Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanospheres conjugated with a nuclear localization signal for delivery of plasmid DNA

Polymeric nanospheres fabricated from biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) have been extensively investigated for applications in gene delivery. In this study, we show that the covalent conjugation of a nuclear localization signal (NLS, SV40 peptide) on PLGA nanospheres enhances the gene transfection efficiency. NLS conjugated PLGA copolymer was prepared by using a coupling reaction between maleimide-terminated PLGA copolymer and NLS in the presence of Imject maleimide conjugation buffer. PLGA nanospheres encapsulating plasmid (pDNA) were prepared by using a double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The kinetics of in vitro release of pDNA from PLGA nanospheres was determined with UV in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Gene transfection efficiency in human dermal fibroblasts was tested in vitro using nanospheres encapsulating the luciferase gene. The conjugation of the NLS peptide to the PLGA nanospheres could improve the nuclear localization and/or cellular uptake of PLGA nanosphere/pDNA constructs and thereby improve the transfection efficiency of a PLGA nanosphere gene delivery system. The pDNA was released from PLGA nanospheres over nine days. NLS conjugation enhanced the gene transfection efficiency in vitro by 1.2 approximately 3.2-fold over 13 days. PLGA/pDNA nanospheres appeared to be superior to PEI/pDNA complexes for the long-term expression of pDNA. Furthermore, the level of the sustained gene expression of the PLGA nanospheres was enhanced by the conjugation of NLS to the PLGA nanospheres. This study showed that the NLS conjugation enhanced the gene transfection efficiency of the PLGA nanosphere gene delivery system in vitro and that the enhanced gene expression was sustained for at least 13 days.     

Intracellular drug delivery using polysorbate 80-modified poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanospheres to glioblastoma cells

We investigated doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded nanospheres (NS) formulated using a biodegradable polymer, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), for targeted chemotherapy of brain tumours. A nonionic surfactant, polysorbate 80 (P80), was used to modify the surfaces of PLGA NS to improve cellular drug delivery. DOX-loaded PLGA NS were formulated by emulsion solvent diffusion and characterised for DOX encapsulation and in?vitro release. The effectiveness of DOX-loaded P80-PLGA NS was investigated in A172 human glioblastoma cells. The drug release pattern was dependent on the pH of the medium. Quantitatively, the cellular uptake of NS was significantly increased by P80 surface modification compared with unmodified NS. Confocal laser scanning microscopy studies revealed that DOX was released from NS following accumulation in the cell nuclei. DOX-loaded P80-PLGA NS could significantly inhibit both DOX efflux from the cells and cell proliferation compared with a DOX solution.     

Stabilisation and determination of the biological activity of L-asparaginase in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanospheres

The preservation of biological activity of protein drugs in formulations is still a major challenge for successful drug delivery. The enzyme L-asparaginase, which exhibits a short in vivo half-life and is only active against leukaemia in its tetrameric form, was encapsulated in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanospheres by the (w/o)/w-emulsion solvent evaporation technique in presence of various potential stabilisers. Elucidation of the preparation steps revealed that the enzyme is denaturated at the aqueous/organic interface and by sonication. The preparation of L-asparaginase nanospheres with trehalose, PEG 400, and glycerol as components of the inner aqueous phase yielded colloidal formulations with increased biological activity as determined by an improved protocol for quantification of the active enzyme encapsulated. After lyophilisation the enzyme activity and particle size distribution were retained only by use of Pluronic F68 as a lyoprotectant. Despite the unaltered particle size and improved biological activity, the release profile of the enzyme was strongly altered by coencapsulation of the stabilisers resulting in increased first bursts. In consequence, the biological activity of L-asparaginase during preparation and storage can be improved by combining appropriate additives but concurrently the release profile is influenced.     

Versatility of biodegradable poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for plasmid DNA delivery.

