Size Of Spherical Nanoparticles Research Articles

Structural evolution during gelation of pea and whey proteins envisaged by time-resolved ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS)

Hydrogels from plant proteins commonly exhibit inferior gel strength compared to those from dairy proteins partially due to their distinct gel networks. How protein aggregates to form such networks in response to heat remains largely unknown. In here, pea (PPI) and whey (WPI) protein isolate gels were produced at the same protein content and similar heating/cooling rate. The process was monitored using rheology, microscopy and in situ ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS). Rheology showed an initial decrease in G′ and G″ in PPI followed by a steady increase when the temperature surpassed ∼60 °C whereas a much higher temperature (∼80 °C) was required for WPI, both using 2 °C/min heating rate. Microscopy showed a coarse and heterogenous network in PPI, whereas for WPI, the network was finer and more continuous. In both gels, nano-sized spherical or ellipsoidal particles were present as the basic constituents. USAXS found individual protein was dominant in PPI or WPI solution at temperature below 57 °C. Their proportions decreased together with appearance of aggregates with an average Rg of 9–10 nm in PPI and 6–7 nm in WPI at higher temperature. The size of the aggregates changed slightly during further heating and cooling, but their proportions increased. Power law exponents revealed the aggregates were mass fractals for WPI and PPI gels, and they became more compact during heating. Our findings suggested formation of primary aggregates in protein gel networks is a more organized process and provided theoretical guidance for production of high protein food gels with desirable texture.

Reaction–Diffusion Assisted Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles: Route from the Spherical Nano-Sized Particles to Micrometer-Sized Plates

The design of nanoparticles of desired sizes and shapes and 2D nanostructured materials is challenging and important due to their unique physical and chemical properties. One of the most common methods for the generation of metal nanoparticles is the wet synthetic route in which metal ions are reduced and the formed particles are stabilized in the liquid phase. Here we show a facile and powerful method to synthesize gold nanoparticles in a solid agarose gel utilizing the diffusion of reagents using the Turkevich method at room temperature. Our technique yields particles spatially separated by their sizes and shapes (spheres and plates) in the gel column. We have achieved 4 orders of magnitude difference in the sizes of the synthesized particles with a linearly increasing trend in the function of their spatial position. We have also generated micrometer-sized nanoplates with triangle, truncated triangle, or hexagon shapes attaining almost the length-to thickness ratio of 500, representing the magnificent power of the reaction–diffusion assisted synthesis.

Effective Ocular Delivery of Eplerenone Using Nanoengineered Lipid Carriers in Rabbit Model.

BackgroundEplerenone (Epl) is a selective mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist used for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy treatment. Our goal was to enhance the corneal performance of Epl-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) through surface modification using different coating polymers.MethodsEpl-loaded modified NLCs (Epl-loaded MNLCs) were prepared by coating the surface of Epl-loaded NLCs using different polymers, namely hyaluronic acid, chitosan oligosaccharide lactate, and hydrogenated collagen. A 31×41 full factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of the surface modification on the properties of the prepared systems. Selected optimal Epl-loaded MNLCs were further evaluated for in vitro drug release, morphology, pH, rheological properties, corneal mucoadhesion, irritation, and penetration.ResultsEpl-loaded MNLCs were successfully prepared with high drug-entrapment efficiency and nanosized particles with low size distribution. Transmission electron microscopy revealed nanosized spherical particles surrounded by a coating layer of the surface modifier. The pH, refractive index, and viscosity results of the Epl-loaded MNLCs confirmed the ocular compatibility of the systems with no blurring of vision. The safety and ocular tolerance of the optimal MNLCs were confirmed using the hen’s egg test on chorioallantoic membrane and by histopathological evaluation of rabbit eyes treated with the optimal systems. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy of corneal surfaces confirmed successful transcorneal permeation of the Epl-loaded MNLCs compared to the unmodified Epl-loaded NLCs, revealed by higher corneal fluorescence intensity at all time intervals.ConclusionOverall, the results confirmed the potential of Epl-loaded MNLCs as a direct approach for Epl ocular delivery.

