LONG-TERM STABILITY OF PBCA NANOPARTICLE SUSPENSIONS SUGGESTS CLINICAL USEFULNESS

The stability of polybutylcyanoacrylate (PBCA) nanoparticle suspension s was examined by measuring particle sizes and size distributions over a period of 2 months in different solutions (hydrochloric acid, phosp hate buffered saline). When stored in acidic medium, nanoparticles wer e found ro be stable for at least 2 months. In this case, degradation of the polymer is decelerated and particle agglomeration is reduced. W hen added to human blood serum, nanoparticles were found not to agglom erate, remaining stable in size for al least five days. Previous stabi lization protocols required lyophilization and resuspension by ultraso nification; however, the technique presented here using acidic storage solutions proves to be superior for clinical applications. (C) 1997 E lsevier Science B.V.