PLGA nanoparticles containing praziquantel: effect of formulation variables on size distribution

Int J Pharm. 2005 Feb 16;290(1-2):137-44. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2004.11.027. Epub 2005 Jan 13.

Abstract

Praziquantel has been shown to be highly effective against all known species of Schistosoma infecting humans. Spherical nanoparticulate drug carriers made of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid with controlled size were designed. Praziquantel, a hydrophobic molecule, was entrapped into the nanoparticles with theoretical loading varying from 10 to 30% (w/w). This study investigates the effects of some process variables on the size distribution of nanoparticles prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The results show that sonication time, PLGA and drug amounts, PVA concentration, ratio between aqueous and organic phases, and the method of solvent evaporation have a significant influence on size distribution of the nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry*
  • Lactic Acid / pharmacokinetics
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemistry*
  • Polyglycolic Acid / pharmacokinetics
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / pharmacokinetics
  • Praziquantel / chemistry*
  • Praziquantel / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Praziquantel