Core-shell polymer nanoparticle
AssigneeThe University of Queensland
InventorsChunxia Zhao, Yun Liu
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Abstract
A method of forming a core-shell polymer nanoparticle encapsulating an active agent is disclosed, including the use of a multi-solvent system in which to dissolve the active agent and a polymer prior to their precipitation using an antisolvent. The preferred use of an organic solvent system comprising two or more organic solvents allows for a high degree of control, as compared with the use of a single solvent, and enables the active agent to be precipitated more or less simultaneously with, or just prior to, the polymer.
Claims14
A method of forming a core-shell polymer nanoparticle comprising an active agent including the steps of:
- (a) dissolving a polymer and an active agent in a solvent system, the solvent system comprising at least two organic solvents, to thereby form an active solution;
- wherein the w/w ratio of the active agent to the polymer (being the total polymer content) in the active solution is between 5:1 to 1:5;
- wherein the solvents forming the solvent system are at least two of DMSO, DMF and ethanol;
- and
- wherein when DMSO is present, it forms between 20% to 60% (v/v) of the solvent system;
- wherein when DMF is present, it forms between 20% to 45% (v/v) of the solvent system;
- and
- wherein when ethanol is present, it forms between 10% to 50% (v/v) of the solvent system;
- (b) mixing the active solution with at least one antisolvent to precipitate the active agent and the polymer;
- wherein the antisolvent is a polar solvent, and comprises an aqueous solution;
- wherein the ratio of antisolvent to solvent system is between about 5:1 to about 50:1;
- and
- (c) allowing the precipitated polymer and active agent to form a core-shell polymer nanoparticle comprising the active agent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.