Preparation of PLGA nanoparticles containing estrogen by emulsification-diffusion method

Nano-sized poly (D,L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles, widely used as a biodegradable polymeric carrier, containing estrogen were prepared employing emulsification-diffusion method. Estrogen was chosen as a model drug. The preparation method consists of emulsifying a solution of polymer and drug in the aqueous phase containing stabilizer, previously saturated, followed by adding excess water. Influence of process variables on the mean particle size of nanoparticles has been studied. It was clarified that the type and concentrations of stabilizer, homogenizer speed, polymer concentration determined the size of PLGA nanoparticles. Especially when didodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DMAB) was used as a stabilizer, estrogen containing nanoparticles of smaller than 100 nm was obtained. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.