Wound healing potential of insulin-loaded nanoemulsion with Aloe vera gel in diabetic rats

Diabetes skin infection is a very common disorder in hyperglycemic patients. This study evaluated the prospective of developing a topical gel formulation of Aloe vera with insulin-loaded nanoemulsion and evaluates its potential for wound healing in diabetic rats. The insulin-loaded nanoemulsion was fabricated using oleic acid, tween 80, and polyethylene glycol 400 to achieve nano sized particles. Selected nanoemulsion (NE5) was incorporated in topical gel containing Aloe vera and control (without Aloe vera). The gels were characterized for in vitro, evaluated in vivo by biochemical, wound healing and histopathological analyses. The pharmaceutical properties of prepared gels indicate good spreadability, permeation and stability. The micrographs of gels showed uniform distribution of nano-sized spherical particles inside the macromolecular network of polymeric gels. Glucose and insulin levels in diabetic rats demonstrated significant antidiabetic effect (P < 0.0001) in the insulin treated groups as compared to the positive control. The wound healing effect substantiate the biochemical data as evidenced by greater wound contraction (75% in 15 days) with gel formulation containing insulin and Aloe vera. Histopathological examination revealed marked improvement in the skin histological architecture of treated groups. Skin irritation study signifies the formulated gel is nonirritant and is safe for topical use. This study concludes that Aloe vera with insulin-loaded nanoemulsion showed synergistic effect towards effective healing of the wound in diabetic rats, and could be a promising and effective approach in the treatment of wounds in diabetic patients.

Structural and optical properties of nano-SiO2 derived from the husk of some rice varieties and the effect of doping with Sm3+ ions

This article reports the synthesis and purification of nanosilica (SiO2) derived from the husk of some rice varieties; Faro-44, Faro-46, Faro-52, Nerica-I, and Nerica-II. The husks were pretreated with H2O and HCl. From the measurement results, Nerica-I rice husks produced the highest silica yield and best photophysical properties. Thus, the husks of Nerica-I rice were further pretreated with H3PO4 to additionally remove more mineral impurities and the derived nanosilica labeled nSiO2 was selected to serve as a host matrix for doping with varying concentrations of Sm3+ions. The doped nanosilica (nSiO2:xSm3+; x = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 molar ratios) maintained the amorphous structure of the undoped nanosilica, while the surface morphology as revealed by SEM and TEM indicates agglomerates of spherical nano-sized particles with average particle size measuring 21 nm. The Sm3+-doped nanosilica shows a large surface area measuring 198.0 m2/g. The photoluminescence excitation spectra show that near UV and blue LEDs can effectively be used as excitation sources to produce yellow and yellow-green emissions from Sm3+ ion-doped nSiO2 suitable for display applications.

Fabrication of p-n Junction (Ni/Zn)O and Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Nanocomposites for the Electrocatalysis of Analgesic Drug (Acetaminophen) Detection in Pharmaceutical and Biological Samples

The p-n junction (Ni/Zn)O and its reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites ((Ni/Zn)O@rGO) has been synthesized through the hydrothermal method and used for effective electrochemical determination analgesic drug acetaminophen (AAP). In addition, the XRD characteristic peak and Raman modes confirm the formation of a p-n junction (Ni/Zn)O@rGO nanocomposites. The morphology of the as-prepared nanocomposites exposes nano-sized spherical particles that were well decorated on the rGO sheets, which results in a larger surface area. Further, the incorporation rGO and (Ni/Zn)O induced the catalytic properties and electrochemical performance. The electrochemical characterization of AAP was investigated at ((Ni/Zn)O@rGO/GCE) glass carbon electrode and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were adopted for the quantitative analysis of AAP. As a result, the prepared nanocomposite possessed great sensitivity, selectivity and stability. Further, the prepared sensor shows the wider linear range of 0.009–0.096 μM and 0.096–413 μM with a very low detection limit of 2.2 nM. Moreover, the practical applicability of the prepared sensor was tested in the pharmaceutical and human urine samples. Also, the developed method would widen the application of nanocomposites materials in the fabrications of more novel electrochemical sensing platforms.

