Morphology and surface States of colloidal probucol nanoparticles evaluated by atomic force microscopy

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Understanding nanoparticle formation is crucial for drug delivery.
• Probucol nanoparticles are investigated for enhanced bioavailability.
• Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) are common excipients in nanoparticle formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphology and surface states of probucol nanoparticles.
• To elucidate the role of PVP and SDS in the formation of probucol nanoparticles.
• To correlate nanoparticle structure with in vivo absorption.

Main Methods:

• Dispersion of a probucol/PVP/SDS ternary mixture in water.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for morphology and surface analysis.
• AFM phase imaging and force curve analysis.

Main Results:

• Observed core-shell structure with drug nanocrystals coated by a PVP/SDS complex.
• Probucol nanoparticles with PVP K17 displayed a distinct layer structure compared to PVP K12.
• Structural differences were attributed to the molecular states of the PVP-SDS complex on the surface.
• Consistent particle size of approximately 40 nm was maintained.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the mechanism of probucol nanoparticle formation.
• The observed core-shell structure and surface states influence drug absorption.
• PVP K17 demonstrates a unique structural contribution to probucol nanoparticles.