Preparation and characterization of spray-dried oxidized cellulose microparticles

The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of spray drying to produce microparticles of oxidized cellulose (OC), a biocompatible and bioresorbable polymer. OCs containing 7, 13, and 20 wt% carboxylic groups were converted into stable aqueous dispersions and then spray dried using a Yamoto G-32 spray dryer equipped with a standard fluid nozzle with an orifice of 406 microm. The following operating conditions were investigated: inlet temperature 140, 170, and 190 degrees C; feed rate 3, 6, and 9 mL/min; and atomization airpressure 0.5, 1, and 1.5 kg f/cm2. The amounts of OC used in feed were 1, 2.5, and 5%. OC microparticles produced under these conditions were shrunken spheres, ranging in size between 0.98+/-0.47 and 2.05+/-0.98 microm. The different operating conditions used had no significant effect on the size and shape of particles. The use of a water-soluble plasticizer (glycerin, polyethylene glycol 400, or polyethylene glycol 6000) in the dispersion yielded microparticles with a good sphericity and a smooth surface morphology, whereas no change in the shape or size of microparticles was noted with water-insoluble plasticizers, Triacetin and dibutyl phthalate. Powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectral analyses of spray-dried microparticles showed no change in the solid-state structure of OC. In conclusion, results show that OC can be converted into stable aqueous dispersions and used to produce microparticles by spray drying.