the mode of operation and first investigations applying of this new sensor. The sensor works even in high concentrated suspensions and emulsions, where conventional nephelometry already fails. Trends and limitations found so far for the sensor, which can be used in‐line in batch and continuously operated crystallizers, even in harsh production environments and in potentially explosive zones, are shown.

Dual nature of magnetic nanoparticle dispersions enables control over short-range attraction and long-range repulsion interactions

Competition between attractive and repulsive interactions drives the formation of complex phases in colloidal suspensions. A major experimental challenge lies in decoupling independent roles of attractive and repulsive forces in governing the equilibrium morphology and long-range spatial distribution of assemblies. Here, we uncover the ‘dual nature’ of magnetic nanoparticle dispersions, particulate and continuous, enabling control of the short-range attraction and long-range repulsion (SALR) between suspended microparticles. We show that non-magnetic microparticles suspended in an aqueous magnetic nanoparticle dispersion simultaneously experience a short-range depletion attraction due to the particulate nature of the fluid in competition with an in situ tunable long-range magnetic dipolar repulsion attributed to the continuous nature of the fluid. The study presents an experimental platform for achieving in situ control over SALR between colloids leading to the formation of reconfigurable structures of unusual morphologies, which are not obtained using external fields or depletion interactions alone.

Cellulose Nanocrystal Aqueous Colloidal Suspensions: Evidence of Density Inversion at the Isotropic-Liquid Crystal Phase Transition.

The colloidal suspensions of aqueous cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are known to form liquid crystalline (LC) systems above certain critical concentrations. From an isotropic phase, tactoid formation, growth, and sedimentation have been determined as the genesis of a high-density cholesteric phase, which, after drying, originates solid iridescent films. Herein, the coexistence of a liquid crystal upper phase and an isotropic bottom phase in CNC aqueous suspensions at the isotropic-nematic phase separation is reported. Furthermore, isotropic spindle-like domains are observed in the low-density LC phase and high-density LC phases are also prepared. The CNCs isolated from the low- and high-density LC phases are found to have similar average lengths, diameters, and surface charges. The existence of an LC low-density phase is explained by the presence of air dissolved in the water present within the CNCs. The air dissolves out when the water solidifies into ice and remains within the CNCs. The self-adjustment of the cellulose chain conformation enables the entrapment of air within the CNCs and CNC buoyancy in aqueous suspensions.

Multiple Methods Synergistically Promote the Synchronization of Somatic Embryogenesis Through Suspension Culture in the New Hybrid Between Pinus elliottii and Pinus caribaea.

Pinus elliottii × Pinus caribaea is an interspecific pine hybrid of major economic importance. Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in P. elliottii × P. caribaea on solid medium have been reported previously; however, a current limitation is the lack of a stable and effective method for its commercial use. The objective of this study was to establish a suspension culture system and evaluate the effect of multiple methods synergistically on the synchronization of embryo development in P. elliottii × P. caribaea. For the former, a protocol to initiate and establish a suspension culture system of P. elliottii × P. caribaea was presented. Based on biomass growth, the growth of embryogenic calli (EC) followed an S-shape curve in suspensions grown for a 15-day period, and the exponential phase of cell suspensions was reached between days 3 and 6. The initial packed cell volume (PCV) and revolutions per minute (rpm) have a significant effect on the proliferation of EC, and the highest proliferation multiple reached 6.86 (±0.06) at the initial density of 5 ml PCV under a 9–10 days transfer interval in the dark on a rotary shaker at 70 rpm. For the latter, the influence of abscisic acid (ABA), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3–), low temperature, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) on somatic embryogenesis was very significant. When EC were suspended in the medium at a presence of 37.84 μM/L ABA, as many as 274 mature cotyledonary embryos/ml PCV of cells were thereafter formed in the mature medium, and 266 somatic embryos were obtained on mature medium after suspension culture in liquid medium containing 10 mmol/L NH4+ and 30 mmol/L NO3–. Furthermore, reducing the concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid gradually and at 4°C incubation for 12 h in the initial exponential phase could promote the synchronization of somatic embryogenesis, which resulted in 260 mature cotyledonary embryos. This suspension culture system and method of synchronic control can be used in the large-scale production of P. elliottii × P. caribaea seedlings.

Mechanisms regulating the airborne survival of Klebsiella pneumoniae under different relative humidity and temperature levels.

