Title : Morphological versatility of hybrid systems: Mimicking the self-assembly of natural structures
Abstract:
The morphology of nanosystems is one of the Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) of the nanoformulations, affecting the interactions of cellular membranes as well as the release of the encapsulated active substances. Hybrid systems are mixed systems composed of different in-nature materials, i.e., lipids-polymers, polymers/surfactants, and polymers/cyclodextrines (CDs). In this presentation, different examples from the literature of our team will be analyzed in terms of the different morphological characteristics of the prepared nanostructures. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) measurements are used for the morphological characterization of the systems prepared by the thin-film hydration method. Phospholipids/random copolymers are self-assembled into pentagonal- or hexagonal-shaped vesicles due to the distribution of the polymeric guest into the lipid membrane. Threadlike, irregular, and spherical nanoparticles are fabricated from block copolymers and CDs in the presence of the Tween 80®. The size and the thermotropic behavior of these hybrid nanoparticles are in line with the cryo-TEM images. The morphological versatility of the prepared systems is responsible for the loading efficiencies of the active substances as well as their release profile. In conclusion, mimicking the self-assembly of the natural structures by using hybrid systems would be beneficial for the design and the development of drug delivery systems.
