Spinning disc processing technology: potential for large-scale manufacture of chitosan nanoparticles.
Mass production of nanoparticles using a reliable cost-effective approach is a challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, the spinning disc processing (SDP) technology was used to fabricate chitosan nanoparticles, with a view to commercially produce chitosan nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms. Chitosan solution (0.25%, w/v, in dilute acid, 27.5 mL, 1.5 mL/s) was intensely mixed with sodium tripolyphosphate solution (0.10%, w/v, in water, 20 mL, 1.1 mL/s) on the spinning disc (1000 rpm). Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering data confirmed that the nanoparticles (20 +/- 3 nm) were comparable in size and shape to those synthesised using a beaker and magnetic stirrer (31 +/- 13 nm). Larger nanoparticles (131 +/- 5 nm) were produced by increasing the chitosan and TPP feed concentrations to 0.5% and 0.125%, respectively. Drug loading further increased the size of the nanoparticles, with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) having a greater effect (403 +/- 4 nm) than paracetamol (165 +/- 4 nm). Co-loading of both drugs increased the size of the particles to the micron range. In conclusion, the SDP is a robust technology capable of expanding the production of blank and drug-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
Loh
Jing Wen
JW
Laboratory for Drug Delivery, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
Schneider
Jessica
J
Carter
Michelle
M
Saunders
Martin
M
Lim
Lee-Yong
LY
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000737:chemistry; D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000737:chemistry; D048271:Chitosan; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles; D010316:Particle Size
D000082:Acetaminophen; D048271:Chitosan; D000111:Acetylcysteine