Poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles via miniemulsion polymerization. 2. PEG-based surfactants

This study aimed at synthesizing PEG-coated poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles by miniemulsion polymerization. Despite the high reactivity of butyl cyanoacrylate, nanoparticles were successfully obtained by miniemulsion polymerization of butyl cyanoacrylate-in-water emulsions stabilized by three PEG-based surfactants: Brij®78, Brij®700, and Tween®80. Their physico-chemical properties were thoroughly investigated as a function of surfactant structure and concentration and discussed on the basis of results obtained from interfacial tension measurements (dodecane–water). Results clearly showed the influence of the length of the PEG part of the surfactant on the final properties of the particles.