Elemental nanoparticles of substantially water insoluble materials
OwnerEmadEldin M. Hassaninventor
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Abstract
This invention relates to a novel process of manufacture of nanoparticles of substantially water insoluble materials from emulsions. The emulsions have the ability to form a single liquid phase upon dilution of the external phase, instantly producing dispersible solid nanoparticles. The formed nanoparticles have average diameter of about 10 to 200 nm and are suitable for drug delivery and targeting of water insoluble therapeutic or diagnostic agents. Examples of such agents are methotrexate, progesterone, testosterone, prednisolone, and ibuprofen. Such agents can be used in a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic treatments including treatment for cancer, hormonal therapy, and pain management.
Claims25
A method of making nanoparticles of a substantially water insoluble material comprising:
- (a) preparing an emulsion system, having a dispersed phase and a continuous phase;
- the dispersed phase comprises globules containing said material within the continuous phase in the presence of a surfactant;
- (b) diluting the emulsion by addition of a liquid that is miscible with the dispersed phase and the continuous phase, in an amount effective to dissociate said emulsion, thereby producing a uniform liquid phase in which nanoparticles of said material are suspended, said nanoparticles having an average particle size equal to or less than the globule size of said dispersed phase, and, optionally,
- (c) separating said nanoparticles from said uniform liquid phase.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.