Drug Encapsulation Using Supercritical CO₂ By: Maggie L. Plante │ UNH Manchester │ Abstract Supercritical CO₂ can help green the conventional process of drug development and encapsulation. The re will be an overall positive impact on the health of the patient and the environment with the use of supercritical CO₂. The polymer coatings created to encapsulate the drugs will encourage a more controlled release rate as well as make modifications to morphology and particle size of various drugs to enhance their delivery to the patient. This could lead to a new development in drug delivery for patients taking oral or injectable medications. Purpose The incorporation of green chemistry principles into the process of drug encapsulation with the use of supercritical CO₂ will result in polymer drug coatings that are safe for both the human body and the environment. Introduction  Supercritical CO₂ functions to replace harsh solvents and high temperatures typically involved in the process of drug development and encapsulation  The creation of these biodegradable polymers facilitate the controlled release rate of drugs to a patient  Drugs that are more potent are now able to survive the process in which coatings are designed which allows patients to receive a wider variety of drugs Action Project I researched and attempted to contact pharmaceutical companies to learn more about their products. I also researched various videos (found on wiki page) that helped explain the process of drug encapsulation and what it could mean for the future of pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Results Green Chemistry Principles Achieved by Drug Encapsulation with Supercritical CO₂: -The use of supercritical CO₂ is cost efficient, non-toxic, and is successful under conditions that are low in temperature and pressure -It results in the synthesis of highly pure products which is beneficial to both the patient and the environment -The goal of controlled drug release by synthesizing non- toxic biodegradable polymers was accomplished -Decreased particle size and enhanced morphology allowed for easier drug delivery Discussion With the advances in green chemistry techniques and the use of supercritical CO₂, the world of drug delivery could be transformed. Improvements include decreasing dosage, increasing drug efficiency, and having significantly less harmful effects to both human and environmental health. The improved morphology of drugs by the use of polymer nanoparticles could result in life-altering drug delivery methods and aid in making a positive impact on major health concerns of today’s society such as helping to cure cancer patients. Acknowledgements Dr. Sarah Prescott * Please refer to the back of the poster for references Images retrieved from Supercritical Antisolvent Process Applied to the Pharmaceutical Industry. *Refer to back for complete citation Prevention of Waste Less Hazardous Chemical Synthesis Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries Image retrieved from