Particle size, surface hydrophobicity and interaction with serum of parenteral fat emulsions and model drug carriers as parameters related to RES uptake.

Fat emulsions for parenteral nutrition, stabilized by egg lecithin, were characterized in terms of parameters relevant to uptake by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), e.g. size distribution, surface hydrophobicity and adsorption of serum components as a measure of the degree of opsonization. Adsorption of serum components was quantified by zeta potential measurement. Fat emulsions for nutrition were compared with emulsions used for drug delivery and model drug carries for intravenous injection. The emulsions for drug delivery were stabilized by the blockcopolymers Poloxamer 188 and 407 (Pluronic F68 and F127) and Poloxamine 908. Model drug carriers were hydrophobic and hydrophilic polystyrene latex particles. Hydrophilic particles were prepared by adsorption of Poloxamine 908 (coating) onto the particle surface. The hydrophobicity and serum protein adsorption decreased from hydrophobic latex particles to egg lecithin emulsions and blockcopolymer emulsions and particles. The data correlated with that in the literature concerning liver uptake in vivo showing complete RES clearance of hydrophobic latex particles, reduced uptake of egg lecithin emulsions and avoidance of RES uptake by Poloxamine 908 coated particles.