Homogenization Speed Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF SPEED, TIME OF HOMOGENIZATION, TYPE OF SURFACE ACTIVE SUBSTANCE ON THE SIZE OF PENTOXYPHILLINE NANOPARTICLES BASED ON POLY-DL-LAKTIDE-CO-GLICOLIDE

Nanopharmacology is a set of methods and techniques used in the creation, study, production and use of nanostructures (size about 1–700 nm) with new chemical, physical, and biological properties. For a long time pharmacologists have been working on molecular, and sometimes even on a submolecular level for synthesizing new drugs and explaining their mechanism of action. Thanks to this, the interest of pharmacology in nanotechnology is connected with new ways of obtaining and using medicines. One way of obtaining new forms of drugs is the synthesis of nanoparticles, since they allow the active substance to overcome the protective barriers of the body such as, for example, the immune system. Due to the fact that the surface of nanoparticles (nanocapsules) is multilayered, their resistance to the action of the protective mechanisms of the body increases, which allows the drug to retain the activity of the pharmacological action, as well as its structure for a longer time. The possibility of penetration through biological barriers, tissue-specificity, rate of drug release depends largely on the size and surface properties of nanoparticles. The aim of our study was to study the influence of such important factors as time, homogenization rate and the type of surface active substance, on the size of the obtained nanoparticles of pentoxifylline based on poly-DL-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA). Materials and methods . The research was carried out using the information retrieval database (PubMed), as well as the results of our own research. Results and discussion . It has been found that the dispersion phase of the sample, in which polyvinyl alcohol was used as the surfactant, had the smallest size, particularly, the average hydrodynamic radius of the particles amounted to 175.4 nm. The influence of the speed and time of homogenization on the size of nano particles of pentoxifylline based on PLGA was experimentally proved. Also, microphotographs of nanoparticles of pentoxifylline based on poly-DL-lactide-coglycolide (PLGA) are presented. Conclusion .Our studies prove the effect of the speed and time of homogenization, as well as the type of surfactant, on the size of nanoparticles of pentoxifylline based on poly-DL-lactide-co-glycolide. As a result of the studies, the procedure for obtaining nanoparticles of pentoxifylline was adjusted.

Development of soy protein isolate films reinforced with titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Soy protein isolate film was reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles. The effect of homogenization time and speed on mechanical and water barrier properties were tested by measuring thickness, swelling percentage, opacity, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (Eb), water vapour permeability (WVP) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR). The thickness, opacity, TS and Eb of the film increased from 0.202 mm to 0.219 mm; 58.40% to 374.31%; 1.60 MPa to 3.20 MPa and 0.60% to 3.20% respectively and swelling percent, WVP and OTR decreased from 684.39% to 313.63%; 63.721 g/m2/day to 3.042 g/m2/day and 127.53cc/m2/day to 49.15 cc/m2/day respectively.

Hydroxyapatite/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite <i>In Situ</i> Synthesis for Hydrogel Formation<sup></sup>

It is well known that polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel-based (PVA-H) biomaterials are promising materials for damaged articular cartilage replacement, but their application for bone tissue engineering is restricted due to insufficient mechanical properties. Thus, to meet the demands of the bone substitute material, PVA-H are reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystals. The current research is focused on the preparation of nanosized hydroxyapatite/polyvinyl alcohol (n-HAp/PVA) composite material that mimics the microstructure and mechanical properties of natural bone tissue. The aim of this work is to determine the impact of various technological parameters of n-HAp/PVA composite in situ synthesis on the chemical purity of final product. Obtained results confirmed that the main inorganic phase of the composite material is HAp with an average crystallite size of 20.39 nm, however β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and CaO phases are also present. Obtained results showed that it is possible to decrease the amount of potentially harmful by-products, e.g. CaO in the composite material from 1.57wt% to 0.32wt% by increasing the homogenization speed of starting suspension from 400 rpm up to 7000 rpm, though the main influence on the obtained products chemical purity has 5wt% polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution. Based on the results, it is concluded that the combination of starting suspension stirring temperature, homogenization speed and homogenization time of 23°C, 7000 rpm and 2 min, respectively, allows to obtain nanocomposite with the lowest amount of impurities (HAp: 98.08wt%; β-TCP: 1.60wt%; CaO: 0.32wt%).

