Fig. 1

Characterization of 6BIGOE-loaded NPs. Bar charts comparing the particle size (hydrodynamic diameter, A), polydispersity index (PDI, B), zeta potential (ZP, C), drug load (DL, D), yield (E) and morphology (F) of blank or 6BIGOE-loaded NPs, prepared by standard emulsion-diffusion-evaporation (EDE), Cyrene, or PEG 400 method. Samples were analyzed by DLS techniques in water (HD, PDI, ZP) or after lyophilization (yield, DL). DL was determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy at 520 nm. Results are reported as means ± SD in three independent batches. (F) Atomic force microscopy height images of blank NP and 6BIGOE-loaded NP prepared by standard EDE, Cyrene, or PEG 400 method. NP dispersion was drop casted on freshly cleaned mica and allowed to dry before analysis