Artificial neural network based particle size prediction of polymeric nanoparticles.
Particle size of nanoparticles and the respective polydispersity are key factors influencing their biopharmaceutical behavior in a large variety of therapeutic applications. Predicting these attributes would skip many preliminary studies usually required to optimize formulations. The aim was to build a mathematical model capable of predicting the particle size of polymeric nanoparticles produced by a pharmaceutical polymer of choice. Polymer properties controlling the particle size were identified as molecular weight, hydrophobicity and surface activity, and were quantified by measuring polymer viscosity, contact angle and interfacial tension, respectively. A model was built using artificia…
Spray freeze drying as an alternative technique for lyophilization of polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles.
The use of nanoparticles for drug delivery is still restricted by their limited stability when stored in an aqueous medium. Freeze drying is the standard method for long-term storage of colloidal nanoparticles; however the method needs to be elaborated for each formulation. Spray freeze drying (SFD) is proposed here as a promising alternative for lyophilizing colloidal nanoparticles. Different types of polymeric and lipid nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. Afterwards, samples were spray freeze dried by spraying into a column of cold air with a constant concentration of different cryoprotectants, and the frozen spherules were collected for further freeze drying. Similar samples w…
Nanoparticle formulations as recrystallization inhibitors in transdermal patches
Abstract Drug crystallization in transdermal patches is still a major challenge, confronting the formulation development of topical drug delivery systems. Encapsulation of drugs into nanoparticles is proposed here as a promising tool for regulating drug crystallization in transdermal patches. The degree of recrystallization and transdermal permeation of ibuprofen and hydrocortisone loaded in polymeric and lipid nanoparticles from matrix-type transdermal patches were investigated. Ethyl cellulose (EC4), poly (lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were employed for polymeric nanoparticle preparations; while medium chain triglyceride (MCT) and witepsol were used for the p…