Parametric study of protein-encapsulated microcapsule formation and effect on self-healing efficiency of ‘green’ soy protein resin

Soy protein isolate-loaded poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (SPI-PLGA) microcapsules were prepared using a water-in-oil-in-water emulsification solvent evaporation technique. Effects of microencapsulation formulation parameters such as homogenization speed (1000 or 10,000 rpm) and PLGA and poly(vinyl alcohol) concentrations (1 or 5%) were investigated on size, size distribution, protein loading, encapsulation efficiency, and morphology of the microcapsules as well as their self-healing efficiency. SPI-PLGA microcapsules produced using homogenization speed of 10,000 rpm had an average diameter of 0.76 µm and contained smaller size of subcapsules within themselves, whereas microcapsules produced using homogenization speed of 1000 rpm were larger with an average diameter of 9.1 µm and contained diverse size of subcapsules inside. The PVA concentration did not show any significant effect on the SPI-PLGA microcapsule size. However, at higher PVA concentration of 5%, the SPI-PLGA aggregation of microcapsules resulted because of the excess residual PVA outside the microcapsules. Higher PVA also resulted in better bonding of microcapsules with the SPI resin, resulting in higher self-healing efficiency. The self-healing efficiency for various formulations studied varied between 29 and 53%. The SPI-PLGA microcapsules prepared using 1% PLGA, 5% PVA, and homogenization speed of 10,000 rpm resulted in the highest self-healing efficiency of 53%.

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DOXORUBICIN HYDROCHLORIDE LIPOSOMES BY DOUBLE EMULSION METHOD

Doxorubicin hydrochloride is one of the most commonly used cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotics used in cancer chemotherapy an d has been shown to have activity against a wide variety of neoplasms. Conventional compositi ons of doxorubicin hydrochloride are available as freeze - dried product (or) as a solution of doxorubicin hydrochloride in water. Both these products have been associated with a number of toxicities when administered intravenously. Several approaches have t aken in an effort to increase the circulation time of liposomes by coating the liposomal surface with a hydrophilic polymer s uch as polyethylene glycol , but have new toxic effects appeared like skin toxicity generally known as “Hand - Foot Syndrome” . In the present study Doxorubicin Liposomes we re formulated by “Double emulsion method to form Multivescicular liposomes”. The influence of various formulation and process parameters using different ratios of inner aqueous phase: o il phase : outer aqueous phase, ho mogenization speed, homogenization time on encapsulation efficiency, % f ree drug, particle size, z eta potential, surface morphology and release were investigated. Less than 10 % free drug was achieved with double emulsion method. The Sca nning Electron Micr oscopy image showed the spherical shape having 33 ± 5 µm particle sizes. The in - vitro drug release for optimized formulation was found to be controlled release of drug over a period of 7 days.

Effect of homogenization stirring speed on mechanical and water barrier properties of gallic acid treated zein-oleic acid composite films

Abstract In this study, the effect of different homogenization stirring speeds (10,000 rpm, 12,000 rpm, 14,000 rpm, 16,000 rpm, 18,000 rpm and 20,000 rpm) on mechanical and water barrier properties of gallic acid treated zein-oleic acid composite films was investigated. In addition, the effect of low and high homogenization speed on film microstructure with respect to speeds at 10,000 rpm and 20,000 rpm was also investigated. Results showed that homogenization stirring speed significantly (p −2 h −1 kPa −1 ) registered in gallic acid treated sample homogenized at 10,000 rpm. Results further revealed that WVP increased with increasing homogenization stirring speed especially in gallic acid treated zein films suggesting that the film matrix was being weakened as homogenization became more intense. Films produced by low homogenization speeds were characterized by smooth and homogeneous film microstructures as opposed to heterogeneous and coarse microstructures exhibited by films produced using high homogenization speeds.

