Effect of process and formulation parameters on polycaprolactone nanoparticles prepared by solvent displacement

Abstract

Solvent displacement in comparison with other polymeric particles preparation technique provides certain crucial advantages such as water, time and energy lower consumption, procedure and set-up simplicity in nanoparticles preparation. The objective of this study was optimization of formulation in terms of the particle size, size distribution, zeta potential and morphology. In this study polycaprolactone based nanoparticles were prepared by solvent displacement or nanoprecipitation method. To prepare nanoparticles firstly, polycaprolactone was dissolved in acetone that form organic phase, secondly, for aqueous phase preparation, Tween® 80 and polyvinyl alcohol as stabilizer of the system, were dissolved in the water. Consecutively, under magnetic agitation organic phase was injected through a syringe to the aqueous phase. Acetone was removed under reduced pressure by rotavapor. Furthermore, different formulation and process related variables such as evaporation technique, organic phase injection method and rate, stabilizer nature, polymer concentration, Tween® 80 and polyvinyl alcohol concentration, stirring speed, organic and aqueous phases volume, were studied. To conclude, systematic study is indispensable before investigation of any drug encapsulation.