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Published on: December 27, 2013
Polyethylene glycol as an alternative polymer solvent for nanoparticle preparation
Mohamed Ehab Ali1, Alf Lamprecht
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|August 21, 2013
Summary
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) offer a non-toxic alternative for preparing polymeric nanoparticles. This method successfully encapsulates proteins like lysozyme while maintaining their biological activity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Solvent toxicity poses a significant challenge in current polymeric nanoparticle preparation.
- Developing non-toxic solvents is crucial for safe and effective nanoparticle synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate polyethylene glycols (PEGs) as non-toxic solvents for polymeric nanoparticle preparation.
- To optimize preparation parameters for nanoparticle characteristics and protein encapsulation.
Main Methods:
- A modified solvent displacement technique was employed.
- Key parameters investigated included polymer type (Eudragit RL, PLGA, PEG-PLGA), polymer concentration, dispersing phase volume and temperature, dispersion methods, stirring conditions, and dialysis.
- Protein encapsulation efficiency and biological activity were assessed using bovine serum albumin and lysozyme.
Main Results:
- Successful preparation of polymeric nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 80 to 400 nm.
- Encapsulation efficiencies for model proteins varied from 7.3% to 69.3%, influenced by polymer-protein interactions.
- Biological assays confirmed complete retention of lysozyme activity post-preparation.
Conclusions:
- Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are effective and non-toxic solvents for creating protein-loaded polymeric nanoparticles.
- The developed method preserves protein integrity and biological function, offering a safer alternative for nanoparticle synthesis.
