Freeze-drying of composite core-shell nanoparticles

The effects of four sugars (glucose, saccharose, maltose, trehalose) and one surfactant (Poloxamer 188), on the freeze-drying of poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) (PIBCA), poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-PEG), and novel core (mainly PIBCA)-shell (principally PEG) composite nanoparticles (CNP) obtained by co-precipitation were investigated. The efficiency of the additives against the adverse effect of freeze-drying on the redispersibility of the nanoparticles was evaluated, based on the visual appearance of the nanoparticle suspensions (Tyndall effect and aggregation), and on the determination of the mean diameter ratio of the nanoparticles before and after freeze-drying. The results indicated that the addition of both sugars and surfactant was essential for the good redispersion of freeze-dried nanoparticles displaying hydrophobic (PIBCA) or hydrophilic (PCL-PEG and CNP) surfaces.     

Freeze-Drying of Composite Core-Shell Nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

The effects of four sugars (glucose, saccharose, maltose, trehalose) and one surfactant (Poloxamer 188), on the freeze-drying of poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) (PIBCA), poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-PEG), and novel core (mainly PIBCA)-shell (principally PEG) composite nanoparticles (CNP) obtained by co-precipitation were investigated. The efficiency of the additives against the adverse effect of freeze-drying on the redispersibility of the nanoparticles was evaluated, based on the visual appearance of the nanoparticle suspensions (Tyndall effect and aggregation), and on the determination of the mean diameter ratio of the nanoparticles before and after freeze-drying. The results indicated that the addition of both sugars and surfactant was essential for the good redispersion of freeze-dried nanoparticles displaying hydrophobic (PIBCA) or hydrophilic (PCL-PEG and CNP) surfaces.     

The role of surfactant in the miniemulsion polymerization of biodegradable polyurethane nanoparticles

The influence of surfactant type and concentration on particle size, formulation yield and stability of the polyurethane (PUR) nanoparticles synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization was investigated. SDS, Tween 80 and Pluronic F68 were employed as surfactants in concentration ranging from 5 to 20% (vs monomer concentration). The surfactant SDS was found not efficient in our system, resulting in a low formulation yield (about 53%), two particle size distributions and zeta potential equal to − 52.3mV. On the other hand, the nonionic surfactants gave monomodal particle size distribution, good yields (> 85%) and zeta potential around to− 24mV. The particles synthesized with Tween 80 or Pluronic F68 were very similar to each other in terms of efficiency, particle size distribution and zeta potential. For instance, the particle diameter slightly decreases from 292nm to 261nm as the amount of Tween 80 surfactant increases from 5 to 20wt.% vs monomer. Moreover, we have observed that a concentration of at least 5wt. % of Tween 80 was necessary to favor particle stability and therefore to avoid aggregation.     

In Vitro Stability of Poly(D,L-lactide) and Poly(D,L-lactide)/Poloxamer Nanoparticles in Gastrointestinal Fluids

Abstract

Poty(D,L-lactide) (PLA) nanoparticles of various surface and bulk properties were prepared by a nanoprecipitation procedure and evaluated for their physical and chemical in vitro stability in simulated gastrointestinal fluids of 37°C. The influence of polymer characteristics and poloxamer 188 (POL 188) adsorption was studied. Physical stability was followed by visual appearance, particle size, and zeta potential measurements. Molecular weight changes were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Due to a sharp decrease in their negative zeta potential, poloxamer-free nanoparticles flocculated in simulated gastric fluid, irrespective of the polymer properties. Their physical stability in protein-free intestinal fluids increased with an increase in carboxy end group concentration of the PLA and thus, with an increase in their negative zetapotential. Protein effects at pH 7.5 were rather complex indicating a stabilizing effect of negatively charged proteins and a destabilizing effect of positively charged proteins. Poloxamer 188 adsorption sterically stabilized the nanoparticles against flocculation in gastric fluid, irrespective of the PLA characteristics. Physical stability of the PLA/POL 188 nanoparticles in intestinal fluids was affected by the PLA characteristics. Poloxamer 188 increased the physical stability of nanoparticles composed of hydrophobic PLA, irrespective of the proteins present. A gradual particle size increase could, however, be observed for PLA/POL nanoparticles composed of PLA with a high content of carboxy end groups, especially in combination with positively charged proteins. This effect is most likely due to a decrease in PLA/POL interactions resulting from the ionization of the carboxy end groups located on the nanoparticle surface and leading to conformational changes and/or a distinct desorption of POL 188. The chemical stability of PLA and PLA/POL nanoparticles depended on the glass transition temperature (T_gH) of the hydrated polymer matrix. Enzymatic effects could not be detected. Nanoparticles with T_gH > 37°C were chemically stable in both gastric and intestinal fluids at 37°C over a time period of more than 48 hr.     