Effect of Processing Parameters on Physicochemical Properties of β-Carotene Nanocrystal: A Statistical Experimental Design Analysis

Incorporation of functional foods and nutraceuticals such as carotenoids which suffer from poor water solubility and low bioavailability into nano-sized delivery systems can improve their solubility, stability and oral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to prepare β-Carotene nanodispersion and investigate the effects of preparation parameters by means of response surface methodology using central composite design. Therefore, the impact of the preparation conditions namely the homogenizer speed, evaporation temperature and rotation speed (as independent variables) on the mean particle size, particle size distribution and β-carotene amount of the prepared β-carotene nanodispersion (as responses) were evaluated. A multiple-optimization procedure showed that the optimum conditions of homogenization speed as well as evaporation temperature and rotary speed were 15000 rpm, 32 °C and 140 rpm, respectively. A statistical assessment showed insignificant (p > 0.05) differences between experimental and predicted responses values, verifying the fitness of the final reduced models for explaining the variation of nanoemulsion properties. Using statistical methods can reduce the number of experiments by optimizing of formulations during development and lead to significant save in time and cost.

The effect of ZnO, Fe3O4 and graphene oxide nanostructures on the microwave absorbing properties of polystyrene composites

In this study a series of polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites such as PS/ZnO, PS/Fe3O4 and PS/graphene oxide nanocomposites were prepared. The novelty of this work is comparing of three various semi-conductor zinc oxide, magnetic Fe3O4 and non-metallic conductive graphene oxide in reflection loss amount. The effect of different percentages of fillers and homogenizer speed on the electromagnetic wave absorption was also investigated. The morphology and particle size of the nanostructures and nanocomposites were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The electromagnetic wave absorption properties of nanocomposites were studied in the frequency range of 5–8 GHz using a vector network analyzer and finally their absorption properties were compared and analyzed. It was found that improving dispersion of nanoparticles resulting from increase in homogenizer speed leads to increase of absorption and band-width. The outcomes show that graphene oxide has substantial effect on absorption in compare with the other nanocomposite samples.

Optimization of Formulation and Process Variables for the Preparation of Novel Doxorubicin-Loaded Sonosensitive Nanodroplets

In the present study the effect of process (homogenization speed) and formulation (polymer concentration, surfactant concentration, drug amount, perfluorohexane volume fraction and co-surfactant inclusion) variables on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release kinetics of doxorubicin-loaded alginate stabilized perfluorohexane nanodroplets were evaluated. Particle size and doxorubicin entrapment efficiency were highly affected by formulation and process variables. In vitro release profile of doxorubicin from all formulations was an apparently biphasic release process and 7–13 % of drug released from nanodroplets after 24 h incubation in PBS, pH 7.4, depending on the nanodroplets composition but ultrasound exposure for 10 min resulted in triggered release of 85.95 % of doxorubicin fromoptimal formulation (G). The inclusion of Span 60 (0.15 %), Poloxamer 188 (0.15 %) as co-surfactants reduced the particle size of nanodroplets from 51.8 to 42.3 and 35.6 nm, respectively. The entrapment efficiency decreased for span 60, while it did not changed in the case of Poloxamer 188. Comparison of drug release kinetics demonstrated that drug release was delayed for both Span 60 and Poloxamer 188. Thus, it was concluded that the particle size, entrapment efficiency and the doxorubicin release kinetics could easily be adjusted by taking advantage of process and formulation variables.

Formulation design, preparation and characterization of multifunctional alginate stabilized nanodroplets

In the present study the effect of process (homogenization speed) and formulation (polymer-alginate-concentration, surfactant concentration, drug amount, perfluorohexane volume fraction and co-surfactant inclusion) variables on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release kinetics of doxorubicin-loaded alginate stabilized perfluorohexane nanodroplets were evaluated.Particle size and doxorubicin entrapment efficiency were highly affected by formulation and process variables. Increase in homogenization speed resulted in significant decrease in particle size and increase in entrapment efficiency. Polymer concentration and perfluorohexane amount both had similar effect on particle size. Particle size increased by an increase in the amount of both. Entrapment efficiency increased by increasing polymer concentration. In case of surfactant concentration and drug amount, particle size and entrapment efficiency had optimum values and an increase in concentration of both of them behind a certain limit resulted in increase in particle size and decrease in doxorubicin entrapment.In vitro release profile of doxorubicin was an apparently biphasic release process and 7%–13% of drug released after 24h incubation in PBS, pH=7.4, depending on the nanodroplets composition but ultrasound exposure for 10min resulted in triggered release of 85.95% of doxorubicin from optimal formulation (formulation E1 with 39.2nm diameter size and 92.2% entrapment efficiency).

