Supercritical fluid treatment of high molecular weight biopolymers

摘要

Micro- and nano-sized particles, agglomerates and fibers are generated from high molecular weight water-soluble biopolymers applying supercritical fluid technology. A method of producing micro- or nanoparticles from an aqueous solution of a high molecular weight biopolymer includes the step of spraying the aqueous solution together with a mixture of a compressible gas and a water-soluble co-solvent/antisolvent into a pressurized chamber. The method may be adapted to impregnate the micro- or nanoparticles with a bioactive material. A method for microencapsulating a bioactive material with a biopolymer is also provided.

主权项

1. A method of producing micro- or nanoparticles from an aqueous solution of a biopolymer having a molecular weight of about 70 kDa or more, comprising the step of spraying the aqueous solution together with a mixture of a compressible gas and a water-soluble cosolvent/antisolvent into a pressurized chamber, wherein the cosolvent/antisolvent is present in the mixture in a concentration of 20% to 80% (w/w).