In this study, we have optimized different formulations of DNA encapsulated into PLGA microspheres by correlating the protocol of preparation and the molecular weight and composition of the polymer, with the main characteristics of these systems in order to design an efficient non-viral gene delivery vector. For that, we prepared poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles with an optimized water-oil-water double emulsion process, by using several types of polymers (RG502, RG503, RG504, RG502H and RG752), and characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), morphology, DNA conformation, release kinetics, plasmid integrity and erosion. The size of the particles ranged between 0.7 and 5.7 microm depending on the protocol of formulation and the molecular mass of the polymer used. The microspheres prepared by using in their formulation polymers of high molecular weight (RG503 and RG504) were bigger in size than in the case of using a lower molecular weight polymer (RG502). The EE (%) of plasmid DNA increased with increasing the molecular mass of the polymer and by using the most hydrophilic polymer RG502H, which contains terminal acidic groups in its structure. The plasmid could be encapsulated without compromising its structural and functional integrity. Also a protective effect of PLGA on endonuclease digestion is observed. Plasmid DNA release from microspheres composed of low molecular weight or hydrophilic polymers, like RG502H, was faster than from particles containing high molecular weight or hydrophobic polymers. These PLGA microspheres could be an alternative to the viral vectors used in gene therapy, given that may be used to deliver genes and other bioactive molecules, either very rapidly or in a controlled manner.     

Formulating poly(lactide-co-glycolide) particles for plasmid DNA delivery

Biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles have shown significant potential for sustained and targeted delivery of several pharmaceutical agents, including plasmid DNA (pDNA). Here, we survey current approaches to PLGA particle preparation for pDNA delivery and discuss recent progress on optimizing formulation development.     

Physicochemical characterization of poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles with polyethylenimine as gene delivery carrier

Polymer nanoparticles have been used as non-viral gene delivery systems and drug delivery systems. In this study, biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA)/polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/PEI nanoparticles were prepared and characterized as gene delivery systems. The PLA/PEI and PLGA/PEI nanoparticles, which were prepared by a diafiltration method, had spherical shapes and smooth surface characteristics. The size of nanoparticles was controlled by the amount of PEI, which acted as a hydrophilic moiety, which effectively reduced the interfacial energy between the particle surface and the aqueous media. The nanoparticles showed an excellent dispersive stability under storage in a phosphate-buffered saline solution for 12 days. The positive zeta-potentials for the nanoparticles decreased and changed to negative values with increasing plasmid DNA (pDNA) content. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the complex formation between the nanoparticles and the pDNA coincided with the zeta-potential results. The results of in vitro transfection and cell viability on HEK 293 cells indicated that the nanoparticles could be used as gene delivery carriers.     

Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) encapsulated poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel as a drug delivery system

Purpose. The efficiency of encapsulation of water-soluble drugs in biodegradable polymer is often low and occasionally these microcapsules are associated with high burst effect. The primary objective of this study is to develop a novel microencapsulation technique with high efficiency of encapsulation and low burst effect. Method. Pentamidine was used as a model drug in this study. Pentamidine/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel was prepared by freeze-thaw technique. Pentamidine loaded hydrogel was later microencapsulated in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) using solvent evaporation technique. The microcapsules were evaluated for the efficiency of encapsulation, particle size, surface morphology, thermal characteristic, and drug release. Results. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies revealed that the microcapsules were porous. The microcapsules were uniform in size and shape with the median size of the microcapsules ranging between 27 and 94 m. The samples containing 10% PLGA showed nearly three times increase in drug loading (18-53%) by increasing the hydrogel content from 0-6%. The overall drug release from the microencapsulated hydrogel, containing 3% and 6% PVA, respectively, was significantly lower than the control batches. Conclusions. The use of a crosslinked hydrogel such as PVA can significantly increase the drug loading of highly water-soluble drugs. In addition, incorporation of the PVA hydrogel significantly reduced the burst effect and overall dissolution of pentamidine.     

