Micelle Laden Hydrogels for Nanocrystal Synthesis

Technology

This technology involves the synthesis of a hydrogel scaffold, with a matrix composed of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) that can produce crystals as small as 5nm using solvent evaporation - a low energy crystallization method. Through this production method, nanocrystals are in a chemically and mechanically protective environment, thereby enhancing their stability and control on polymorphism and dissolution.

Problem Addressed

The production of nanocrystals is typically accomplished using high energy methods such as ultrasonication, spray drying, or mechanical milling. Once crystals are reduced in size below 1000 nm, they are much less stable than bulk crystals, making them difficult to process and store. However, this reduced stability leads to rapid dissolution, which is beneficial for applications such as pharmaceuticals in which quick release of an active ingredient is preferable. This technology uses a low energy crystallization method that through solvent evaporation enables the production of crystals as small as 5nm in size, which allows for a more stable control on polymorphism and dissolution. This makes possible the production of custom-made crystal sizes of hydrophobic active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Advantages

• Hydrogel scaffold can produce crystals as small as 5 nm in size
• Nanocrystals with enhance stability and control on polymorphism and dissolution
• Production of custom-made crystal sizes of hydrophobic active pharmaceutical ingredients