Quality by design approach for development of suspension nasal spray products: a case study on budesonide nasal suspension

The objective of this study was to provide quality by design (QbD) approach for development of suspension type nasal spray products. Quality target product profile (QTPP) of test product budesonide nasal suspension (B-NS) was defined and critical quality attributes (CQAs) were identified. Critical formulation, process and delivery device variables were recognized. Risk assessment was performed by using failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) methodology. Selected variables were further assessed using a Plackett Burman screening study. A response surface design consisting of the critical factors was used to study the interactions between the study variables. Formulation variable X2: median particle size of budesonide (D50) (µ) has strikingly influenced dissolution (%) (Y1), while D50 droplet size distribution (µm) (Y2) was significantly impacted by formulation variable X1: Avicel RC 591 (%) and process variable X4: homogenization speed (rpm). A design space plot within which the CQAs remained unchanged was established at lab scale. A comprehensive approach for development of B-NS product based on the QbD methodology has been demonstrated. The accuracy and robustness of the model were confirmed by comparability of the predicted value generated by model with the observed value.

Experimental investigation of the mixing of viscous liquids and non-dilute concentrations of particles in a stirred tank

Despite the importance for the process industry of solid–liquid mixing operations involving viscous liquids and high solids concentrations, most of the reported results have been obtained in the turbulent regime with low solids loadings. In this work, the suspension of non-dilute concentrations of spherical particles in viscous liquids is investigated through the determination of the just-suspended speed Njs, the homogenization speed NH and the homogenization time tH. The pitched blade turbine, which is a common and suitable agitator for the suspension of solids in the turbulent regime, is chosen. Njs is obtained using the pressure gauge technique, and NH and tH via electrical resistance tomography. The impact of the particle diameter dp, the solids mass concentration Xw, the liquid viscosity μ, and the impeller diameter D and off-bottom clearance C are assessed. In particular, the effect of dp and μ on Njs are observed to be in contradiction with the Zwietering correlation, which was derived in the turbulent regime. This is attributed to the hydrodynamics and mechanisms prevailing in the laminar and early transitional regimes, which are similar to those for the erosion of a particle bed. This also explains the discrepancies between our experimental values and the values of Njs predicted by the Zwietering correlation. Also, increasing Xw affects Njs in a more complex manner than what is predicted by this correlation. Finally, our results indicate that particle bed erosion is the dominating phenomenon to consider both to suspend the particles and achieve a uniform suspension in the tank.

Design, Development and Optimization of Topotecan Hydrochloride Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Oral Chemotherapy

The objective of this research work was to formulate and evaluate solid lipid nanoparticles of anticancer drug topotecan hydrochloride in order to sustain its release and therefore improve its therapeutic outcomes. SLNs were prepared by hot micro emulsion method using glyceryl monostearate as lipid carrier and Tween 80 as surfactant in specific proportions. FT-IR and DSC studies revealed that there was no interaction between drug and lipid. The effect of drug: lipid ratio, surfactant concentration, speed and time of homogenizer on drug release, particle size and EE were studied. The results of particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release at 12hr fell between 111.9 nm and 255nm, 65.12% and 77.63%, and 72.31 and 79.79% respectively. Optimized formulation showed release of drug up to 73.47 % at 12 hrs, entrapment efficiency of 77.75 % and particle size of 158.0 nm. The analysis of 3-D graphs revealed that parameters such as drug: lipid ratio and time of homogenization have a profound effect on both encapsulation efficiency and cumulative drug release. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed particles with disuniform surface and shape. The drug release from optimized formulation was found to fit best into first order kinetic model. It also showed almost linear regression in Higuchi’s plot suggesting that diffusion is one of the mechanisms for drug release and n value of Korsmeyer-Peppas plot was found to be 0.716 indicating that the drug release did not follow fickian diffusion controlled mechanism.

Fabrication of Fucoxanthin-Loaded Microsphere(F-LM) By Two Steps Double-Emulsion Solvent Evaporation Method and Characterization of Fucoxanthin before and after Microencapsulation.

