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Preparation and characterization of nanocapsules from preformed polymers by a new process based on
D Quintanar-Guerrero1, E Allémann, E Doelker
1Pharmapeptides, Interuniversity Centre Geneva-Lyon, Archamps, France.
Pharmaceutical Research
|August 4, 1998
Summary
Biodegradable nanocapsules were successfully prepared using the emulsification-diffusion technique. This method offers a simple, efficient, and versatile approach for creating controlled nanocapsule structures for drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Nanoparticle formulation is crucial for drug delivery.
- Biodegradable nanocapsules offer advantages for controlled release.
- The emulsification-diffusion technique is a potential method for nanoparticle synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of producing biodegradable nanocapsules using the emulsification-diffusion technique.
- To characterize the properties of nanocapsules formed by this method.
- To elucidate the mechanism of nanocapsule formation.
Main Methods:
- Emulsification of an oil solution (oil, polymer, drug) in an aqueous stabilizer.
- Induction of solvent diffusion by adding water, leading to particle formation.
- Characterization using particle size, zeta potential, density, drug entrapment, SEM, and AFM.
Main Results:
- Density gradient centrifugation confirmed nanocapsule formation with densities between nanoemulsions and nanospheres.
- Oil/polymer ratio controlled nanocapsule density and wall thickness.
- SEM and AFM revealed smooth, homogeneous capsular structures.
- The mechanism involves diffusion stranding.
Conclusions:
- The emulsification-diffusion technique is a simple, efficient, reproducible, and versatile method for preparing nanocapsules.
- This technique allows for control over nanocapsule properties.
- The findings support the use of this method for developing drug delivery systems.