THE SCIENCE BEHIND ULTRA-FINE PARTICLE TECHNOLOGY
UFP500.org provides the scientific and technical foundation behind ultra-fine particle precision in natural ingredients. This site explains the physical principles, processing parameters, and research context supporting UFP500™
Particle size directly affects how substances interact with biological systems and formulations. This relationship has been well-established in pharmaceutical science for decades.
Surface Area
When particle size decreases, surface area increases exponentially. A particle reduced from 100 μm to 2 μm gains approximately 50× more surface area relative to its volume.
Dissolution Rate
The Noyes-Whitney equation demonstrates that dissolution rate is directly proportional to surface area:
Where increased surface area (A) directly increases dissolution rate.
Bioavailability Implications
For poorly soluble compounds (BCS Class II and IV), increased surface area can significantly improve dissolution and subsequent absorption.
Griseofulvin (antifungal)
Particle size reduction from 10 μm to 2.7 μm resulted in approximately 2-fold increase in bioavailability.
Curcumin
Multiple studies document 3-5× bioavailability improvements with micronization, though specific results vary by formulation and study design.
General Principle
- Particle size reduction increases surface area (mathematical certainty)
- Increased surface area accelerates dissolution (Noyes-Whitney equation)
- Faster dissolution can improve bioavailability for poorly soluble compounds (pharmaceutical principle)
- Ultra-fine processing preserves compounds when done under controlled conditions
What Science Supports
- Measurable increase in surface area through particle size reduction
- Dissolution rate improvement proportional to surface area increase
- Universal benefit across all compound types
- Clinical health outcomes from improved bioavailability
- Equivalence to pharmaceutical-grade testing
What Science Doesn't Guarantee
- Identical bioavailability increase for any given ingredient
- Specific dosage-response outcomes without clinical testing
- Regulatory approval for health claims
Natural Ingredient Studies
The same pharmaceutical principles apply to natural bioactive compounds. Studies show particle size reduction benefits in:
Research & Evidence
Key scientific references supporting ultra-fine particle technology
Loh et al.
Overview of milling techniques and equipment for particle size reduction of natural ingredients and supplements.
Merisko-Liversidge et al.
Nanosizing techniques for improving bioavailability of drug nanoparticles — comprehensive pharmaceutical research review.
Müller et al.
Particle size and dissolution relationships — foundational research on the physics of fine particle processing.
Controlled Processing
UFP500™ processing targets the 1-5 μm particle size range. This range was chosen based on:
-
1Pharmaceutical precedent for optimal bioavailability enhancement
-
2Practical stability of the processed material
-
3Avoiding nano-scale complexity while maximizing surface area
- Low-heat processing to preserve bioactive integrity
- Controlled processing environment designed to minimize thermal degradation
Particle size parameters established during R&D optimization for different material types
Processing Parameters
- Processing parameters developed and optimized during R&D phase
- Settings established to achieve target particle size while preserving ingredient integrity
- Consistent methodology applied for each material type
- Controlled processing environment
- Designed to minimize thermal degradation
- Optimized per material type during R&D
- Balancing particle size reduction with compound preservation
Quality Assurance
- Food-grade source materials only
- Supplier documentation and certificates of analysis
- Dedicated food-grade equipment
- Closed container processing
- Electronic batch records with LOT numbers
- Full traceability from input to output
Development Phase
- Particle size distribution analysis (laser diffraction)
- Microscopy (optical/SEM) for morphology assessment
- Bioactive compound preservation testing (HPLC/spectroscopy)
- Stability studies
- Functional testing (dissolution, dispersion, etc.)
Custom Development
Available for new materials requiring:
- Parameter optimization during R&D phase
- Material-specific feasibility assessment
- Pilot batches for validation
- Technical consultation for scale-up
Material Requirements
Acceptable Input Materials:
- Dried botanicals (moisture <12%)
- Spray-dried extracts
- Crystalline/powder compounds
- Food-grade materials only
Unacceptable Materials:
- High-moisture content (>15%)
- Sticky/gummy substances
- Liquid extracts (must be dried first)
- Toxic or hazardous materials
- Non-food-grade sources
Processing Capabilities
What We Control:
- Consistent particle size through validated processing parameters
- Processing temperature ranges
- Clean processing environment
- Full batch traceability
What We Don't Control:
- Individual bioavailability response in end users
- Downstream formulation stability (customer's formulation choices)
- Regulatory approval for specific product uses
- Clinical efficacy of final consumer products
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about UFP500™ technology
No. UFP500™ targets the 1-5 μm (micrometer) range, which is considered "ultra-fine" but not "nano." Nanoparticles are defined as <100 nm (0.1 μm). Our processing stays well above that threshold, avoiding the regulatory and safety complexity associated with nanotechnology.
No. UFP500™ is a purely physical size reduction process. It uses controlled mechanical processing without any chemical solvents, synthetic additives, or excipients. The output is the same natural ingredient — just in ultra-fine particle form.
UFP500™ processes food-grade dry materials including dried botanicals, spray-dried extracts, and crystalline compounds. Materials should have moisture content below 12%. High-moisture, sticky, or liquid materials require pre-processing before UFP500™ treatment.
Every batch is tested using laser diffraction analysis, which measures D10, D50, and D90 values. Additional verification through optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is performed during R&D phases to validate particle morphology.
We guarantee precise particle size reduction (D50: 1-5 μm) and the resulting increase in surface area. While scientific literature consistently shows that increased surface area improves dissolution and bioavailability for poorly soluble compounds, actual bioavailability outcomes depend on formulation, delivery method, and individual factors.
Contact us at info@biofund.org for an initial consultation. We'll assess your material, discuss feasibility, and outline the R&D development process for your specific ingredient.