Small-molecule release from poly(D,L-lactide)/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) composite microparticles

Addition of biodegradable polymer shells surrounding polymeric, drug-loaded microparticles offers the opportunity to control drug release rates. A novel fabrication method was used to produce microparticles with precise control of particle diameter and the thickness of the polymer shell. The effect of shell thickness on release of a model drug, piroxicam, has been clearly shown for 2- to 15-microm thick shells of poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLL) surrounding a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) core and compared to pure PLG microspheres loaded with piroxicam. Furthermore, the core-shell microparticles are compared to microspheres containing blended polymers in the same mass ratios to demonstrate the importance of the core-shell morphology. Combining PDLL(PLG) microcapsules of different shell thicknesses allows nearly constant release rates to be attained for a period of 6 weeks.     

Degradation behaviour of microspheres prepared by spray-drying poly(D,L-lactide) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymers

Polymeric microsphere degradation must be taken into account in the design of drug delivery systems to be injected in in vivo systems, thus a prior analysis of in vitro degradation behaviour of microspheres appears to be necessary. In this study degradation characteristics of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) microspheres prepared by the spray-drying technique have been examined. It was found that a slow decrease in molecular weight took place during the first stage of degradation, and the value of the rate constant decreased with the increase of the percentage of lactic acid of the polymer in a linear way. Thus, the period of time of this first stage decreased with the increase of content of glycolidyl units of the polymer, and it was the unique stage observed in PLA microspheres after 5 months of study. During this period of time, significant mass loss was not observed in the microspheres. The second stage of degradation of PLGA microspheres showed a larger rate constant, whose value increased with the content of glycolidyl units of the polymer. Mass loss was observed from number-average molecular weight about 6000. A sharp decrease of glass transition temperature (T(g)) was observed coinciding with the start of mass loss. This fact was accompanied by a physical change of the samples, fusion of microspheres to form large particles, which also fusion to form a unique mass of polymer; moment from that the degradation process was quicker.     

Poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanospheres conjugated with a nuclear localization signal for delivery of plasmid DNA

Polymeric nanospheres fabricated from biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) have been extensively investigated for applications in gene delivery. In this study, we show that the covalent conjugation of a nuclear localization signal (NLS, SV40 peptide) on PLGA nanospheres enhances the gene transfection efficiency. NLS conjugated PLGA copolymer was prepared by using a coupling reaction between maleimide-terminated PLGA copolymer and NLS in the presence of Imject maleimide conjugation buffer. PLGA nanospheres encapsulating plasmid (pDNA) were prepared by using a double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The kinetics of in vitro release of pDNA from PLGA nanospheres was determined with UV in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Gene transfection efficiency in human dermal fibroblasts was tested in vitro using nanospheres encapsulating the luciferase gene. The conjugation of the NLS peptide to the PLGA nanospheres could improve the nuclear localization and/or cellular uptake of PLGA nanosphere/pDNA constructs and thereby improve the transfection efficiency of a PLGA nanosphere gene delivery system. The pDNA was released from PLGA nanospheres over nine days. NLS conjugation enhanced the gene transfection efficiency in vitro by 1.2 ～ 3.2-fold over 13 days. PLGA/pDNA nanospheres appeared to be superior to PEI/pDNA complexes for the long-term expression of pDNA. Furthermore, the level of the sustained gene expression of the PLGA nanospheres was enhanced by the conjugation of NLS to the PLGA nanospheres. This study showed that the NLS conjugation enhanced the gene transfection efficiency of the PLGA nanosphere gene delivery system in vitro and that the enhanced gene expression was sustained for at least 13 days.     

