High‑Uniformity Functional Films (System and Method for Fabrication of Uniform Polymer Films Containing Nano and Micro Particles Via Continuous Drying Process Tech ID: 13‑052)
Technology Overview: A scalable system and method to fabricate highly uniform polymer films embedded with nano‑ and microparticles (e.g., actives, pigments, fillers) using a continuous drying process. The approach enables controlled particle distribution and film microstructure at production speeds suitable for industrial roll‑to‑roll lines, supporting applications from pharma oral thin films to functional coatings.
Industry Pain Point: Conventional batch casting and drying often yield non‑uniform particle dispersion, thickness variation, and poor dose/content uniformity—leading to waste, rework, and regulatory risks (for pharma) or performance drift (for coatings).
NJIT Solution: Engineer a continuous, controllable drying platform that stabilizes particle distribution during solvent removal, improving content uniformity and surface quality while preserving active performance.
Key Features & Advantages
- Continuous manufacturing compatible with roll‑to‑roll operations.
- Improved uniformity of particle‑laden polymer films (nano/micro).
- Broad applicability (pharma OTFs, functional coatings, membranes).
Development Stage: TRL 4–5 – Laboratory/benchtop validation.
Target Markets
- Pharmaceutical oral thin films & transdermal systems
- Advanced coatings (optical, barrier, tribological)
- Energy & separation membranes
Commercial & IP Details
Inventors: Anagha Bhakay; Ecevit Bilgili; Rajesh Dave; Boris Khusid; Fernando Muzzio; Ramana (Ramani) Susarla