Homogenization processes, using SEM-type

The porosity (ie, pore size and amount of pores) of microparticles is also an important characteristic to take into consideration when fabricating microparticles because it plays an essential role in controlling the release of payloads. The porosity and morphology of particles are usually determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the emulsification solvent extraction/evaporation method of fabrication, the rate of solvent extraction, which depends on the flow in the stirred vessel the droplet size the temperature and the dispersed phase hold-up in the 0/W emulsion have an effect on porosity [87]. The porosity usually increases with a decrease in solvent extraction rate. The porosity of microparticles results in initial burst release due to pore diffusion [78,88]. Mao et al. studied the influence of different W/O/W emulsification solvent extraction/evaporation process parameters on internal and external porosity of PLGA microparticles [78]. The surface morphology of the microparticles can be influenced by the type of polymer, internal aqueous phase voliune (Wi), volume of continuous phase (W2), polymer concentration, homogenization speed, and equipment used for the primary emulsion [78,79]. 

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