Sustained release microspheres of metoclopramide using poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) copolymers

Metoclopramide was encapsulated with poly(D,L-lactide co glycolide) copolymers of different molecular weights using the emulsification/solvent evaporation technique. These polymers included poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 with inherent viscosity (i.v.) 0.2, and average molecular weight 8000, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 with i.v. 0.8 and average molecular weight 98000 and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 85:15 with i.v. 1.4 and average molecular weight 220000. The effect of the polymers' molecular weights as well as the polymer-to-drug ratios on the yield, the particle size distribution, and the drug content of the microspheres was investigated. The release rate of the drug was studied for 96 h in a phosphate buffer of pH 7.4. The study also investigated the effect of the new poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-H series on the characteristics of the prepared microspheres. Data revealed that a higher yield was obtained with polymers of lower molecular weights. A lower yield was also obtained with increasing the drug-to-polymer ratios for all the investigated polymers. The drug content of the microspheres was lower than expected, ranging from 49-85%, which suggested a chemical interaction between the drug and the polymers, as proved by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infra red (IR) studies. A higher interaction was obtained with the H-series of the copolymers. The release of the drug mainly followed zero order kinetics on increasing either the polymers' molecular weights or the polymer-to-drug ratios. Diffusion kinetics was observed only with those batches prepared with low polymer-to-drug ratios. The release rate was a function of both the polymers' molecular weights and the drug-to-polymer ratios.     

Physicomechanical properties of biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) films in the dry and wet states

The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties (% elongation and puncture strength) of poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) films as a function of exposure time to an aqueous medium and to correlate the mechanical properties to the degradation/erosion of the polymer as a function of the type of polymer [PLA, weight-average molecular weight (M(W)) 270,300, or PLGA 50:50, M(W) 56,500], the type of plasticizer [(triethyl citrate (TEC) or acetyltributyl citrate (ATBC)], and the exposure time to pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The glass transition temperature of the films was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the molecular weight by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and the polymer erosion and hydration gravimetrically. The mechanical properties were strongly affected by the type of polymer and plasticizer. PLGA films showed a faster loss of mechanical integrity. TEC, the water-soluble plasticizer, leached from the films, resulting in major differences in the mechanical properties (flexibility) when compared with films plasticized with the more permanent, water-insoluble ATBC. A significant difference in M(W) decrease was seen between plasticizer-free and plasticizer-containing PLA films, but not for PLGA films. Plasticized PLA films, which were above their glass transition temperature in the rubbery state, showed a faster decrease in M(W) than plasticizer-free PLA ones, which were in the glassy state. The plasticizer addition to the lower M(W) PLGA did not enhance the polymer degradation; the plasticizer-free PLGA was already in the rubbery state. Major differences between the two polymers were also seen in the mass loss and the water uptake studies. After 4 weeks, the mass loss was between 2.6 and 7.0% and the water uptake between 10.1 and 21.1% for PLA films, whereas for PLGA films, the mass loss was between 40.3 and 51.3% and the water uptake between 221.9 and 350.6%. 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Sustained release microspheres of metoclopramide using poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) copolymers

Metoclopramide was encapsulated with poly(D,L-lactide co glycolide) copolymers of different molecular weights using the emulsification/solvent evaporation technique. These polymers included poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 with inherent viscosity (i.v.) 0.2, and average molecular weight 8000, poly(D,Llactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 with i.v. 0.8 and average molecular weight 98000 and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 85:15 with i.v. 1.4 and average molecular weight 220000. The effect of the polymers' molecular weights as well as the polymer-to-drug ratios on the yield, the particle size distribution, and the drug content of the microspheres was investigated. The release rate of the drug was studied for 96h in a phosphate buffer of pH7.4. The study also investigated the effect of the new poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-H series on the characteristics of the prepared microspheres. Data revealed that a higher yield was obtained with polymers of lower molecular weights. A lower yield was also obtained with increasing the drug-to-polymer ratios for all the investigated polymers. The drug content of the microspheres was lower than expected, ranging from 49-85%, which suggested a chemical interaction between the drug and the polymers, as proved by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infra red (IR) studies. A higher interaction was obtained with the H-series of the copolymers. The release of the drug mainly followed zero order kinetics on increasing either the polymers' molecular weights or the polymer-to-drug ratios. Diffusion kinetics was observed only with those batches prepared with low polymer-to-drug ratios. The release rate was a function of both the polymers' molecular weights and the drug-to-polymer ratios.     

