Effect of emulsification-diffusion parameters on the formation of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) particles

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of various production parameters on the formation and particle size of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) PHBV particles prepared by the emulsification-diffusion technique. The increase in homogenization time and speed caused a decrease in particle size. No particle formation was observed below 2% (w/v) PHBV in the organic phase. Smaller particle size and narrower size distribution were observed when polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as a stabilizer, when compared to didodecyldimethylammonium bromide. Submicron particles of 531 ± 150 nm size were obtained with 2% (w/v) PVA at 17 500 rpm and 15 min homogenization conditions with dichloromethane as the organic solvent.

Keywords::

• biodegradable polymers
• emulsification-diffusion
• PHBV
• polymeric particles

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This study is supported by Ankara University Research Foundation (Project No: 11B4343006).