PLGA from PolySciTech used in a systematic study of nanoparticle emulsion stability by polymer properties

 

Nanoparticles references small particulate material in the nanometer scale range (<1 micrometer in size). Since the particles are significantly smaller than a human cell (~ 10 um) they can, under the right conditions, possess the ability to penetrate into cells and delivery drug payloads. They also provide for a wide array of other properties (high surface-to-area ratio, high activity, etc.) due to their small size and surface properties. To prevent particles from simply clumping together and settling out from a slurry, they must be stabilized by one mechanism or another. Recently researchers at Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, and Sorbonne Université (France) use PLGA (AP041, AP082, AP022, AP023) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to produce nanoparticles under a wide array of conditions. They systematically tested the resultant nanoparticle properties with an emphasis on emulsion stabilization approach. This research holds promise to improve the development of drug-delivery nanoparticles in the future. Read more: Robin, Baptiste, Claire Albert, Mohamed Beladjine, François-Xavier Legrand, Sandrine Geiger, Laurence Moine, Valérie Nicolas et al. "Tuning morphology of Pickering emulsions stabilised by biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles: How PLGA characteristics influence emulsion properties." Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 595 (2021): 202-211. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021979721003544

“Abstract: In this study, we proved that the stabilisation of Pickering emulsions by polymer nanoparticles (NPs) heavily depends on polymer characteristics. We prepared NPs with four poly(lactide–co–glycolide) polymers (PLGA), of different molar masses (14,000 and 32,000 g/mol) and end groups (acid or alkylester). NPs were either bare (without stabilising polymer) or covered by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Pickering emulsions were prepared by mixing NP aqueous suspensions with various amounts of oil (Miglyol 812 N). First, NP wettability was directly affected by PLGA end group: ester-ending PLGA led to more hydrophobic NPs, compared to acid-ending PLGA. This effect of the end group could be slightly enhanced with smaller molar mass. Thus, bare PLGA NPs stabilised different types of emulsions (W/O/W and W/O), following Finkle’s rule. However, the effect of PLGA characteristics was masked when NPs were covered by PVA, as PVA drove the stabilisation of O/W emulsions. Secondly, PLGA molar mass and end group also influenced its glass transition temperature (Tg), with spectacular consequences on emulsion formation. Indeed, the shortest ester-ending PLGA exhibited a Tg close to room temperature, when measured in the emulsion. This Tg, easily exceeded during emulsification process, led to a soft solid emulsion, stabilised by a network of NP debris. Keywords: Pickering emulsions PLGA Nanoparticles Polymer end group Molar mass PVA Wettability Glass transition temperature Emulsion type Nanoparticle organization”