Stability and release characteristics of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) encapsulated CaPi-DNA coprecipitation

The aims of this work were to determine the stability of DNA-calcium-phosphate coprecipitation (CaPi-DNA) against various conditions during double emulsification microencapsulation and assess the release and physicochemical characteristics of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles loading CaPi-DNA. CaPi-DNA prepared at pH 6.5 showed a good stability with over 60% CaPi-DNA remained after emulsification, but no more than 40% at pH 8.0. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 1-5%) could make over 80% CaPi-DNA (pH 7.0) preserved after homogenization. The dichloromethane (DCM), mixture of DCM and ethyl acetate, ether and n-hexane (1:1) exhibited neglectable influence on CaPi-DNA under homogenization. PLGA had influenced on CaPi-DNA without any additional stabilizer, in particular, PLGA (75:25, 4%, w/v) demonstrated a profound damage with only about 10% of the original CaPi-DNA remained. PLGA microparticles loading CaPi-DNA were spherical in shape with size range of 2.0-5.0microm, and entrapment efficiency 30-50%. CaPi-DNA was found to increase the stability of pDNA in PLGA microparticles without losing its structure integrity. The release of CaPi-DNA from microparticles showed a low burst release (<7.5%) within 24h and following sustained release process. The amount of cumulated CaPi-DNA release over 30 days was: 17.6% for PLGA (lactide:glycolide=50:50), 27.3% for PLGA (65:35) and 44.8% for PLGA (75:25) microparticles, respectively. The encapsulation of CaPi-DNA in microparticles could significantly protect CaPi-DNA from degradation of nuclease with average over 80% of total DNA recovery. These results suggested that the encapsulation of CaPi-DNA in PLGA microparticles could improve stability of pDNA.     

A local delivery system for fentanyl based on biodegradable poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) oligomer

To obtain a sustained fentanyl delivery with effective and precise control, fentanyl loaded wafer was fabricated using poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) oligomer by direct compression method. XRD and DSC analysis indicated the presence of crystalline drug in the wafers. The release of fentanyl from PLGA wafer was determined to be primarily diffusion controlled, but swelling and erosion also contributed to the release process. In vitro release studies showed that different release patterns and rates could be achieved by simply modifying factors in the preparation conditions. The wafer degradation profiles were also investigated to understand the drug release mechanism. Gravimetric studies of mass loss of wafers during the incubation revealed that the weight loss increased apparently after 4 days. These results indicate that the polymer degradation was contributed to drug release followed by diffusion. From the results, this constant localized release system can potentially provide anesthesia for a longer period than injection or topical administration.     

Preparation, characterization, cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(DL-lactic acid) cationic nanoparticles for controlled delivery of plasmid DNA

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of formulation parameters (i.e. polymer molecular weight and homogenization speed) on various physicochemical and biological properties of cationic nanoparticles. Cationic nanoparticles were prepared using different molecular weights of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA) by double emulsion solvent evaporation at two different homogenization speeds, and were characterized in terms of size, surface charge, morphology, loading efficiency, plasmid release, plasmid integrity, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency. Cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), was used to provide positive charge on the surface of nanoparticles. Reporter plasmid gWIZ Beta-gal was loaded on the surface of nanoparticles by incubation. Use of higher homogenization speed and lower molecular weight polymer led to a decrease in mean particle size, increase in zeta potential, increase in plasmid loading efficiency, and a decrease in burst release. The nanoparticles displayed good morphology as evident from scanning electron micrographs. In vitro cytotoxicity study by MTT assay showed a low toxicity. Structural integrity of the pDNA released from nanoparticles was maintained. Transfecting human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells with nanoparticles prepared from low molecular weight PLGA and PLA resulted in an increased expression of beta-galactosidase as compared to those prepared from high molecular weight polymer. Our results demonstrate that the PLGA and PLA cationic nanoparticles can be used to achieve prolonged release of pDNA, and the plasmid release rate and transfection efficiency are dependent on the formulation variables.     

