title: Preparation of uniform-sized multiple emulsions and micro/nano particulates for drug delivery by membrane emulsification.
abstract: Much attention has in recent years been paid to fine applications of drug delivery systems, such as multiple emulsions, micro/nano solid lipid and polymer particles (spheres or capsules). Precise control of particle size and size distribution is especially important in such fine applications. Membrane emulsification can be used to prepare uniform-sized multiple emulsions and micro/nano particulates for drug delivery. It is a promising technique because of the better control of size and size distribution, the mildness of the process, the low energy consumption, easy operation and simple equipment, and amendable for large scale production. This review describes the state of the art of membrane emulsification in the preparation of monodisperse multiple emulsions and micro/nano particulates for drug delivery in recent years. The principles, influence of process parameters, advantages and disadvantages, and applications in preparing different types of drug delivery systems are reviewed. It can be concluded that the membrane emulsification technique in preparing emulsion/particulate products for drug delivery will further expand in the near future in conjunction with more basic investigations on this technique.
authors.affiliation: College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Xiang-Liang
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: W S Winston
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Ho
mesh_terms: D002214:Capsules / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004655:Emulsions; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008863:Microspheres; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010316:Particle Size; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004655:Emulsions; D008567:Membranes, Artificial