This is my first attempt at making PLGA nanoparticles using the nano precipitation method. I've developed my protocol based on a variety of papers I've read online.
I'm using dichloromethane (DCM) for my solvent, and followed a simple protocol: dissolve 100mg PLGA into 10 ml DCM. Slowly add PLGA solution via drop wise addition (20 ml/hr) into stirring DI water. Evaporate DCM in hood stirring for 2 hours. Centrifuge at 15,000 RPM for 30 minutes to collect nanoparticles.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to collect any nanoparticles, and during my formation a sticky white residue formed at the surface of the solution and on the sides of the beaker. Is this something that you've seen before? Any idea how to stop it from happening again? Thanks.
Based on experience, I agreed with Dr Ganeshlenin suggestions. To develop polymeric NPs,
1. You need to replace the organic solvent with dipolar aprotic solvent like acetone.
2. You need to incorporate surfactant and/or stablizer.
Thank you Ganeshlenin and Nafiu for your suggestions, they will be extremely helpful for my next formation attempt. I will switch to acetone for my solvent, but I will attempt again without any stabilizers or surfactant, as I will be modifying the nanoparticle surface, and I've read that the use of surfactant can be interfere with surface modifications.
Dear Grace,
You may have to use suitable surfactant or stabilizer to get uniform NPs. You need it to regulate the growth and final particle size of ur formulation.
Since you are planning to crosslink the surface of the NPs, perhaps u choose surfactant with structural composition that cannot interfere with the process. There are range of them available with different composition.
I think incorporation of surfactant or stabilizer is more critical in NPs synthesis than replacing the dichloromethane with acetone because the solvent can be use if appropriate surfactant or stabilizer is in corporated in the dispersion medium. Pls check the methodology in the attached article.
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