Physical Characterization and Macrophage Cell Uptake of Mannan-Coated Nanoparticles

Abstract

Previously, we reported on a cationic nanoparticle-based DNA vaccine delivery system engineered from warm oil-in-water microemulsion precursors. In these present studies, the feasibility of lyophilizing the nanoparticles and their thermal properties were investigated. Also, the binding and uptake of the nanoparticles by a macrophage cell line were studied. The nanoparticles (prior to pDNA coating) were freeze-dried with lactose or sucrose as cryoprotectants. The stability of lyophilized nanoparticles at room temperature was monitored and compared to that of the aqueous nanoparticle suspension. The thermal properties of the nanoparticles were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The nanoparticles, coated or uncoated with mannan as a ligand, were incubated with a mannose receptor positive (MR+) mouse macrophage cell line (J774E), at either 4°C or 37°C to study the binding and uptake of the nanoparticles by the cells. It was found that lactose or sucrose (1–5%, w/v) was required for successful lyophilization of the nanoparticles. After 4 months of storage, the size of lyophilized nanoparticles did not significantly increase while those in aqueous suspension grew by over 900%. Unlike its individual components, emulsifying wax (m.p., ?55°C) and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, the nanoparticles showed a melting point of ?90°C. Moreover, the DSC profile of the nanoparticles was different from that of the physical mixture of emulsifying wax and CTAB. After 1 hour incubation at 37°C, the uptake of mannan-coated nanoparticles was 50% higher than that of the uncoated nanoparticles. At 4°C and after one hour, the binding of the mannan-coated nanoparticles by J774E was over 2-fold higher than that of the uncoated nanoparticles. This increase in J774E binding could be abolished by preincubating the cells with free mannan, suggesting that the binding and uptake were receptor-mediated. In conclusion, the nanoparticles were lyophilizable, and lyophilization was shown to enhance the stability of the nanoparticles. DSC provided evidence that the nanoparticles were not a physical mixture of their individual components. Finally, cell binding and uptake studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles have potential application for cell-specific targeting.     

Physical characterization and macrophage cell uptake of mannan-coated nanoparticles

Previously, we reported on a cationic nanoparticle-based DNA vaccine delivery system engineered from warm oil-in-water microemulsion precursors. In these present studies, the feasibility of lyophilizing the nanoparticles and their thermal properties were investigated. Also, the binding and uptake of the nanoparticles by a macrophage cell line were studied. The nanoparticles (prior to pDNA coating) were freeze-dried with lactose or sucrose as cryoprotectants. The stability of lyophilized nanoparticles at room temperature was monitored and compared to that of the aqueous nanoparticle suspension. The thermal properties of the nanoparticles were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The nanoparticles, coated or uncoated with mannan as a ligand, were incubated with a mannose receptor positive (MR+) mouse macrophage cell line (J774E), at either 4°C or 37°C to study the binding and uptake of the nanoparticles by the cells. It was found that lactose or sucrose (1-5%, w/v) was required for successful lyophilization of the nanoparticles. After 4 months of storage, the size of lyophilized nanoparticles did not significantly increase while those in aqueous suspension grew by over 900%. Unlike its individual components, emulsifying wax (m.p., ~55°C) and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, the nanoparticles showed a melting point of ~90°C. Moreover, the DSC profile of the nanoparticles was different from that of the physical mixture of emulsifying wax and CTAB. After 1 hour incubation at 37°C, the uptake of mannan-coated nanoparticles was 50% higher than that of the uncoated nanoparticles. At 4°C and after one hour, the binding of the mannan-coated nanoparticles by J774E was over 2-fold higher than that of the uncoated nanoparticles. This increase in J774E binding could be abolished by preincubating the cells with free mannan, suggesting that the binding and uptake were receptor-mediated. In conclusion, the nanoparticles were lyophilizable, and lyophilization was shown to enhance the stability of the nanoparticles. DSC provided evidence that the nanoparticles were not a physical mixture of their individual components. Finally, cell binding and uptake studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles have potential application for cell-specific targeting.     

