Modification of a regenerated cellulose membrane with lipid nanoparticles and layers. Nanoparticle preparation, morphological and physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles and modified membranes

Ultrasound and high-pressure homogenized lipid (lecithin-tristearin)nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and embedded into a regenerated cellulose (RC-MD) commercial membrane; the RC-support was also modified with the deposition of a lecithin-tristearine layer (RC-MD/LL sample). The lipid nanoparticles, RC-support and modified membranes were topographically and chemically characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. Electrical parameters (conductivity and capacitance) of both the original and modified membranes were determined by the impedance spectroscopy (IS) technique using a parallel resistance-capacitance equivalent circuit as a model. The results allow the lipid particle inclusion to be distinguished from the lipid layer deposition. Moreover, the paper shows the possibility of lipid nanoparticle inclusion into a solid support maintaining particle integrity. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.