Microencapsulation is a promising approach in drug delivery to protect the drug from degradation and allow controlled release of the drug in the body. Fucoxanthin-loaded microsphere (F-LM) was fabricated by two step w/o/w double emulsion solvent evaporation method with poly (L-lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) as carrier. The effect of four types of surfactants (PVA, Tween-20, Span-20 and SDS), homogenization speed, and concentration of PLGA polymer and surfactant (PVA), respectively, on particle size and morphology of F-LM were investigated. Among the surfactants tested, PVA showed the best results with smallest particle size (9.18 µm) and a smooth spherical surface. Increasing the homogenization speed resulted in a smaller mean F-LM particle size [d(0.50)] from 17.12 to 9.18 µm. Best particle size results and good morphology were attained at homogenization speed of 20 500 rpm. Meanwhile, increased PLGA concentration from 1.5 to 11.0 (% w/v) resulted in increased F-LM particle size. The mean particle size [d(0.5)] of F-LM increased from 3.93 to 11.88 µm. At 6.0 (% w/v) PLGA, F-LM showed the best structure and external morphology. Finally, increasing PVA concentration from 0.5 to 3.5 (% w/v) resulted in decreased particle size from 9.18 to 4.86 µm. Fucoxanthin characterization before and after microencapsulation was carried out to assess the success of the microencapsulation procedure. Thermo gravimetry analysis (TGA), glass transition (Tg) temperature of F-LM and fucoxanthin measured using DSC, ATR-FTIR and XRD indicated that fucoxanthin was successfully encapsulated into the PLGA matrix, while maintaining the structural and chemical integrity of fucoxanthin.

Feasibility Study of Aseptic Homogenization: Affecting Homogenization Steps on Quality of Sterilized Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is one of the most important protein-rich food sources available today. Separation of an emulsion into an aqueous phase and cream phase is commonly occurred and this leads an unacceptably physical defect of either fresh or processed coconut milk. Since homogenization steps are known to affect the stability of coconut milk. This work was aimed to study the effect of homogenization steps on quality of coconut milk. The samples were subject to high speed homogenization in the range of 5000-15000 rpm under sterilize temperatures at 120-140 °C for 15 min. The result showed that emulsion stability increase with increasing speed of homogenization. The lower fat particles were generated and easy to disperse in continuous phase lead to high stability. On the other hand, the stability of coconut milk decreased, fat globule increased, L value decreased and b value increased when the high sterilization temperature was applied. Homogenization after heating led to higher stability than homogenization before heating due to the reduced particle size of coconut milk after aggregation during sterilization process. The results implied that homogenization after sterilization process might play an important role on the quality of the sterilized coconut milk.

Optimization of Astaxanthin microencapsulation in hydrophilic carriers using response surface methodology.

Astaxanthin (3, 3'-dihydroxy-β, β-carotene-4, 4'-dione; AST) belongs to class of xanthophylls and is very effective antioxidant. It has very poor aqueous solubility resulting in lower bioavailability which presents major concerns in product development for oral use. AST was microencapsulated with soluble polymers using spray drying to improve its solubility and bioavailability. Quality by Design (QbD), a widely used approach for prediction of quality for desired specifications and effects was applied Design of Experiments (DOE), a useful component of QbD was utilized to understand the effect of variables and their interactions. Different formulation variables like ratio of hydrophilic carriers, concentration of solubilizers and homogenizer speed were challenged in the experimental design during the process of microencapsulation. The optimized formulation showed consistent release rate and characterization was done by DSC, XRD and SEM study. Percent cell growth inhibition was increased in optimized formulation as compared to plain AST. This QbD study can form a basis for further development of poorly water soluble AST formulation by oral route with improved bioavailability on larger scale.

Fabrication of acetylated dioscorea starch nanoparticles: Optimization of formulation and process variables

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in developing biodegradable polymer based nanoparticles to effectively deliver a drug to a target site. Polymeric materials used for preparing nanoparticles for drug delivery must be biocompatible and preferably biodegradable. The objective of this study was to fabricate nanoparticles from acetylated dioscorea starch having particle size less than 200 nm with minimum polydispersity index (PDI). Acetylated starch was synthesized by reacting native dioscorea starch with acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. Acetylated starch nanoparticles were then fabricated by spontaneous emulsification and solvent evaporation method under high speed homogenization. A systematic investigation on independent variables revealed that solvent type, surfactant type and concentration, homogenization speed and time have significant influence on the size and polydispersity of nanoparticles. Hence, response surface methodology based on central composite design was employed to fabricate the desired nanoparticles (particle size less than 200 nm and PDI < 0.2) under optimized condition (ethyl acetate, 1.45% of Pluronic® F127, homogenization speed of ∼16,000 rpm and homogenization time of 18.25 min).