In this study, Klebsiella pneumoniae was suspended in synthetic saliva in a nebulizer (N0 ) and nebulized for 5min (N5 ) into an aerosol chamber and further prolonged in the aerosolization phase for 15min (A15 ) under four different conditions: 20°C, 50% relative humidity (RH); 20°C, 80% RH; 30°C, 50% RH; and 30°C, 80% RH. Samples were collected at N0 , N5 , and A15 , then subjected to survival analysis and comparative transcriptomic analysis in order to help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of airborne survival. Survival analysis shows that a higher humidity and lower temperature were favorable for the airborne survival of K.pneumoniae, and the effect of RH was more remarkable at 20°C than that at 30°C. The RNA-seq results show that during the nebulization phase (N0 vs. N5 ), a total number of 201 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (103 downregulated and 98 upregulated). Comparison between nebulization and aerosolization phases (N5 vs. A15 ) indicates up to 132 DEGs, with 46 downregulated and 86 upregulated. The most notable groups of genes are those involved in cellular remodeling, metabolism and energy processes. Alarmingly, the mbl gene, which encodes antibiotic resistance in K.pneumoniae, was upregulated during the suspension phase under all the tested conditions. This study provides insights into the control of airborne transmitted diseases.

Impact of molecular chain structure of suspension phase on giant electrorheological performance

We demonstrate the impact of diester structure, in particular the alkyl chain length and branching structure, on the giant electrorheological (GER) effect and suspension stability. The existence of oil–particles interaction is of critical importance to induce the GER effect. To quantify GER performance and colloidal stability, we examine the yield stress, current density, field-off viscosity and sedimentation ratio with respect to the variation of chain length and branching structure. The oil–particles interaction is quantitatively analyzed by investigating the cluster size of particles in different diesters by a multiple light scattering analyzer, along with the wettability of different chain lengths of diesters and solid particles by the Washburn method. Our results indicate that long chain lengths favor the formation of particle agglomerates, thereby enhancing the GER effect (such as high yield stress). The attachment of branches on diester causes the formation of electronic correlation between branches and main chain, depending on the position of branches located, and hence results in superior GER performance and favorable suspension stability. An optimal GER fluid constituted by bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate is acquired with the achieved yield stress of 113 kPa at electric field strength of 4 kV mm−1 and the prominent integrated GER properties.

Inorganic Reinforced Poly(ionic liquid) Microcapsules: Confined Cooling-Assisted Phase Separation Self-Assembly and Enhanced Electroresponsive Properties.

A simple preparation of inorganic reinforced poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) microcapsules by combining dispersion polymerization and confined cooling-assisted phase separation self-assembly is reported. Silane coupling agent-modified PIL microbeads are first prepared by dispersion polymerization. Then, the microbeads are dissolved in a theta solvent composed of good solvent and non-solvent to form hollow SiOx microcapsules at a relatively high temperature. Finally, the solution is cooled to induce the nucleation and growth of dissolved PIL chains on the inner and outer surface of hollow SiOx microcapsules to form inorganic reinforced microcapsules with asymmetric PIL/SiOx /PIL sandwich-like shell. The morphology of microcapsules can be controlled by adjusting PIL concentration and cooling rate. The inorganic reinforced microcapsules show enhanced suspended stability and electroresponsive characteristic when used as the dispersed phase of smart suspensions.

Dynamic light scattering analysis of size-selected graphene oxide 2D colloids fractioned via liquid crystal phase separation.

Exfoliated platelets of graphene oxide (GO) can be considered as polydisperse 2D colloids that form nematic colloidal liquid crystal phases in aqueous suspension even at very low concentrations thanks to their extremely high aspect ratios. However, with the rapidly emerging scientific interest in these GO-based liquid crystals, it became clear that the precise analysis and control of the GO sheet size distribution is essential, both for their scientific understanding and for potential applications, e.g., in optoelectronic devices, nanocomposites, or catalysis. In this work, we show that the mean effective (hydrodynamic) GO platelet width can be determined from the translational diffusion coefficient with depolarized dynamic light scattering by using a model for circular, infinitely thin disks. We further studied the phase separation process of biphasic isotropic-nematic GO dispersions and developed a simple fractionation protocol, which can be used to prepare relatively monodisperse fractions of GO sheets with widths ranging from 2.0-12.4 μm. Overall, we expect that the combined application of these relatively simple fractionation and analysis methods will advance the fabrication of well-defined and size-selected GO-based systems.

