Masters Applied Projects

Project 6

The Effect of Surfactant Changes on Microparticles Created by an Emulsification-Evaporation Process


Student:
Ian Conley

Mentors:

Dr. Yasmine Doleyres, PhD – BD
Dr. Vincent Pizziconi, PhD – Arizona State University, SBHSE
Dr. Brent Vernon, PhD – Arizona State University, SBHSE

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link:

https://asu.zoom.us/j/87022161481


Abstract:
Microparticle morphology and chemical characteristics are important in determining their overall behavior. In this study, we hypothesize that the drug release profiles, drug loading percent, size distribution, and electrical charge are heavily influenced by factors including surfactant concentration, hydrolyzation, and molecular weight. We will produce microparticles with an off-the-shelf emulsification-evaporation production unit, the most common process used to create microparticles, with surfactants of different hydrolyzations and molecular weights in high and low concentrations. These resulting 8 runs will represent the outputs from using a broad range of particle production parameter options. We will analyze these batches for their drug loading percent, sizing distribution, drug release profile, and zeta potential, and compare their surface morphology under SEM. The results from this study will help to understand the interaction of concentration, hydrolyzation, and molecular weight on the features of drug-loaded microparticles, spur more investigations of the effects of other components of micro- and nanoparticle production, and could significantly impact the raw materials chosen for particles based on their desired characteristics.