Preparation of Ethyl Cellulose Nanoparticles by Solvent-Displacement Using the Conventional Method and a Recirculation System

Abstract

Ethyl cellulose polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the solvent-displacement technique with ethanol as the solvent. Optimization of the method included evaluating stirring rate and stabilizer type. NPs of 142.1 to 226.5 nm were obtained in a reproducible and efficient way (95% process efficiency) and with good stability (at room temperature). Moreover, a recirculation device was used in order to obtain concentrated NPs dispersions by a continuous process with potential scale-up. This method was challenged to encapsulate a hydrophilic antiviral model molecule (glycyrrhizinic acid) resulting in low entrapment efficiencies (approximately 1%). The results indicate that NPs are obtained using this simple, economical process that offers the possibility to transport different agents for applications in food-processing, cosmetics production or pharmaceutical products.