• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.125-142
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• 2011

Solid dispersion, defined as the dispersion of one or more active ingredient in a carrier or matrix at solid state, is an efficient strategy for improving dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs for enhancement of their bioavailability. Compared to other conventional formulations such as tablets or capsules, solid dispersion which can be prepared by various methods has many advantages. However, despite numerous studies which have been carried out, limitations for commercializing these products remain to be solved. For example, during the manufacturing process or storage, amorphous form of solid dispersion can be converted into crystalline form. That is, the dissolution rate of solid dispersion would continuously decrease during storage, resulting in a product of no value. To resolve these problems, studies have been conducted on the effects of excipients. In fact, modification of the solid dispersions to overcome these disadvantages has progressed from the first generation to the recent third generation products. In this review, an overview on solid dispersions in general will be given with emphasis on the various manufacturing processes which include the use of polymers and on the stabilization strategies which include methods to prevent crystallization.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.597-601
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• 2013

In this study, we present simple microfluidic approach for the synthesis of monodisperse microcapsules by using droplet-based system. We generate double emulsion through single step in the microfluidic device having single junction while conventional approaches are limited in surface treatment for the generation of double emulsion. First, we have injected disperse fluid containing FC-77 oil and photocurable ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA) and water containing 3 wt% poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as continuous phase into microfluidic device. Under the condition, we easily generate double emulsion with high monodispersity by using flow focusing. The double emulsion droplets are transformed into microcapsules under the UV irradiation via photopolymerization. In addition, we control thickness of double emulsion's shell by controlling flow rate of ETPTA. We also show that the size of double emulsions can be controlled by manipulation of flow rate of continuous phase. Furthermore, we synthesize microcapsules encapsulating various materials for the application of drug delivery systems.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.479-486
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• 2003

In this study, poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles loaded with water-insoluble vitamins such as vitamin A (Retinol) and vitamin E acetate were prepared by the emulsification diffusion method. Polymer solution was prepared by the two water-miscible organic solvent, such as ethanol and acetone. Because of its biocompatible property, polyethyleneglycol-polypropyleneglycol diblock copolymer was used as surfactant and stabilizer. The influence of some preparative variables on the nanoparticle formation and on the loading efficiency of active agents, such as the type and concentration of stabilizing agent, the stirring methods, the water/oil phase ratio and the polymer concentration were investigated in order to control and optimize the process. After preparation of nanoparticles loaded with active agent, particle size and distribution were evaluated by the light scattering particle analyzer. The loading efficiency of active agents was evaluated by the UV-visible spectroscopy. As the results, particle size were 50-200 nm and dispersibility was monodisperse. The optimum loading efficiency of active agents was observed 50-60%. It was found that the appropriate of selections of binary solvent mixtures and polymeric concentrations in both organic and aqueous phases could provide good yield and favorable physical properties of PLGA nanoparticles.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.1487-1497
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• 2016

Bacterial cell to cell communication strategies called quorum sensing (QS) using small diffusible signaling molecules (auto-inducers) govern the expression of various genes dependent on their population density manner. As a consequence of synthesis and response to the signaling molecules, individual planktonic cells synchronized group behaviors to control a diverse array of phenotypes such as maturation of biofilm, production of extra-polymeric substances (EPS), virulence, bioluminescence and antibiotic production. Many studies indicated that biofilm formations are associated with QS signaling molecules such as acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) mainly used by several Gram negative bacteria. The biofilm maturation causes undesirable biomass accumulation in various surface environments anywhere water is present called biofouling, which results in serious eco-technological problems. Numerous molecules that interfere the bacterial QS called quorum quenching (QQ), have been discovered from various microorganisms, and their functions and mechanisms associated with QS have also been elucidated. To resolve biofouling problems related to various industries, the novel approach based on QS interference has been emerged attenuating multi-drug resisting bacteria appearance and environmental toxicities, which may provide potential advantages over the conventional anti-biofouling approaches. Therefore this paper presents recent information related to bacterial quorum sensing system, quorum quenching enzymes that can control the QS signaling, and lastly discuss the anti-biofouling approaches using the quorum quenching.