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Influence of Formulation Factors on the Preparation of Zein Nanoparticles

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Abstract

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.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by the South Dakota State Corn Utilization Council, Governor’s 2010 competitive research seed grant, and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, 57007, USA

    Satheesh Podaralla & Omathanu Perumal

  2. Formulations R&D, SRI International, Menlopark, CA, 94025, USA

    Satheesh Podaralla

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  1. Satheesh Podaralla
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  2. Omathanu Perumal
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Correspondence to Omathanu Perumal.

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Podaralla, S., Perumal, O. Influence of Formulation Factors on the Preparation of Zein Nanoparticles. AAPS PharmSciTech 13, 919–927 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-012-9816-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-012-9816-1

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