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Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Flash NanoPrecipitation for the Encapsulation of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Compounds in Polymeric Nanoparticles
Published on: January 7, 2019
Advances in polysaccharide nanocrystals as pharmaceutical excipients
Yanxue Si1, Huize Luo2, Fengshan Zhou2
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), No. 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, PR China; CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, PR China.
Abstract:
Polysaccharide nanocrystals (PNs) are attractive pharmaceutical excipients due to their abundant surface hydroxyl groups, high surface charges, prominent mechanical properties, excellent fluidity, and good swelling properties. In this review, we summarize three kinds of PNs, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), starch nanocrystals (SNCs), and chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs). We introduce the applications of PNs as stabilizers, adsorbents, film-forming materials, gel materials, disintegrants, and ointment matrices. We focus on the advantages of PNs to improve mechanical properties, thermal stability, therapeutic effect, biocompatibility, and release of active pharmaceutical ingredients. We discuss regulatory issues of PNs. We finally propose the challenges and future perspectives of PNs as pharmaceutical excipients.
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