One-pot synthesis of surface oxidation-suppressed multidimensional copper particles for photonically sintered, directly printed conductive features

Recently, an exploit of highly conductive printed features has been recognized as one of main technologies for facilitating multi-functional integrated microelectronics systems. Among various metallic substances, printable Cu materials with excellent cost-effectiveness and electrical properties have gained tremendous attention in a conjunction with the usage of the instantaneous photonic sintering process. In this study, we have suggested a facile methodology of synthesizing multidimensional Cu particles, a mixture of nano-sized spherical particles and micro-sized flakes, from a single one-batch chemical/mechanical reaction. The chemical factors involved in obtaining the sub-micron Cu particles, with multimodal size distribution, are elucidated with an investigation of the role of surface capping molecules. A subsequent mechanical milling procedure enables one-pot synthesis of multidimensional Cu particles through morphological transformation from multimodal sub-micron Cu particles. It is demonstrated that, by an instant flash sintering process for 1–2 msec, the multidimensional printed Cu features exhibit superior electrical properties with values of resistance of 2.0 and 2.8 Ω/cm on polyimide and polyethylene naphthalate substrates, respectively.

Development and Evaluation of Letrozole-Loaded Hyaluronic Acid/Chitosan-Coated Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) Nanoparticles

Letrozole (LTZ), an aromatase inhibitor with poor aqueous solubility, is used as the first line treatment for hormonal sensitive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The purpose of the current study is to develop hyaluronic acid (HA)/chitosan (Cs)-coated poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles for the delivery of LTZ to improve therapeutic efficacy, control release and minimize side effects of LTZ. PLGA nanoparticles were prepared, and the effect of various parameters on particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency was extensively studied. The morphology of nanoparticles was visualized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and drug-polymer interactions were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The in vitro release kinetics and effect of freeze-drying process on the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles were also evaluated. Moreover, the in vivo acute toxicities of blank and drug-loaded nanoparticles were assessed. PLGA nanoparticles exhibited nanosized (464.3 ± 2.1 nm) spherical particles, negative surface charge (zeta-potential of − 10.5 ± 0.4 mV), and high drug encapsulation efficiency of 63.9 ± 3.7% and sustained drug release pattern over 48 h. The in vivo acute toxicity study revealed that the nanoparticles were well tolerated at a dose of 300 mg/kg. HA/Cs-coated PLGA nanoparticles might provide a promising system for LTZ delivery and further investigations could confirm their potential efficacy in breast cancer therapy.

Self-Assembled Thermoresponsive Nanogel from Grafted Hyaluronic Acid as a Biocompatible Delivery Platform for Curcumin with Enhanced Drug Loading and Biological Activities.

A hyaluronic acid-grafted poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (HA-pNIPAM) was synthesized as a polymeric nanogel platform for encapsulation and delivery of hydrophobic bioactive compounds using curcumin as a model drug. As demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques, the HA-pNIPAM was simply assembled into spherical nano-sized particles with the thermoresponsive behavior. The success of curcumin aqueous solubilization was confirmed by fluorescent spectroscopy. The resulting nanogel formulation enhanced the aqueous solubility and uptake into NIH-3T3 cells of curcumin. This nanogel formulation also demonstrates cytocompatibility against NIH-3T3 cells, which deems it safe as a delivery vehicle. Moreover, the formulation has a slight skin-protection effect using an artificial skin equivalence model. The curcumin-loaded HA-pNIPAM nanogel showed an anti-proliferative activity against MDA-MB-231, Caco-2, HepG2, HT-29, and TNF-α-induced hyperproliferation of keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The thermoresponsive HA-pNIPAM nanogel reported here could be further optimized as a platform for controlled-release systems to encapsulate pharmaceuticals for therapeutic applications.

Fabrication of 3D surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate via solid-state dewetting of sputtered gold on fumed silica surface

Raman spectroscopy is a potent and widespread optical analytical technique thanks to its non-invasive and high-specification for the detection of targeted molecules. However, for the case of trace detection, it is common that a weak Raman signal is easily swamped by noise and thus unable to be resolved. Here, we demonstrated a facile fabrication of a three-dimensional surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate, based on low-vacuum sputtering of gold nanofilm on hierarchically rough fumed silica monolayers deposited by layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. Due to the much lower surface energy of the silica-air heterostructure compared to metallic materials, deposited gold layers dewetted the surface spontaneously, forming nano-sized spherical gold particles without the requirement of an extra annealing process. Plasmonic effects were studied through optical absorption measurements, while the surface morphology and topography were examined using SEM and AFM for various sputtering durations. Furthermore, the enhancement of Raman spectrum was investigated for 10−4 M of methylene blue (MB), using 532 nm and 0.57 mW excitation laser. An initial Raman enhancement factor of 17 was observed at 1645 cm−1 peak, even with yet to be optimized fabrication procedures.

