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Physicochemical Parameters Associated with Nanoparticle Formation in the Salting-Out, Emulsification-Diffusion, and Nanoprecipitation Methods

Pharmaceutical Research volume 21, pages 1428–1439 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this work was to relate the physicochemical properties of the aqueous and organic phases used for nanoparticle (NP) preparation to the formation of NP produced by salting-out, emulsification-diffusion, and nanoprecipitation.

Methods. Methacrylic acid copolymer and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL) were selected as NP polymer and emulsifying agent, respectively. Salting-out and emulsification-diffusion NP batches were prepared modifying the PVAL content in the aqueous phase. For nanoprecipitation, NP were produced with variation of the polymer content and type of solvent in the organic phase.

Results. For salting-out and emulsification-diffusion, NP formation was discussed in terms of the emulsification theory. The nanoemulsion obtained during NP preparation was visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Aqueous and organic phases used for NP preparation were characterized by their viscosity and surface tension. NP characteristics such as particle mean size, residual surfactant, suspendability in water after freeze-drying, and morphology were explained in terms of these properties. For nanoprecipitation, NP formation was analyzed considering the diffusion-stranding phenomenon.

Conclusions. NP formation by salting-out and emulsification-diffusion was related to PVAL chain interactions at the droplet interface (e.g., reduction in the interfacial tension, mechanical sta- bilization, and steric stabilization) and in the bulk solution (hy- drodynamic stabilization). For nanoprecipitation, χsolvent-water and Δδsolvent-water of the organic phase solvents were well related to the NP characteristics.

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Author notes

  1. Eric Allémann

    Present address: Bracco Research SA, Plan-les-Ouates, 1228, Geneva, Switzerland

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pharmapeptides, Geneva-Lyon Interuniversity Centre, 74166, Archamps, France

    Sergio Galindo-Rodriguez

  2. School of Pharmacy, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland

    Sergio Galindo-Rodriguez, Eric Allémann & Eric Doelker

  3. UMR-CNRS 5007, Faculty of Pharmacy, Claude Bernard University Lyon I, 69373, Lyon, France

    Sergio Galindo-Rodriguez & Hatem Fessi

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  3. Hatem Fessi
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Galindo-Rodriguez, S., Allémann, E., Fessi, H. et al. Physicochemical Parameters Associated with Nanoparticle Formation in the Salting-Out, Emulsification-Diffusion, and Nanoprecipitation Methods. Pharm Res 21, 1428–1439 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:PHAM.0000036917.75634.be

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:PHAM.0000036917.75634.be

  • emulsification-diffusion
  • interaction parameter
  • nanoemulsion
  • nanoparticles
  • nanoprecipitation
  • poly(vinyl alcohol)
  • salting-out
  • solubility parameter