Hand powered, cost effective, 3D printed nanoparticle synthesizer: effects of polymer end caps, drugs, and solvents on lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles

Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) consisting of PLGA polymer variation as the core and DSPE-PEG as a lipid shell have been synthesized by nanoprecipitation method using hand powered, 3D printed Multi Inlet Vortex Mixer (MIVM). This method is relatively fast, simple and cost-effective as compared to other methods used for the synthesis of LPHNPs. Considering the importance of particle size in the nanoparticle mediated drug delivery, synthesis of LPHNPs with desired size has been attempted by examining various formulation variables. The synthesis conditions such as PLGA end caps, drug loading, amount of drug and organic solvent type have been optimized to obtain LPHNPs of desired size. The formation of core-shell like structure of LPHNPs is confirmed by TEM analysis. The resulting LPHNPs were proven to have long term stability and controlled drug release properties.