Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Growing Protein Crystals with Distinct Dimensions Using Automated Crystallization Coupled with In Situ Dynamic Light Scattering
Published on: August 14, 2018
Role of crystallization in the phase inversion dynamics and protein release kinetics of injectable drug delivery
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois, 600 S. Mathews, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Abstract:
The role of polymer crystallization in the phase inversion dynamics and in vitro protein release kinetics of semi-crystalline poly (epsilon-caprolactone) and amorphous poly (D,L-lactide) (PDLA) blend solutions has been examined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Varying the degree of crystallizability of the solutions led to the emergence of two general classes of depots. Depots with a high degree of crystallinity are characterized by porous morphologies indicative of solid-liquid (s--l) de-mixing and delayed burst release profiles. Alternatively, depots with a low degree of crystallinity are characterized by dense morphologies formed by mild liquid-liquid (l--l) phase separation and slow, uniform protein release rates. An interpretation of these results in terms of a qualitative model for the protein release mechanism is also given.
Related Concept Videos
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent – the...
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Polymorphism, Amorphism and Pseudopolymorphism
Some polymorphic crystals possess lower aqueous solubility than their amorphous counterparts, leading to incomplete absorption. For instance, the oral suspension of Chloramphenicol, which...
Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria
Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Drug Release Characteristics