Control the nanostructured growth of manganese oxide using starch: Electrical and optical analysis

In this work, the influence of starch on the structure, and consequently, the properties of manganese oxide have been investigated at room temperature. Different weights of starch have been added to manganese nitrate during a solid-state combustion process. All the samples have been annealed at 600 °C for 2 h. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) and FT (Fourier transform)-Raman spectroscopy have shown the formation of α-Mn2O3 cubic structure for weight ratio equal to or less than (1/5) of starch/ Mn(NO3)2, while above this amount the phase changed to tetragonal phase Mn3O4. The crystallite size calculated via the Scherer equation is ranged from 21.3 nm to 23.8 nm. The strain and the dislocation density have values in the order of 10−3. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) indicates a discrepancy in the size and the form of the particles due to the effect of starch weights. The sizes of spherical nanoparticles vary in the range of 780 nm - 30 nm. The energy gap estimated from the theory of Kubelka-Munk is reduced from 3.45 eV to 1.75 eV due to the effect of 0 and 0.5/5 ratio of starch/ Mn(NO3)2 and increased again to 2.63 eV for Mn3O4. Also, the dielectric permittivity has been influenced by starch weight. The electrical conductivity depends on the frequency and complies with the universal power law of Jonscher. Mn3O4 nanoparticles have been synthesized at low temperatures with a high percentage of low-cost starch with improved characteristics. Therefore, it is a promising material for the production of lithium manganese oxide to be employed in batteries of lithium.

Computational and experimental approaches for chitosan-based nano PECs design: Insights on a deeper comprehension of nanostructure formation

Nanostructured polyelectrolyte complexes (nano PECs) based on biopolymers are an important technological strategy to target drugs to the action and/or absorption site in a more effective way. In this work, computational studies were performed to predict the ionization, spatial arrangement and interaction energies of chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and hypromellose phthalate (HP), for the design of nano PEC carriers for methotrexate (MTX). The optimal pH range (5.0–5.5) for preparing nano PECs was selected by experimental and computational methodologies, favoring the polymers interactions. CS, HA, HP and MTX addition order was also rationalized, maximizing their interactions and MTX entrapment. Spherical nano-sized particles (256–575 nm, by dynamic light scattering measurement) with positive surface charge (+25.5 to +29.2 mV) were successfully prepared. The MTX association efficiency ranged from 20 to 32 %. XRD analyses evidenced the formation of a new material with an organized structure, in relation to raw polymers.

Synthesis and characterization of an experimental 3Y-TZP dental ceramic prepared by polymeric precursors method

The aim of the investigation was to synthesize 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP) powders via polymeric precursor method (PPM). The precursor solution was preheated at 350ºC for 3h, subsequently thermally treated at 500ºC for 3h and 800ºC for 6h. The obtained materials were analyzed by Thermogravimetry-Derivative Thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Two commercially available Y-TZP ceramic systems were chosen for comparison. XRD analysis of the synthesized 3Y-TZP powders revealed the crystallization of the tetragonal phase, while both commercial systems showed the coexistence of the monoclinic and tetragonal phases. SEM analysis showed that the powders thermally treated at 800°C consist of agglomerated spherical nanoparticles. Morphology of commercial systems also revealed nanosized spherical particles. Results revealed that the PPM led to ceramics with structural and morphological properties comparable to commercially available reinforced dental ceramics.

Structural, electrical and magnetic properties of glucose-capped CdS nanoparticles

Abstract CdS nanoparticles are synthesized by a simple chemical coprecipitation technique using glucose as a capping/complexing agent and their structural, morphological, electrical and magnetic properties are studied. X-ray diffraction results reveal the pure phase formation of CdS nanoparticles along with a wurtzite structure. The interaction of the glucose with CdS nanoparticles is evident from the distinct absorption bands and peaks in the Fourier transform infrared spectra. Field effect scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope images depict weakly aggregated spherical nanoparticles of size ~2- 20 nm. The selective area electron diffraction pattern exhibits well-resolved diffraction rings representing the polycrystalline nature of the nanoparticles. The optical band gap has been calculated using Tauc’s plot and found to be 2.58 eV, which is higher than the band gap of the bulk phase wurtzite CdS. The existence of the excitonic peak and the blue-shift in the absorption threshold confirm the quantum confinement in the synthesized nanoparticles. The temperature dependence of d. c. conductivity is studied and observed a linear response through current-voltage characteristics. Weak ferromagnetism is also observed in the synthesized CdS nanoparticles irrespective of the diamagnetic nature of CdS in bulk form. The observation of weak ferromagnetism in the synthesized nanoparticles proposes them as a potential candidate for diluted magnetic semiconductors.

EFFECTIVE ADSORPTION OF TETRACYCLINE WITH Co3O4/Fe3O4 BIMETALLIC NANOPARTICLES

In the present study cobalt oxide/iron oxide bimetallic nanoparticles (Co3O4/Fe3O4 NPs) were synthesized by chemical coprecipitation method. The synthesized Co3O4/Fe3O4 NPs were characterized by SEM and XRD analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles were used as an adsorbent for the removal of a kind of antibiotic as Tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solutions. According to characterization results, small plate-like structures and agglomerated irregular spherical nanosized particles (101.85 ± 15.04 nm) were formed. The XRD data confirmed the structure of synthesized adsorbent was Co3O4/Fe3O4. The optimum tetracycline adsorption conditions were determined as the initial pH of solution 9.0, temperature 55°C, and adsorbent concentration 3.0 g/L. A linear increase was observed in equilibrium uptakes of TC with the increasing the initial antibiotic concentrations. The experimental equilibrium data was modelled with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The experimental equilibrium data was the best agreement to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum monolayer coverage capacity of Co3O4/Fe3O4 NPs for TC adsorption was found to be 149.26 mg/g at 55°C optimum temperature. The experimental kinetic adsorption data were defined as the best agreement with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Weber Morris mass transfer modelling results showed that both the film (boundary layer) and intra-particle diffusion were effective in the adsorption process. The thermodynamic studies suggested that the adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous and the positive ΔS value indicated increased disorder at the solid-solution interface during the adsorption. Moreover, the synthesized adsorbent showed high adsorption efficiencies at the end of seven sequence usages.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles using Centaurea cyanus Plant Extract: A Cationic Dye Adsorption Application

In this study, copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) were synthesized through a green and economic technique. The Centaurea cyanus plant extract was used as an appropriate reducing and stabilizing agent in this process. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and N2 adsorption porosimetry analysis. The analysis showed that the average size of spherical nanoparticles was around 11.9 nm, with 74.2 m2/g and 0.36 cm3/g mane surface area and pore size, respectively. Then, Cu-NPs were studied as a low-cost adsorbent to remove methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. For this purpose, Central Composite Design (CCD) under the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to design the experiments, model the data and optimize the operating conditions. The effect of various operating parameters such as pH, MB initial concentration, adsorbent amount and contact time on the MB removal was practiced. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a good agreement between the experimental data and the predicted ones obtained from the quadratic model. The optimum conditions for MB removal (63.20 %) were found at pH of 6.6, MB initial concentration of 30 mg/L, adsorbent amount of 0.15 g and time of 101.5 min. The results showed that the Langmuir isotherm with maximum adoption capacity of 21.9 mg/g and pseudo-second order kinetic models with rate constant of 0.359 (g/mg) (1/min) can properly legitimize the experimental data.

Chrysin-loaded PLGA attenuates OVA-induced allergic asthma by modulating TLR/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis

Asthma, one of the significant public health problems, is triggered by certain inflammatory processes in the airways that are not addressed propitiously by current therapies. Though pieces of evidence on allergic asthma mitigation by the anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid chrysin (CHR) are accumulating, poor bioavailability, and low solubility curtail drug development. To overcome these shortcomings, CHR loaded nanoparticle (CHR-NP) was formulated, and its salutary effect in preclinical murine allergic asthma model via the peroral route was evaluated. The spherical nanosized particles showed slow, sustained release in vitro. Moreover, CHR-NP dramatically reduced the serum IgE, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung histological alteration, as well as Th2 (T-helper 2) cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). It also suppressed the elevated serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and their upstream TLR/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway activation in lung superior to CHR and almost identical to dexamethasone (DEX). Thus this study suggests the potentiality of CHR-NP in ameliorating allergic asthma progression.

