Sustainability in Drug and Nanoparticle Processing.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles are crucial for drug delivery, manufactured via methods like nanoprecipitation and nanoemulsion.
• Conventional organic solvents used in PLGA nanoparticle formulation pose environmental and health risks.
• There is a growing need for sustainable and green alternatives in nanoparticle manufacturing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review traditional and alternative solvents for PLGA nanoparticle formulation.
• To evaluate the impact of solvent properties on formulation processes and particle characteristics.
• To introduce and compare novel green solvents for PLGA nanoparticle synthesis.

Main Methods:

• Overview of excipients and organic solvents in classical nanoformulations.
• Analysis of green, sustainable, and alternative solvents, including their properties and limitations.
• Introduction and comparison of new alternative solvents for PLGA nanoparticle formation.
• Evaluation of in situ particle formation within nanocellulose matrices.

Main Results:

• Physicochemical properties of solvents (miscibility, viscosity, vapor pressure) significantly influence formulation and particle characteristics.
• New alternative solvents demonstrate potential for PLGA nanoparticle formation.
• Comparative analysis of particle characteristics and biological effects of novel solvents.
• Successful in situ formation of PLGA nanoparticles in nanocellulose matrices using alternative solvents.

Conclusions:

• Novel green solvents represent a significant advancement in replacing hazardous organic solvents for PLGA nanoparticle formulation.
• These alternatives offer improved sustainability and safety profiles for nanoparticle manufacturing.
• The findings pave the way for greener drug delivery systems.