The objective of this PhD thesis is to point out the relationship between the preparation method of the nanoparticles, the colloidal properties and the encapsulation efficiency of a given active molecule for paediatric purpose. In this direction, diclofenac was used as model molecule and the nanoparticles were prepared via the nanoprecipitation and the emulsification-diffusion processes. The conducted fundamental and systematic studies rend evident notable differences between the two processes, particularly in the electrokinetic properties of the particles and the effectiveness of the drug encapsulation. These colloidal and physicochemical properties are paramount for the good stability of the nanoparticles and their in vivo use. This research work made it possible to propose and to discuss the mechanism of nanoparticle formation from the behavior of key variables of the process and the recipe used, the surface properties of the particles and the effectiveness of encapsulation of the model drug
