Open AccessInfluence of Formulation Factors on the Preparation of Zein Nanoparticles
Author(s) -
Satheesh Podaralla,
Omathanu Perumal
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
aaps pharmscitech
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 93
ISSN - 1530-9932
DOI - 10.1208/s12249-012-9816-1
Subject(s) - nanoparticle , isoelectric point , dispersity , particle size , zeta potential , chemical engineering , pulmonary surfactant , chemistry , ionic strength , poloxamer , aqueous solution , chromatography , polymer chemistry , polymer , organic chemistry , copolymer , engineering , enzyme
The main objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of various formulation parameters on the preparation of zein nanoparticles. 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (DHC) was used as a model hydrophobic compound. The influence of pH of the aqueous phase, buffer type, ionic strength, surfactant, and zein concentration on particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of DHC-loaded zein nanoparticles were studied. Smaller nanoparticles were formed when the pH was close to the isoelectric point of zein. DHC-loaded zein nanoparticles prepared using citrate buffer (pH 7.4) was better than phosphate buffer in preventing particle aggregation during lyophilization. The ionic strength did not have a significant influence on the particle size of DHC-loaded zein nanoparticles. A combination of Pluronic F68 and lecithin in 2:1 ratio stabilized the zein nanoparticles. An increase in zein concentration led to increase in particle size of DHC-loaded zein nanoparticles. The use of optimal conditions produced DHC-loaded nanoparticles of 256 ± 30 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 78 ± 7%. Overall, the study demonstrated the optimal conditions to prepare zein nanoparticles for drug encapsulation.