Formation of Polyethylene Glycol Particles Using a Low-Temperature Supercritical Assisted Atomization Process.

Hsien-Tsung Wu,Tsung-Hsuan Li,Hong-Ming Tsai

doi:10.3390/molecules24122235

Hsien-Tsung Wu, Tsung-Hsuan Li + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24122235

Copy DOI

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) particles were prepared using low-temperature supercritical assisted atomization (LTSAA) with carbon dioxide as the spraying medium or the co-solute and acetone as the solvent. The effects of several key factors on the particle size were investigated. These factors included the concentration of the PEG solution, precipitator temperature, saturator temperature, ratio of the volumetric flow rate of carbon dioxide to the PEG solution, and the molecular weight of PEG. Spherical and non-aggregated PEG particles, with a mean size of 1.7–3.2 µm, were obtained in this study. The optimal conditions to produce fine particles were found to be a low concentration of the PEG solution, a low precipitator temperature, and low molecular weight of the PEG. The phase behavior of the solution mixture in the saturator presented a qualitative relationship. At the optimized volumetric flow rate ratios, the composition of CO2 in the feed streams was near the bubble points of the saturator temperatures. X-ray and differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that LTSAA-treated PEG had a reduced degree of crystallinity, which could be modulated via the precipitator temperature. PEG microparticles prepared by a LTSAA process would be promising carriers for drug-controlled formulations of PEG-drug composite particles.

Highlights

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer manufactured by polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and is commonly used in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries
The aim of the present study is to integrally investigate the influence of the low-temperature supercritical assisted atomization (LTSAA) process parameters and the phase behavior on the size and morphology of the PEG particle and the properties of the resulting PEG powder
The CO2 content in the feed liquid can be manipulated by adjusting the flow ratio of CO2 to the liquid solution, and is limited by the vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) phase envelopes

Summary

Introduction

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer manufactured by polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and is commonly used in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. PEG has been used as laxatives, ointments, fillings for gelatin capsules, solubilizers, tablet excipients, and carriers to improve the dissolution rate of drug. Such enhanced dissolution properties were achieved by the micronization of the drugs, transformation of the drug into a crystalline or amorphous form, the formation of a solid dispersion, and the increase of the wettability of the drug through the use of a water-soluble carrier in composite particles [2,3,4,5]. Hydrophilic PEG can mask the surface of hydrophobic materials and prevent recognition by the immune system, resulting in prolonged system circulation and bypass of the RES (reticuloendothelial system) [6,7]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion