Preparation of polycaprolactone nanoparticles via supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of emulsions

Adejumoke Lara Ajiboye,John C Mitchell,Vivek Trivedi

doi:10.1007/s13346-017-0422-3

Adejumoke Lara Ajiboye, John C Mitchell + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s13346-017-0422-3

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Abstract

Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles were produced via supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions (SFEE) using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The efficiency of the scCO2 extraction was investigated and compared to that of solvent extraction at atmospheric pressure. The effects of process parameters including polymer concentration (0.6–10% w/w in acetone), surfactant concentration (0.07 and 0.14% w/w) and polymer-to-surfactant weight ratio (1:1–16:1 w/w) on the particle size and surface morphology were also investigated. Spherical PCL nanoparticles with mean particle sizes between 190 and 350 nm were obtained depending on the polymer concentration, which was the most important factor where increase in the particle size was directly related to total polymer content in the formulation. Nanoparticles produced were analysed using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that SFEE can be applied for the preparation of PCL nanoparticles without agglomeration and in a comparatively short duration of only 1 h.

Highlights

The use of drug delivery systems, the micro- and nano-scale intelligent systems for therapeutic molecules has Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK rapidly increased over the years because they can successfully maximise the efficacy of the drug molecules [1]
The temperature (40 °C) and pressure (100 bar) selected for supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions (SFEE) were based on the low melting point (59– 64 °C) of the PCL polymer and the good miscibility of acetone with scCO2 at these conditions [23]
Shaped monodisperse polycaprolactone nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions without agglomeration and in a comparatively short duration

Summary

Introduction

The use of drug delivery systems, the micro- and nano-scale intelligent systems for therapeutic molecules has Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK rapidly increased over the years because they can successfully maximise the efficacy of the drug molecules [1]. As a drug delivery system, nanoparticles can entrap drugs or biomolecules into their internal structures and/or adsorb these drugs or biomolecules onto their external surfaces [3] Due to their particle size, nanoparticles can move freely through the body via the smallest capillary vessels, cell and tissue gaps in order to reach their target organs [4]. These properties of nanoparticles help to modify the biodistribution and pharmacokinetic properties of the adsorbed/ entrapped drug molecules leading to an improvement in the efficacy of the drug, decrease in unwanted side-effects and increase in patient compliance [5]. Synthetic polymers have many inherent advantages since their structures can be manipulated to generate specialised carriers to suit particular applications [8]

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