Polyelectrolyte stabilized drug nanoparticles via flash nanoprecipitation: a model study with beta-carotene.
Polyelectrolyte protected beta-carotene nanoparticles (nanosuspensions) with average diameter of <100 nm were achieved by turbulent mixing and flash nanoprecipitation (FNP). Three types of multi-amine functional polyelectrolytes, epsilon-polylysine (epsilon-PL), poly(ethylene imine) (PEI), and chitosan, were investigated to electrosterically protect the nanoparticles. Particle size and distribution were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS); particles were imaged via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Low pH and high polyelectrolyte molecular weight gave the smallest and most stable particles. High drug loading capacity, >80 wt%, was achieved by using either PEI or chitosan. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that beta-carotene nanoparticles were amorphous. These findings open the way for utilization of FNP for preparation of nanoparticles with enhanced bioavailability for highly water insoluble drugs.
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
Zhengxi
Z
Zhu
Katrin
K
Margulis-Goshen
Shlomo
S
Magdassi
Yeshayahu
Y
Talmon
Christopher W
CW
Macosko
D001682:Biological Availability; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008970:Molecular Weight; D053758:Nanoparticles; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000737:chemistry*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D004573:Electrolytes; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D019207:beta Carotene