ZrO2-TiO2/Carbon core-shell composites as highly efficient solar-driven photo-catalysts: An approach for removal of hazardous water pollutants

ZrO2-TiO2/C core-shell composites (CTiXZrYs) were synthesized at different Zr-to-Ti ratios by a facile and economical sol-gel approach to obtain highly efficient solar light-responsive photocatalysts. ZrO2-(CZrXs) and TiO2-covered carbon microspheres (CTiXs) were also prepared as reference materials. SEM and TEM images reveal a coverage formed mainly by fused nanosized spherical particles in CTiXs and CZrXs composites, while in bimetallic ones (CTiXZrYs) 3D-structures or nanofilaments are observed. Zirconium titanate was identified by XRD corroborating the observation obtained by TEM and SEM. XPS confirm that hybridized ZrO2–TiO2 nanostructures are formed due to the incorporation of ZrO2 into TiO2. The low band-gaps of composites (2.60–2.96 eV) provide absorbance of solar light and thus, photoactivity. The photocatalytic activity in the removal of hazardous compounds is enhanced in CTiXZrYs and increases with the amount of zirconium titanate present on the composite due to a synergistic effect between the carbon and coupled-semiconductors phases. These newly synthesized coupled-semiconductor/carbon composites open the gate of the synthesis of new cost-effective light harvesting energy materials for future fuel generation and solar energy devices.

Size characterization of core-corona spherical particles using model-free inverse Fourier transform method

A simple model-free inverse Fourier transform method using a modification function for extraction of the size of spherical nanoparticles from small-angle scattering data is tested with particle models and employed for characterization of strongly-segregated poly(1,2-butadiene-b-ethylene oxide) (PB-PEO) diblock copolymer micelles in water at 30 °C–90 °C. Analysis of small-angle scattering profiles of model particles suggests that the inverse Fourier transform slightly underestimates the size of core domains of spherical particles due to the truncation of experimental scattering profile in the high scattering vector domain. However, this method correctly extracts the size of nanoparticles, including a solvent-swollen corona domain that is difficult to be evaluated using a form-factor analysis. The size of PB-PEO micelles obtained using the inverse Fourier transform method is consistent with the electron microscopy characterization result. The size of PB-PEO micelles decreases with the increase of temperature due to the lower critical solution temperature of PEO in water.

Microfluidic fabrication and characterization of Sorafenib-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery.

Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) have been merged as potential nanocarriers for treatment of cancer. In the present study, LPHNPs loaded with Sorafenib (SFN) were prepared with PLGA, Lecithin and DSPE-PEG 2000 by using the bulk nanoprecipitation and microfluidic (MF) co-flow nanoprecipitation techniques. Herein, a glass capillary microfluidic device was primed to optimize the LPHNPs and compared to the bulk nanoprecipitation method. The morphological analysis of prepared LPHNPs revealed the well-defined spherical nano-sized particles in bulk nanoprecipitation method. Whereas, core shell morphology was observed in the MF method. The formulation prepared by the MF method (MF1-MF3) indicated relatively higher % EE (95.0%, 93.8% and 88.7%) and controlled release of the SFN from the particles as compared to the LPHNPs obtained by the bulk nanoprecipitation method. However, the release of SFN from all LPHNP formulation followed Higuchi model (R2=0.9901-0.9389) with Fickian diffusion mechanism. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-rays diffraction (pXRD) studies depicted the compatibility of SFN with all the structural components. In addition, the colloidal stability, in vitro cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition studies of LPHNPs also demonstrated stability in biological media, biocompatibility and safety with enhanced anti-proliferative effects than the free SFN in breast cancer and prostate cancer cells. In conclusion, LPHNPs provided a prospective platform for the cancer chemotherapy and substantially improved the knowledge of fabrication and optimization of the hybrid nanoparticles.