Morphology, structure and supramolecular organization of hybrid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine-hyaluronic acid microparticles prepared by spray drying

Eur J Pharm Sci. 2008 May 10;34(1):12-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2008.02.003. Epub 2008 Feb 15.

Abstract

We characterized the morphology, structure and supramolecular organization of microparticles obtained by spray drying 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Pure DPPC microparticles are small and strongly aggregated with phospholipids organized in a lamellar-like structure observable by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray scattering demonstrates that it corresponds to an almost dry lamellar phase with chains tilted with respect to the bilayer surface and organized according to a hexagonal lattice within the bilayer. Upon aging, DPPC reorganizes into an orthorhombic structure within the bilayer. The addition of HA leads to an increase of particle size and a decrease of aggregation and tap density associated to a morphology switch from dense spheres to hollow shells. By contrast, the supramolecular organization is not modified: HA is mostly "sandwiched" between DPPC headgroups. In addition, HA impedes phospholipids rearrangement upon aging. Altogether, for drug delivery purposes, the addition of HA is beneficial in terms of stability and physical properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine / chemistry*
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Drug Compounding
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Excipients / chemistry
  • Hyaluronic Acid / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Excipients
  • 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine
  • Hyaluronic Acid