Crystallization Methods for Preparation of Nanocrystals for Drug Delivery System

Title:Crystallization Methods for Preparation of Nanocrystals for Drug Delivery System

Volume: 21 Issue: 22

Author(s): Yuan Gao, Jingkang Wang, Yongli Wang, Qiuxiang Yin, Brian Glennon, Jian Zhong, Jinbo Ouyang, Xin Huang and Hongxun Hao

Affiliation:

Keywords: Crystallization methods, drug delivery system, formulation, hydrophobic drugs, nanocrystals, nanonization.

Abstract: Low water solubility of drug products causes delivery problems such as low bioavailability. The reduced particle size and increased surface area of nanocrystals lead to the increasing of the dissolution rate. The formulation of drug nanocrystals is a robust approach and has been widely applied to drug delivery system (DDS) due to the significant development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. It can be used to improve drug efficacy, provide targeted delivery and minimize side-effects. Crystallization is the main and efficient unit operation to produce nanocrystals. Both traditional crystallization methods such as reactive crystallization, anti-solvent crystallization and new crystallization methods such as supercritical fluid crystallization, high-gravity controlled precipitation can be used to produce nanocrystals. The current mini-review outlines the main crystallization methods addressed in literature. The advantages and disadvantages of each method were summarized and compared.

Cite this article as:

Gao Yuan, Wang Jingkang, Wang Yongli, Yin Qiuxiang, Glennon Brian, Zhong Jian, Ouyang Jinbo, Huang Xin and Hao Hongxun, Crystallization Methods for Preparation of Nanocrystals for Drug Delivery System, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2015; 21 (22) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612821666150531164350