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A Simple, Organic Solvent-Free, and Scalable Process for Producing Calcium Alginate Nanoparticle Powder by
Paulo Augusto Marques Chagas1, João Otávio Donizette Malafatti2, Lívia Rodrigues Boueri de Souza1
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FCFRP USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903, Brazil.
Scaling up calcium alginate nanoparticle production was achieved using an organic solvent-free method. This integrated process, combining ionic gelation, high-pressure homogenization, and spray drying, yields stable nanoparticles suitable for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Scaling up nanoparticle synthesis presents significant challenges for industrial translation.
- Current methods often rely on organic solvents, limiting large-scale production.
- Developing reproducible, solvent-free nanoparticle manufacturing is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a scalable, organic solvent-free process for calcium alginate nanoparticle production.
- To optimize nanoparticle size and properties through integrated processing steps.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale synthesis for industrial applications.
Main Methods:
- Integrated ionic gelation, high-pressure homogenization (1000 bar), and spray drying.
- Scaled ionic gelation from 400 mL to 2 L batch volumes.
- Characterized nanoparticles using SEM, TEM, XRD, XRF, and thermal analyses.
Main Results:
- Achieved nanoparticle sizes of approximately 223 nm (400 mL) and 236 nm (2 L).
- Spray-dried powders showed low water activity, stable morphology, and amorphous structure.
- Demonstrated reproducible synthesis and controlled physicochemical properties at scale.
Conclusions:
- The integrated workflow provides a scalable and reproducible method for producing calcium alginate nanoparticles.
- This solvent-free approach supports the industrial viability of nanoparticle formulations.
- The platform holds potential for advanced encapsulation systems and technological applications.
