Optimization of Continuous Synthesis of Cross‐Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Microreactors

Abstract

A process for continuous synthesis of cross‐linked chitosan‐sodium tripolyphosphate (CS‐TPP) nanoparticles is optimized using microreactors for its comparison with a batch stirred reactor. The effect of various parameters including residence time, concentration of CS, pH of the CS solutions, and stabilizing surfactant concentration was modeled by population balance equations (PBEs) to determine size, growth, and nucleation rates of the CS‐TPP nanoparticles. The smallest particle size was obtained at lower residence time, lower concentration of CS, pH 5, and using a surfactant concentration above its critical micellar concentration. The particles obtained from the microreactors are agglomerated but are smaller in size as compared to those obtained from the batch reactor. The system was also optimized for the minimum particle size applying the estimated growth rate and the PBEs.

Preparation of Spherical Ultrafine Silver Particles Using Y-Type Microjet Reactor

“…Hence, this is the biggest obstacle to the effective operation of microstructure equipment [ 23 ]. Rathi [ 24 ] optimized the continuous synthesis of crosslinked chitosan sodium tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) nanoparticles using a microreactor and compared it with a batch-stirred reactor. Lim [ 25 ] described a straightforward and adaptable coaxial turbulent jet mixer that not only synthesized various nanoparticles (NPs) at high throughput but also maintained the benefits of homogeneity, reproducibility, and tunability that could typically be attained only in specialized microscale mixing equipment.…”