Production Techniques - Lipid Nanoparticles: Production, Characterization and Stability - page 24

Table 3.1 Mechanism, advantages and disadvantages of methods used in preparation of lipid nanoparticles
Production technique Mechanism of particle formation Advantages Disadvantages

High mechanical shear due to strong
turbulent eddies
Lowering of pressure across the
valves of homogenizers
Strong cavitation forces

Hot homogenization
Well established technology
Effective dispersion of particles
Reproducible
High lipid content
Simple to scale-up

Hot homogenization
Extremely high energy inputs
(heat and shear forces)
High polydispersity
Temperature-induced degrada-
tion of drugs
Complex crystallization; leads
to several lipid modiications
and occurrence of supercooled
melts
Inappropriate for hydrophilic
drugs; readily distribute in the
aqueous phase
Reduction in homogeniza-
tion eficiency at elevated
temperatures

High pressure
homogenization

Cold homogenization
Effective dispersion of particles
Suitable for thermo-sensitive drugs
No complex lipid modiications
Increased drug-loading due to rapid cooling
Suitable for hydrophilic drugs; reduced lipid melting
reduces drug loss
Simple to scale-up

Cold homogenization
Extremely high energy inputs
Large particles with high
polydispersity
Drug expulsion on storage

Lipid crystallization due to rapid
solidiication of microemulsion

Sophisticated equipment not required
Low energy inputs
Higher temperature gradients; faster lipid crystalliza-
tion, avoids particle aggregation
Simple to scale-up

Low lipid content

Microemulsion technique

(continued)