Characterization methods for nanosuspensions

1. Characterization
methods for
nanosuspensions
Ishika Choudhary
M.Pharma

2. Introduction to Nanosuspensions
• Definition: Nanosuspensions are submicron colloidal dispersions of
nanoparticles stabilized in a liquid medium.
• Applications: Used in drug delivery, improving bioavailability of poorly soluble
drugs, etc.
• Importance of Characterization: Ensures stability, efficacy, and safety of
nanosuspensions.

3. Importance of Characterization
• Stability & Shelf Life: Determines physical and chemical stability.
• Efficacy: Influences drug release and absorption.
• Safety: Ensures biocompatibility and toxicity evaluation

4. Characterization Techniques Overview
• Physical Characterization
• Particle Size Distribution
• Surface Charge (Zeta Potential)
• Morphology
• Chemical Characterization
• Drug Content
• Chemical Stability
• Encapsulation Efficiency
• Others
• Crystallinity and Polymorphism
• In-vitro Drug Release Studies

5. Particle Size Distribution
• Method: Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Laser Diffraction
• Why it’s important:
• Determines size uniformity and bioavailability.
• Affects dissolution rate and stability.
• Example: Nano-range particle size (10 nm – 1000 nm)

6. Zeta Potential Measurement
• Method: Electrophoretic Light Scattering
• Importance:
• Indicates surface charge, stability against aggregation.
• A zeta potential value greater than ±30 mV typically indicates good stability.
• Instruments: Zetasizer

7. Morphology Analysis
• Methods: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM)
• Purpose:
• Visualize particle shape and structure.
• Detect possible aggregation and surface roughness.
• Benefits: High resolution, 3D images for better understanding of nanoscale
properties.

8. Drug Content and Encapsulation Efficiency
• Method: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Significance:
• Ensures accurate dosage.
• Determines the efficiency of drug incorporation within the nanosuspension.
• Example: 80-90% encapsulation efficiency for highly loaded drug
nanosuspensions.

9. Chemical Stability
• Method: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning
Calorimetry (DSC)
• Why it’s critical:
• Detects chemical degradation or drug-polymer interactions.
• Maintains the therapeutic efficacy.
• Outcome: Consistency in chemical composition over time.

10. Crystallinity & Polymorphism
• Methods: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
• Importance:
• Identifies crystalline or amorphous nature of nanoparticles.
• Affects solubility and dissolution rate.
• Examples: Amorphous particles often have higher dissolution rates.

11. In-vitro Drug Release Studies
• Method: Dialysis Bag Method, Franz Diffusion Cell
• Purpose:
• Determines the release profile of the drug from the nanosuspension.
• Provides insights into the rate and mechanism of drug release.
• Data: Cumulative release (%) over time.

12. Surface Hydrophobicity
• Method: Contact Angle Measurement
• Why it's important:
• Assesses interaction with biological environments.
• Influences bioavailability and cell uptake

13. Conclusion
• Accurate characterization is essential for the development of
nanosuspensions.
• Each technique provides critical information that impacts formulation, safety,
and bioavailability.
• A combination of techniques ensures a thorough understanding of the
nanosuspension properties.

14. Thank You