Characterisation of Drug Nanoparticles by Atomic Force Microscopy

Nanoparticles of a bicalutamide nanosuspension were imaged using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to gain some insight into particle size and aggregation. Particles of bicalutamide in a PVP-stabilised suspension were imaged and the data analyzed. The particles were observed to be uniform in size at down to 160 nm in diameter although some larger aggregates were observed. Sample roughness was analyzed and found to be highly dependent on the level of image processing that had occurred; therefore it was important that the calculations for area roughness be noted at each stage of processing so they could be compared. The relative area coverage was analyzed by characterizing the fractal index and the potential for this type of calculation to investigate nanoparticles stability discussed. Ideas for future work are also presented.