The Effect of Reaction Conditions and Presence of Magnesium on the Crystallization of Nickel Sulfate

Recycling of valuable metals such as nickel is instrumental to meet the need from the dramatic increase in electric vehicle battery production and to improve its sustainability. Nickel required in the battery manufacture can be recovered from the hydrometallurgical industrial process streams by crystallization of nickel sulfate. Here, crystallization of nickel sulfate is studied from an industrial point of view, investigating the effects of temperature, seeding and presence of magnesium on the formation of various solid phases for the evaluation of their potential influence on the process design. Results showed that the precipitating phase was dictated both by seed amount and reaction temperature. Transformation of metastable phases both in suspension and in a dry state was observed over time. Presence of magnesium was shown to promote formation of NiSO4·7H2O in solution and increased its stability in a dry form. In their dry state, nickel sulfate that was formed in the absence of magnesium transformed towards α-NiSO4·6H2O, whereas those precipitated in the presence of high magnesium concentrations transformed towards β-NiSO4·6H2O, indicating that magnesium inhibited the phase transformation towards α-NiSO4·6H2O. Knowledge about various solid phases of varying crystal morphology and stability can be used as input to decisions for the best suited solid product type and how this relates to the initial conditions of the sidestreams.

Comparisons of particle clustering phenomenon between gas-solids high-density and low-density circulating fluidized bed risers via numerical study

The clustering phenomenon in gas-solids high-density (Gs ≥ 300 kg/m2s) and low-density circulating fluidized bed (CFB) risers for FCC particles are compared through CFD studies using a cluster-based drag model. Large clouds of clusters can be clearly identified from the contours of local solids holdup distribution from CFD results, which correspond well to experimental observations. The size, shape, and distribution of the cluster clouds, as well as their dynamic properties including the varying velocity and appearance between the HDCFB and LDCFB risers were extracted and further compared. A cluster phase with higher average solids holdup has been distinguished from the dilute solids suspension phase based on the solids holdup's probability density distribution (PDD). Correlations between the cluster phase solids holdup with its fraction or with the overall bed density were proposed. The fraction and the average solids holdup of the dense cluster phase increases with the increase in the overall bed density.

2H NMR Study of Polymer Segmental Dynamics at Varying Cross-Linking in Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Microgels.

A microscopic understanding of the internal structure and dynamics of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chains, in microgel colloids, is developed using deuterium NMR (2H NMR) to study deuterated PNIPAM suspensions as functions of temperature and pressure for four cross-linker molar fractions (f). The PNIPAM polymers were labeled with deuterons at the backbone (d3-PNIPAM) or on side chains (d7-PNIPAM). 2H NMR spectra of the d3-PNIPAM suspensions for all cross-linker molar fractions indicated freely moving chains at low temperature and a nearly immobilized fraction above ∼35 °C. Polymer segments in the collapsed phase of the d3-PNIPAM suspension were more mobile than those in the dry powder. This is direct microscopic evidence that the polymer remains significantly hydrated in the collapsed phase, consistent with strong, indirect evidence from recent light scattering and rheology measurements from our laboratory. However, the observation of a small fraction of immobilized segments in the swollen phase for higher cross-linker molar fraction suggests that, particularly for high levels of cross-linking, some polymer is nonhydrated even in the swollen phase. Finally, variable-pressure NMR (up to 90 MPa) showed a slight increase in transition temperature with pressure for lower cross-linker molar fractions and a larger increase in transition temperature with pressure for higher cross-linker molar fractions. This is consistent with a previously reported dependence of collapse transition enthalpy on cross-linker molar fraction.