An amperometric detector formed of highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles embedded in a graphite-like carbon film electrode for sugar determination

We achieved improved detection limits for sugars by developing a novel thin film containing 0.8% highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles in disordered graphite-like carbon (Ni-NDC) as a detection electrode for high-performance liquid chromatography. The Ni-NDC film was prepared in one step by a simple radio frequency (rf) sputtering method at a temperature below 200 degrees C. We characterized the film by XPS, TEM, and AFM analysis and found that the average Ni nanoparticle size was 3 nm and that the film consisted of a mixture of Ni, NiO, Ni2O3, and Ni(OH)2. We studied the electrochemical detection of sugars using the 0.8% Ni-NDC film electrode. The film electrode had excellent electrocatalytic ability and good stability compared with a Ni-bulk electrode with regard to the electrooxidation of sugars. We employed the Ni-NDC film as an HPLC detection electrode. We achieved a good separation of four sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose) at a relatively low constant detection potential (0.40 V vs Ag/AgCl) and a linearity of over 3 orders of magnitude. We obtained improved detection limits for the investigated sugars, namely, 20, 25, 50, and 37 nM for glucose, fructose, sucrose, and lactose, respectively. This is at least 1 order of magnitude lower than the detection limits obtained with a Ni-bulk electrode with the same measurement condition. The Ni-NDC film electrode also showed good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 1.75% for 40 consecutive injections of glucose in a flow system.     

Effects of surfactants on size and structure of amylose nanoparticles prepared by precipitation

The present work investigated the influence of surfactants on size and structure of amylose nanoparticles (ANPs) prepared through precipitation. ANPs were fabricated using absolute ethanol containing surfactants (Tween80, Span80 and mixtures of Tween80 and Span80 with ratios of 25/75, 50/50 and 75/25, respectively) as non-solvents. The obtained ANPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that surfactant type, concentration and hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) value had great impact on size of precipitated ANPs. The smallest ANPs with mean size of 155 nm determined by DLS were obtained by using 0.5% (in proportion of the amylose solution volume) of Tween80/Span80 mixture (HLB = 12.33). The precipitated ANPs possessed the V-type crystalline structure no matter whether using the surfactants or not.     

改性分散松香胶对纸模制品表观性能的影响

目的以HSCS-02型季铵型阳离子淀粉(CS)为阳离子助剂,山梨糖醇酐油酸酯(Span80)和聚氧乙烯(20)山梨醇酐单硬脂酸酯(Tween60)为乳化剂,松香为基料来制作阳离子分散松香胶,研究在CS,Span80和Tween60的不同用量下,阳离子分散松香胶对纸浆模塑包装制品表观性能的影响。方法通过向熔融松香中滴加Span80,Tween60和糊化CS乳液,对松香进行乳化和改性,制作阳离子分散松香胶;通过浆内施胶工艺制作纸模试样,测定其表面摩擦因数和光泽度,用以评定纸模制品的表观性能。结果随着Span80,Tween60和CS用量的增加,试样的摩擦因数先降低后升高,光泽度先升高后降低。结论 HSCS-02型季铵型阳离子淀粉中的季铵基可以大大降低熔融松香与水之间的界面张力,并使含有松香粒子的乳液颗粒带正电荷,松香粒子更好地附着在呈阴离子性的纸浆纤维上,纸模的表观性能得到提高;但CS用量过多,会使纤维絮聚结块,降低纸模制品成型匀度,降低其表观性能,其最佳质量分数(相对于松香的质量分数)为20%;Span80和Tween60对松香具有较好的乳化作用,其最佳质量分数(相对于松香的质量分数)均为10%。     

Solution blow spinning: parameters optimization and effects on the properties of nanofibers from poly(lactic acid)/dimethyl carbonate solutions