Isolation of Mitochondria from Minimal Quantities of Mouse Skeletal Muscle for High Throughput Microplate Respiratory Measurements.

Dysfunctional skeletal muscle mitochondria play a role in altered metabolism observed with aging, obesity and Type II diabetes. Mitochondrial respirometric assays from isolated mitochondrial preparations allow for the assessment of mitochondrial function, as well as determination of the mechanism(s) of action of drugs and proteins that modulate metabolism. Current isolation procedures often require large quantities of tissue to yield high quality mitochondria necessary for respirometric assays. The methods presented herein describe how high quality purified mitochondria (~ 450 µg) can be isolated from minimal quantities (~75-100 mg) of mouse skeletal muscle for use in high throughput respiratory measurements. We determined that our isolation method yields 92.5± 2.0% intact mitochondria by measuring citrate synthase activity spectrophotometrically. In addition, Western blot analysis in isolated mitochondria resulted in the faint expression of the cytosolic protein, GAPDH, and the robust expression of the mitochondrial protein, COXIV. The absence of a prominent GAPDH band in the isolated mitochondria is indicative of little contamination from non-mitochondrial sources during the isolation procedure. Most importantly, the measurement of O2 consumption rate with micro-plate based technology and determining the respiratory control ratio (RCR) for coupled respirometric assays shows highly coupled (RCR; >6 for all assays) and functional mitochondria. In conclusion, the addition of a separate mincing step and significantly reducing motor driven homogenization speed of a previously reported method has allowed the isolation of high quality and purified mitochondria from smaller quantities of mouse skeletal muscle that results in highly coupled mitochondria that respire with high function during microplate based respirometirc assays.

Atorvastatin calcium encapsulated eudragit nanoparticles with enhanced oral bioavailability, safety and efficacy profile

Atorvastatin calcium (ATR), a second generation statin drug, was encapsulated in eudragit RSPO-based polymeric nanoparticles. The effect of independent variables (polymer content, stabilizer concentration, volume of chloroform and homogenization speed) on response variables (mean diameter particle size and entrapment efficiency) were investigated by employing central composite experimental design. All the independent variables were found to be significant for determining the response variables. Solid-state characterization study indicated the absence of physicochemical interaction between drug and polymer in formulation. Morphological study exhibited homogenous spherical shape of formulated nanoparticles. In vitro release study in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) demonstrated sustained release profile over 24 h. Pharmacokinetic study in Charles Foster rats showed significant enhancement in oral bioavailability as compared to pure drug suspension. Efficacy study (lipid profile and blood glucose level) significantly justified the effectiveness of formulation having 50% less dose of ATR as compared to pure drug suspension. The effectiveness of formulation was further justified with an improved plasma safety profile of treated rats. Hence, ATR encapsulated eudragit RSPO nanoparticles can serve as potential drug delivery approach to enhance drug bioavailability, efficacy and safety profiles to alter existing marketed drug products.

Effect of process and formulation variables on the preparation of parenteral paclitaxel-loaded biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles: A co-surfactant study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of process (homogenization speed and evaporation time) and formulation (aqueous/organic phase ratio, surfactant concentration, polymer type and concentration, and drug amount) variables on the preparation of paclitaxel-loaded biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles using modified solvent evaporation technique. Thereafter, a formulation was selected and subjected to evaluation of inclusion of a co-surfactant for further reduction of particle size. Particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro drug release kinetics were evaluated. It was observed that the inclusion of vitamin E TPGS (0.01%), Poloxamer 188 (0.5%) or Tween 80 (0.25%) reduced the particle size of nanoparticles to 230, 244 or 301 nm from 438 nm, respectively. Encapsulation efficiency increased for both vitamin E TPGS and Poloxamer 188 up to concentration at 0.010% and 0.25%, respectively, while this was not the case for Tween 80. Comparison of drug release kinetics demonstrated that drug release accelerated from paclitaxel-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles prepared with the inclusion of Tween 80 but was delayed for Poloxamer 188 and vitamin E TPGS. Thus, it was concluded that the particle size of the nanoparticles could be reduced further and the paclitaxel release kinetics could easily be adjusted by taking advantage by the inclusion of a co-surfactant.