A survey on surface morphology control of cross-linked poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) polymer particle via inverse suspension polymerization

This study mainly centers on the preparation and characterization of the cross-linked poly(NVP) microspheres by means of inverse suspension polymerization technique. The effect of the cross-linker content, the volumetric ratio of dispersed phase to suspension phase (DP/CP), agitation rate, and the reaction temperature on the characteristics of the microparticles were investigated meticulously using SEM, and the optimum preparation conditions were determined. The findings revealed that the morphological and surface properties of the obtained particles could be controlled easily by changing these parameters. Accordingly, the microparticles having the perfect spherical with smooth surface and good roundness, dumbbell-shaped, snowman besides dented, sunked and macelike appearance were obtained. At low cross-linker content, bulky, distorted and accumulated particles were detected, while more stable, well-defined, and desired microspheres were observed at high content. Furthermore, as DP/CP decreased, the microspheres tended to have collapsed, distorted and little wrinkled (buckled) and indented morphologies due to the heterogeneous shrinkages in droplets. Additionally, it was apparent that the increment in stirring rates caused systematically decrement in the size of the microspheres. At relatively higher reaction temperature, the mace-like microparticles having needle-like occurrences extending outwardly perpendicular on the surface started to appear due to the stiff character of the cross-linker.

A luminescent Cd(II) coordination polymer as a fluorescence-responsive sensor for enhancement sensing of Al3+ and Cr3+ ions and quenching detection of chromium(VI) oxyanions

A luminescent coordination polymer [Cd(H2dhbdc)(NI-mbpy-34)2]n (1), where H4dhbdc ​= ​2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid, NI-mbpy-34 ​= ​N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-4-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,8-naphthalimide, has been synthesized under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. From the topological point of view, the crystal structure of 1 is fabricated by 4-connected square-planar nodes, forming a complicated two-dimensional (2-D) gridlike sql layer with the point symbol of (44·62), which consists of one-dimensional (1-D) {Cd–NI-mbpy-34}n2n ​+ ​ribbon chains and H2dhbdc2− bridges. Complex 1 displays high thermal, chemical, and pH stabilities. Moreover, complex 1 exhibits pH- and solvent-dependent luminescence properties varying in intensity and wavelength, and emits blue fluorescence in H2O suspension phase. These features promise 1 to be a multifunctional sensor platform for sensitive detection of Al3+ and Cr3+ through luminescence enhancement as well as CrO42− and Cr2O72− through luminescence quenching from most interfering ions.

Substrate Partitioning into Protein Macromolecular Frameworks for Enhanced Catalytic Turnover.

Spatial partitioning of chemical processes is an important attribute of many biological systems, the effect of which is reflected in the high efficiency of enzymes found within otherwise chaotic cellular environments. Barriers, often provided through the formation of compartments or phase segregation, gate the access of macromolecules and small molecules within the cell and provide an added level of metabolic control. Taking inspiration from nature, we have designed virus-like particles (VLPs) as nanoreactor compartments that sequester enzyme catalysts and have used these as building blocks to construct 3D protein macromolecular framework (PMF) materials, which are structurally characterized using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The highly charged PMFs form a separate phase in suspension, and by tuning the ionic strength, we show positively charged molecules preferentially partition into the PMF, while negatively charged molecules are excluded. This molecular partitioning was exploited to tune the catalytic activity of enzymes enclosed within the individual particles in the PMF, the results of which showed that positively charged substrates had turnover rates that were 8500× faster than their negatively charged counterparts. Moreover, the catalytic PMF led to cooperative behavior resulting in charge dependent trends opposite to those observed with individual P22 nanoreactor particles.

Continuous Cooling Crystallization in a Coiled Flow Inverter Crystallizer Technology—Design, Characterization, and Hurdles

Continuous small-scale production is currently of utmost interest for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. For this purpose, equipment and process concepts in consideration of the hurdles for solids handling are required to transfer conventional batch processing to continuous operation. Based on empirical equations, pressure loss constraints, and an expandable modular system, a coiled flow inverter (CFI) crystallizer with an inner diameter of 1.6 mm was designed. It was characterized concerning its residence time behavior, tested for operation with seed crystals or an ultrasonic seed crystal unit, and evaluated for different purging mechanisms for stable operation. The residence time behavior in the CFI corresponds to ideal plug flow behavior. Crystal growth using seed crystals was demonstrated in the CFI for two amino acids. For fewer seed crystals, higher crystal growth rates were determined, while at the same time, secondary nucleation was observed. Feasibility for the interconnection of a sonicated seeding crystal unit could be shown. However, the hurdles are also identified and discussed. Prophylactic flushing combined with a photosensor for distinguishing between solvent and suspension phase can lead to stable and resource-efficient operation. The small-scale CFI technology was investigated in detail, and the limits and opportunities of the technology are presented here.