Solution blow spinning (SBS) is a process to produce non-woven fiber sheets with high porosity and an extremely large amount of surface area. In this study, a Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) was used to optimize the processing parameters for the production of nanofibers from polymer solutions consisting of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) dissolved in dimethyl carbonate. In addition, a comparative study between SBS fibers and cast film was performed to verify the influence of the SBS process on the crystallinity and thermal properties of PLA. The PLA concentration in polymer solutions was the most significant parameter affecting fiber diameter. The BBD analysis revealed that small diameter fibers were best obtained by a combination of 8 % w/v PLA concentration, 80 psi air pressure, and a feed rate of 50 µL min^?1. The comparative study showed that both the SBS and the film casting processes increased the PLA crystallinity. However, the PLA films had a higher degree of crystallinity compared with the fibers made by the SBS process (39 and 17 %, respectively), which was attributed to the high shear created at the SBS nozzle inducing orientation and chain alignment. During the fiber formation, crystals formed with varied morphology including the α′-crystals, which have a less ordered structure and lower thermal stability compared to the α-crystals. The lower thermal stability of SBS fibers compared to the films can be explained by the lower degree of crystallinity and also by the higher surface area which can accelerate the weight loss process.     

三嗪成炭剂的合成及在阻燃聚乳酸中的应用

以三聚氯氰、吗啡啉和乙二胺为原料,通过分子设计采用一锅法合成新型三嗪类大分子成炭剂(CFA-m),采用红外光谱、固体核磁共振、元素分析和热分析等对合成大分子成炭剂的结构和热性能进行表征。将CFA-m与次磷酸铝(AHP)复配,用于阻燃聚乳酸(PLA),研究了CFA-m/AHP复配阻燃剂对PLA阻燃性能、热稳定性能和热释放性能的影响。结果表明,CFA-m/AHP对聚乳酸有良好的阻燃作用。当CFA-m/AHP的质量比为3∶1,总添加量为20%时,阻燃PLA的极限氧指数(LOI)达到32%,通过UL94 V-0级。     

Gadolinium-loaded nanoparticles engineered from microemulsion templates

Microemulsions (oil-in-water) have been used as templates to engineer stable emulsifying wax and Brij 72 (polyoxyl 2 stearyl ether) nanoparticles. The technique is simple, reproducible, and amenable to large-scale production of stable nanoparticles having diameters below 100 nm. Investigation of the process variables showed that the amount of surfactant used in the preparation of microemulsion templates had the greatest influence on the microemulsion window, as well as the properties and stability of the cured nanoparticles. Emulsifying wax and Brij 72 nanoparticles (2 mg/mL) made with 3 mM polyoxyl 20 stearyl ether and 2.3 mM polysorbate 80, respectively, were the most stable based on retention of nanoparticle size over time. Gadolinium acetylacetonate (GdAcAc), a potential anticancer agent for neutron capture therapy (NCT), was entrapped in stable nanoparticles. The apparent water solubility of GdAcAc was increased more than 2000-fold by entrapment into nanoparticles. The entrapment efficiency of GdAcAc was about 100% for emulsifying wax nanoparticles and 86% for Brij 72 nanoparticles, as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Elution profiles were obtained with light scattering (counts per second) to detect nanoparticles and ultraviolet (UV) absorption of GdAcAc at 288 nm. Challenges of these cured nanoparticles in biologically relevant media such as 10% fetal bovine serum, 10 mM phosphate-buffered saline, 150 mM NaCl, and 10% lactose at 37°C for 60 min demonstrated that these nanoparticles are stable. The ease of preparation of these very small and stable nanoparticles, and the ability to entrap lipophilic drugs such as GdAcAc with high efficiency, suggested that these systems may have potential in cell targeting, especially for specific delivery to tumor cells for NCT.     

