The production of polymeric micro- and nanoparticles with regular morphology and controlled size and distribution is a relevant target for many fields, from pharmaceutical to nutraceutical, from energetics to fine chemical. In this work, an improved micronization process is proposed, called supercritical assisted electrospray, for the production of biocompatible polyvynilpyrrolidone (PVP) particles loaded with quercetin. This supercritical process can largely improve the traditional electrospray performance, thanks to the addition of supercritical CO2 in the liquid polymeric solution at the beginning of the process. Operating in this manner, an expanded liquid is formed, characterized by a reduced viscosity and surface tension. Repeatable PVP microparticle diameters and distributions were obtained, ranging between 0.47 ± 0.24 µm and 6.01 ± 3.60 µm at PVP concentrations from 1% to 7% w/w, and between 1.71 μm ± 1.07 μm and 2.08 μm ± 1.18 μm, for 1% and 3% w/w PVP particles loaded at 7% w/w quercetin, respectively, working at 120 bar, 35 ℃ and 30 kV.
Supercritical Assisted Electrospray for the Production of Controlled Size Loaded PVP Microparticles
Baldino L.;Cardea S.
2020-01-01
Abstract
The production of polymeric micro- and nanoparticles with regular morphology and controlled size and distribution is a relevant target for many fields, from pharmaceutical to nutraceutical, from energetics to fine chemical. In this work, an improved micronization process is proposed, called supercritical assisted electrospray, for the production of biocompatible polyvynilpyrrolidone (PVP) particles loaded with quercetin. This supercritical process can largely improve the traditional electrospray performance, thanks to the addition of supercritical CO2 in the liquid polymeric solution at the beginning of the process. Operating in this manner, an expanded liquid is formed, characterized by a reduced viscosity and surface tension. Repeatable PVP microparticle diameters and distributions were obtained, ranging between 0.47 ± 0.24 µm and 6.01 ± 3.60 µm at PVP concentrations from 1% to 7% w/w, and between 1.71 μm ± 1.07 μm and 2.08 μm ± 1.18 μm, for 1% and 3% w/w PVP particles loaded at 7% w/w quercetin, respectively, working at 120 bar, 35 ℃ and 30 kV.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
