Method for loading amphiphile particles with active agents
The present invention provides a method for the production of amphiphile particles having incorporated therein at least one active agent. The method comprises forming a dispersion of particles comprising at least one amphiphilic structuring agent in a solution of at least one active agent, heating said dispersion to an elevated temperature, followed by cooling to around ambient temperature. The loading provided thereby is typically at least 130% of the loading provided by equilibration of the particles in a solution of active agent. The invention also provides corresponding amphiphile particles.
1. A method for the production of amphiphile particles having incorporated therein at least one active agent, said method comprising
(i) forming a dispersion of particles comprising at least one amphiphilic structuring agent and a solution of at least one active agent;
(ii) heating said dispersion to a temperature in the range of 96° C. to 140° C.; and
(iii) cooling to around ambient temperature thereby forming amphiphilic particles;
wherein the active agent is incorporated into said particles to at least 130% of the maximum provided by a reference sample, wherein the reference sample is formed by equilibrating a dispersion of particles in a solution of at least one active agent at 37° C. for up to 3 days.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said particles are colloidal.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said heating is for a period of between 1 minute and 4 hours.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, prior to incorporation of said active agent, at least 75% by volume of said particles are of non-lamellar or micellar phase.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, after incorporation of said active agent, at least 75% by volume of said particles are of non-lamellar or micellar phase.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, before incorporation of said active agent, the equilibrium form of the particles is non-lamellar or micellar.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising drying the amphiphile particles having incorporated therein at least one active agent.