Gadolinium-Loaded Nanoparticles Engineered from Microemulsion Templates

ABSTRACT

Microemulsions (oil-in-water) have been used as templates to engineer stable emulsifying wax and Brij 72 (polyoxyl 2 stearyl ether) nanoparticles. The technique is simple, reproducible, and amenable to large-scale production of stable nanoparticles having diameters below 100 nm. Investigation of the process variables showed that the amount of surfactant used in the preparation of microemulsion templates had the greatest influence on the microemulsion window, as well as the properties and stability of the cured nanoparticles. Emulsifying wax and Brij 72 nanoparticles (2 mg/mL) made with 3 mM polyoxyl 20 stearyl ether and 2.3 mM polysorbate 80, respectively, were the most stable based on retention of nanoparticle size over time. Gadolinium acetylacetonate (GdAcAc), a potential anticancer agent for neutron capture therapy (NCT), was entrapped in stable nanoparticles. The apparent water solubility of GdAcAc was increased more than 2000-fold by entrapment into nanoparticles. The entrapment efficiency of GdAcAc was about 100% for emulsifying wax nanoparticles and 86% for Brij 72 nanoparticles, as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Elution profiles were obtained with light scattering (counts per second) to detect nanoparticles and ultraviolet (UV) absorption of GdAcAc at 288 nm. Challenges of these cured nanoparticles in biologically relevant media such as 10% fetal bovine serum, 10 mM phosphate-buffered saline, 150 mM NaCl, and 10% lactose at 37°C for 60 min demonstrated that these nanoparticles are stable. The ease of preparation of these very small and stable nanoparticles, and the ability to entrap lipophilic drugs such as GdAcAc with high efficiency, suggested that these systems may have potential in cell targeting, especially for specific delivery to tumor cells for NCT.     

基于毛竹半纤维素的银纳米粒子的绿色合成

直接以碱溶性毛竹半纤维素为稳定剂、葡萄糖为还原剂,在水介质中绿色合成银纳米粒子,讨论了合成条件对银纳米粒子的形成和储存稳定性的影响,表征了银纳米粒子-半纤维素复合物经热处理后获得的Ag-C复合物的物理化学特性,并讨论了银纳米粒子的可能形成机理。在恒定其他反应条件下,延长反应时间会有更多银纳米粒子生成,但过度延长反应时间会使银纳米粒子发生团聚而生成大颗粒的粒子;高的葡萄糖浓度、反应温度和初始半纤维素用量会加快银纳米粒子的生成。银纳米粒子的平均粒径和粒径分布范围均随半纤维素用量的增大而减小,而银纳米粒子在4℃的储存稳定性随半纤维素用量的增大而增强。银纳米粒子-半纤维素复合物在空气气氛中300℃热处理1h后获得的Ag-C复合物中同时存在金属态的银和氧化态的银。半纤维素中呈电负性的大量自由羟基和少量羧基可能对银纳米粒子的形成起至关重要的作用。     

Flocculation of polymer stabilized nanocrystal suspensions to produce redispersible powders

Aqueous suspensions of crystalline naproxen nanoparticles, formed by antisolvent precipitation, were flocculated with sodium sulfate, filtered, and dried to form redispersible powders for oral delivery. The particles were stabilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-15) and/or poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) (poloxamer 407). The yield of the drug in the powder was typically 92-99%, and the drug loading was reproducible to within 1-2%. The filtration process increased the drug loading by up to 61% relative to the initial value, as unbound surfactant was removed with the filtrate. Upon redispersion of the dried powder, the average particle size measured by light scattering was comparable to the original value in the aqueous suspension prior to flocculation, and consistent with primary particle sizes observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For 300-nm particles, up to 95% of the drug dissolved in 2 min. The dissolution rate was correlated linearly with the specific surface area calculated from the average particle diameter after redispersion. The redispersion of dried powders was examined as a function of the salt concentration used for flocculation and the surfactant composition and concentration. Flocculation followed by filtration and drying is an efficient and highly reproducible process for the rapid recovery of drug nanoparticles to produce wettable powders with high drug loading and rapid dissolution.     

Effects of surfactant on release characteristics of clonidine hydrochloride from ethylcellulose film

The effects of Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) and Span 80 (sorbitan monooleate) surfactants on release characteristics of clonidine hydrochloride from ethylcellulose 10 and 20 cps matrix films containing castor oil as a plasticizer were investigated. The release rates of drug from these films in water at 37°C were found to increase with the addition of surfactant, which was highest for the film prepared from ethylcellulose 20 cps with Tween 80. The experimental values of the cumulative amount of drug released were found to conform to the solution matrix model. The calculated values of the cumulative amount of clonidine hydrochloride released using the experimentally determined diffusion coefficients were also found to be in good agreement with the observed values.     

Properties of epoxidized palm oil plasticized polytlactic acid

In this study, epoxidized palm oil (EPO) was utilized as a plasticizer for polylactic acid (PLA) using chloroform as a solvent by solution casting process at six weight ratios of PLA/EPO, 95/05, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups of PLA, EPO, and PLA/EPO blends. Thermal stability, mechanical, and morphological properties of the blends were investigated by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), tensile properties measurements, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique, respectively. The FTIR spectra indicate that there are some molecular interactions by intramolecular hydrogen bond between PLA and EPO. All sets of PLA/EPO blends show high thermal stability and significant improvement of mechanical properties compare to pure PLA. The highest elongation at break (about 210%) was obtained when the ratio of PLA/EPO blend was 80/20. Morphological results of PLA/EPO blends show that ESO was good miscible with PLA.     

Effects of Surfactant on Release Characteristics of Clonidine Hydrochloride from Ethylcellulose Film

The effects of Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) and Span 80 (sorbitan monooleate) surfactants on release characteristics of clonidine hydrochloride from ethylcellulose 10 and 20 cps matrix films containing castor oil as a plasticizer were investigated. The release rates of drug from these films in water at 37°C were found to increase with the addition of surfactant, which was highest for the film prepared from ethylcellulose 20 cps with Tween 80. The experimental values of the cumulative amount of drug released were found to conform to the solution matrix model. The calculated values of the cumulative amount of clonidine hydrochloride released using the experimentally determined diffusion coefficients were also found to be in good agreement with the observed values.     

Electrokinetic movement of hexachlorobenzene in clayed soils enhanced by Tween 80 and beta-cyclodextrin

This study describes the comparative behavior of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) contaminated clayed soils in an electrokinetic (EK) system enhanced by Tween 80 and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). The pH of the soils was controlled by Na2CO3/NaHCO3 buffer. Negligible HCB movement was observed when NaOH or Na2CO3/NaHCO3 buffer was used as anodic flushing solution. While Tween 80 or beta-CD was introduced to Na2CO3/NaHCO3 buffer, obvious HCB movement was achieved. Although beta-CD led to a less desorption of HCB from kaolin than Tween 80, the removal of HCB with beta-CD was much higher than that with Tween 80 in the EK system. Tween 80 could be sorped by kaolin more than beta-CD, which was responsible for the result. The mechanism of the movement of HCB was proposed as the enhanced desorption of HCB from soil, the dissolving of HCB in the soil pore fluid and the movement of HCB with the electroosmotic flow. Obvious movement of HCB was also observed in the EK treatment of real HCB-contaminated clayed soil enhanced by beta-CD. It is an alternative approach to use facilitating agents such as beta-CD to enhance the EK movement of HCB in the contaminated clayed soils.     

Flocculation of Polymer Stabilized Nanocrystal Suspensions to Produce Redispersible Powders

Aqueous suspensions of crystalline naproxen nanoparticles, formed by antisolvent precipitation, were flocculated with sodium sulfate, filtered, and dried to form redispersible powders for oral delivery. The particles were stabilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-15) and/or poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) (poloxamer 407). The yield of the drug in the powder was typically 92–99%, and the drug loading was reproducible to within 1–2%. The filtration process increased the drug loading by up to 61% relative to the initial value, as unbound surfactant was removed with the filtrate. Upon redispersion of the dried powder, the average particle size measured by light scattering was comparable to the original value in the aqueous suspension prior to flocculation, and consistent with primary particle sizes observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For 300-nm particles, up to 95% of the drug dissolved in 2 min. The dissolution rate was correlated linearly with the specific surface area calculated from the average particle diameter after redispersion. The redispersion of dried powders was examined as a function of the salt concentration used for flocculation and the surfactant composition and concentration. Flocculation followed by filtration and drying is an efficient and highly reproducible process for the rapid recovery of drug nanoparticles to produce wettable powders with high drug loading and rapid dissolution.