Rifampicin nanoprecipitation using flow focusing microfluidic device

• Grant number: 13/50696-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Start date: October 01, 2013
• End date: March 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Juliana de Novais Schianti
• Grantee: Juliana de Novais Schianti
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas S/A (IPT). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

We present the nanoprecipitation of rifampicin performed in a microfluidic device as a means to reduce the particle size and enhance the dissolution rate. The microfluidic device was microfabricated in glass substrate with a 45° flow-focusing geometry. The dimensions of the central and side channels are 100 um and 110 um in width, respectively, and 85 um in depth. We analyze the influence of different parameters in the rifampicin particles size, such as rifampicin concentration, the presence of surfactant, the total fluid flow and solvent to anti-solvent flow rate ratio. The processed rifampicin was evaluated not only in terms of size, but also morphology, crystallinity, thermal characteristics and dissolution rate. We produce particle sizes in a controlled manner with sizes ranging from 100 nm to 1,2 um. The particles present an amorphous profile and enhanced dissolution rate as compared to commercial raw rifampicin. These results are promising and have enabled us to better understand the rifampicin self-assembly process in microfluidic device. (AU)