title: Optimization of spray-dried and -congealed lipid micropellets and characterization of their surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy.
abstract: Lipid micropellets prepared from glycerides and phospholipids may be a physiological drug carrier system for improving the intestinal absorption of lipophilic drugs. They can be prepared by spray-drying and spray-congealing processes. In this study, formulation and optimization parameters of spray-dried and -congealed lipid pellets in the micro- and nanometer size were investigated. The rapid evaporation of solvents from the droplets, which in turn causes a rapid solidification, influenced the crystalline structures of spray-dried glycerides. Moreover, solvents, the chain length, and the type of lipids and drugs used in the formulations of spray-dried micropellets affected the surface morphology of the micropellets. In contrast to the variations of the surface structure of spray-dried micropellets, formulated spray-congealed micropellets possessed smooth surface properties. The surface morphology and microstructure of both types of micropellets were characterized by SEM.
authors.affiliation: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Department of Pharmacy, Zürich.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Eldem
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Speiser
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hincal
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003460:Crystallization; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010316:Particle Size; D012997:Solvents; D013499:Surface Properties; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D012997:Solvents; D014280:Triglycerides