Synthesis of leucine micro/nanocrystals for pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

We report that flower-like novel L-leucine micro/nanocrystals have been synthesized by a physical vapor deposition technique. The controllable synthesis of L-leucine micro/nanocrystals is very important for their pharmaceutical applications as drug carriers or excipients. Their morphologies have been controlled by adjusting the deposition position, deposition temperature and flux of the carrier gas. All of the micro/nanostructures have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. A growth model for the formation mechanism of the flower-like crystal structures is proposed. The coating of leucine micro/nanocrystals for a drug model system, quercetin, is also presented. Leucine micro/nanocrystals have great potential in pharmaceutical applications such as dispersibility enhancers. This coating design concept can also be used for a variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients.