An Introduction to Polymer Nano Particles

An Introduction to Polymer Nano Particles

Polymer nano particles are tiny structures between the size of 1 and 1000 nanometers which are made of polymers - such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) - and feature unique properties that have made them indispensable in applications across various industries including medicine, electronics, agriculture and environmental science. In medicine, polymer nano particles are used to make drugs that target specific parts of the body, and vaccinations. In electronics, they are used to make screens, laptops, and smartphones. Polymer nano particles also play a vital role in the manufacturing of implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, and drug delivery.

Polymer nano particles have gained prominence because of their small size and high surface-area-to-volume ratio, which offer distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties to particles. As a result, manufacturers in industries such as medicine, agriculture and electronics see great potential in these nano particles to give their products a specific kind of composition, structure, and surface functionalisation. In a nutshell, polymer nano particles deliver drug efficacy like never before.

Various types of polymer nano particles include nanospheres with uniformly distributed polymer matrix, and nanocapsules which feature core-shell structures with a polymeric shell and a liquid or solid core. Other polymer nano particles called dendrimers look like trees and offer precise molecular weight control and functionalisation for targeted drug efficacy. Polymeric Micelles, made by the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers, are used in hydrophobic drugs.

History of polymer nano particles

Scientists and experts have been working on the development of polymer nano particles for decades. The technology came into the limelight when liposomes and micelles made from amphipathic lipid molecules were first used in drugs in the 1970s. During the late 1970s and 1980s, polymer nano particles were tested for differences in biodistribution, elimination, and other bio interactions based on particle surface chemistry and morphology. After that, during the 1990s, inert coatings made from PEG were incorporated to give particles their stealth properties. And in the 2000s, polymer nano particles were successfully tested to create treatment options such as protein and nucleic acid therapeutics.

Formulation of Polymer Nanoparticles

The formulation of Polymer Nanoparticles includes the following steps:

Aqueous phase: This is the stage where water and surfactant are merged.

Oil phase: In this phase, the polymeric and other hydrophobic ingredients like actives, contrast agents, etc., are dissolved in the water-immiscible solvent.

While formulating polymer nano particles, the solvent selection is very important. It's important to consider factors such as water miscibility, boiling point, toxicity, active pharmaceutical ingredients and diagnostic ingredients.

Microfluidizer® processors by IDEX

A known name in the polymer nano particles industry, Microfluidizer® processors offer uniform nanoemulsions, nanoencapsulation, nanoparticles, cell disruption, deagglomeration and uniform particle size reduction.

Microfluidics is known as the maker of some of the best High-Pressure Homogenisers for cell disruption available in the industry.

Microfluidizer® processors are designed with the user in mind. They are easy to use and clean, and are scalable as well. These processors are also useful in targeted delivery of drug molecules (meaning drugs reach specific sites in the body) to improve therapeutic efficacy. The processors use high shear forces to control particle size and give polymer nanoparticles the ability to be terminally sterilised via filtration and controlled release.

Microfluidizer offers a range of homogenisers, including high-pressure laboratory homogeniser models that can process very small, investigatory samples. They also manufacture production-scale machines which can process larger batches. All these homogenisers offer excellent deagglomeration.

Microfluidics' LM10 High Shear Fluid Processor delivers unmatched particle size reduction, can handle pressures up to 23,000 psi, and offers tighter particle size distribution. The processor also offers its operators optimal temperature control and reduced development time in pilot/production.

Another equipment by Microfluidics, the Pilot Scale, acts like a bridge between R&D and production. Pilot Scale is a cost-effective solution for pilot batch production for manufacturers looking to scale up to industrial homogenisation.

Microfluidics' M-700 series can process particles at the highest shear rates and handle pressure up to 30,000 psi. The M-700 series also has a wear-resistant interaction chamber and guarantees scale-up from other processors. Its patented design ensures equal energy-per-unit fluid volume and safe processing of thermally sensitive materials.

Another reputed equipment by Microfluidics - the MP350 Microlyser™ Processor brings the best of both worlds by combining Microfluidics proprietary Interaction Chamber™ technology and a unique electric pumping system. The result is a processor that provides consistent pressure across the batch cycle to maximise protein yields while offering high product quality in cell disruption of various cells.

Microfluidizer® high shear homogenisers are ideal for you if you are looking for specialised and customised formulation expertise. The Microfluidics team works with their clients to offer the optimal solution to meet their product goals. The goal of the Microfluidics team is to create best-in-class nanoemulsions and help their clients achieve their desired particle size for their manufacturing needs.

To learn more about Microfluidics homogenisers, go to their website today - https://idexindia.in/microlyser/