Coating and Encapsulation of Nanoparticles using Supercritical Antisolvent

Problem statement: Literature on the production of nanoparticles using supercritical fluids is substantial, but comparatively much less for nanoencapsulation. Approach: In this study, a modified Supercritical Anti Solvent (SAS) apparatus was fabricated for use in the production of nanoparticles using carbon dioxide as the supercritical fluid (SCF). SAS technique involves precipitation of solids from liquid solution under supercritical antisolvent-induced condition. Production of nanoparticles using SAS was investigated using 2 types of model solutes: Fume silica and acetaminophen which represent a model of water insoluble (inorganic) material and water soluble material respectively. The morphology and characteristics of nanoparticles produced were assessed. Results: The fume silica had been coated and 50 nm diameter of nanoencapsulated acetaminophen had been produced. Conclusion: The results had revealed that both water insoluble and soluble substrates can be coated and encapsulated successfully in polymer by the SAS coating process.