Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the size, shape, and surface morphology of NCs. The samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were prepared by slow evaporation of a suspension in acetone on a formvar-coated copper grid. The samples were analyzed with a Philips CM100 microscope equipped with an Olympus camera and transferred to a computer equipped with the Megaview system.
The mean diameter of NCs in dispersion and the size distribution were determined in triplicate at 25 °C at a suspension concentration of 1% (w/v) by dynamic light scattering (DLS) (Zeta Nanosizer Malvern). Anhydrous acetone was used as a dispersant to evaluate the average diameter of unswollen NCs. The particles’ diameter in physiological saline solution was also evaluated, this medium being similar to the in vivo medium. This evaluation was performed as soon as possible after NCs came into contact with the aqueous environment. The zeta potential of NCs was determined by electrophoresis in phosphate buffer solution (PBS; pH = 7.4).
The mean diameter of NCs in dispersion and the size distribution were determined in triplicate at 25 °C at a suspension concentration of 1% (w/v) by dynamic light scattering (DLS) (Zeta Nanosizer Malvern). Anhydrous acetone was used as a dispersant to evaluate the average diameter of unswollen NCs. The particles’ diameter in physiological saline solution was also evaluated, this medium being similar to the in vivo medium. This evaluation was performed as soon as possible after NCs came into contact with the aqueous environment. The zeta potential of NCs was determined by electrophoresis in phosphate buffer solution (PBS; pH = 7.4).