Ketotifen-loaded microspheres prepared by spray-drying poly(D,L-lactide) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymers: characterization and in vivo evaluation

Ketotifen (KT) was encapsulated into poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA 50/50) by spray-drying to investigate the use of biodegradable drug-loaded microspheres as delivery systems in the intraperitoneal cavity. Ketotifen stability was evaluated by HPLC, and degradation was not observed. Drug entrapment efficiency was 74 +/- 7% (82 +/- 8 microg KT/mg for PLA) and 81 +/- 6% (90 +/- 7 microg KT/mg for PLGA 50/50). PLA microspheres released ketotifen (57% of encapsulated KT) in 350 h at two release rates (221 microg/h, 15 min to 2 h; 1.13 microg/h, 5-350 h). A quicker release of ketotifen took place from PLGA 50/50 microspheres (67.4% of encapsulated KT) in 50 h (322 microg/h, 15 min to 2 h; 16.18 microg/h, 5-50 h). After intraperitoneal administration (10 mg KT/kg b.w.), microsphere aggregations were detected in adipose tissue. Ketotifen concentration was determined in plasma by HPLC. The drug released from PLA and PLGA 50/50 microspheres was detected at 384 and 336 h, respectively. Noncompartmental analysis was performed to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. The inclusion of ketotifen in PLGA and PLA microspheres resulted in significant changes in the plasma disposition of the drug. Overall, these ketotifen-loaded microspheres yielded an intraperitoneal drug release that may be suitable for use as delivery systems in the treatment of inflammatory response in portal hypertension.     

Preparation of protein loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles for the antigen delivery to dendritic cells using a static micromixer.

The cellular immune response against tumors, viruses, or intracellular bacteria requires adequate antigen delivery to professional phagocytes, their processing and the presentation of antigenic peptides to T-cells. Biodegradable microparticles to enhance antigen phagocytosis and the response of cytotoxic lymphocytes have been proposed. The aim of the present study was to formulate poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles using a w/o/w solvent evaporation procedure in order to obtain suitable vehicles for vaccination. Bovine serum albumin bearing fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC-BSA) was used as a model antigen. For microparticle preparation a static micromixer was employed. Microparticles of 2-3 microm can be produced with good reproducibility by applying high flow rates at the micromixer. Microparticles with a smooth surface and only one pore were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) allowed localisation of the FITC-BSA near the surface of the microparticle. Microencapsulation of FITC-BSA did not altered the polymer characteristics, as determined by measuring the glass transition temperature. Additionally we could determine residual methylene chloride, employed as solvent in microparticle preparation, to be less than 1/1000 of the USP and Ph. Eur. limit. The microparticles described herein were able to deliver the model antigen to human dendritic cells (DC).     

Biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres for sustained release of risperidone: Zero-order release formulation

The preparation and investigation of sustained-release risperidone-encapsulated microspheres using erodible poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) of lower molecular weight were performed and compared to that of commercial Risperdal Consta^? for the treatment of schizophrenia. The research included screening and optimizing of suitable commercial polymers of lower molecular weight PLGA50/50 or the blends of these PLGA polymers to prepare microspheres with zero-order release kinetics properties. Solvent evaporation method was applied here while studies of the risperidone loaded microsphere were carried out on its drug encapsulation capacity, morphology, particle size, as well as in vitro release profiles. Results showed that microspheres prepared using 50504A PLGA or blends of 5050-type PLGAs exerted spherical and smooth morphology, with a higher encapsulation efficiency and nearly zero-order release kinetics. These optimized microspheres showed great potential for a better depot preparation than the marketed Risperdal Consta^?, which could further improve the patient compliance.     

Sterilized ibuprofen-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres for intra-articular administration: effect of gamma-irradiation and storage

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize a controlled-release system (microspheres) loaded with ibuprofen, for intra-articular administration, to extend its anti-inflammatory effect in the knee joint cavity. Among the bioresorbable polymers employed, poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) (13137 Da) was chosen because of its high biocompatiblity. Microspheres were produced by the solvent evaporation process from an O/W emulsion. Labrafil M 1944 CS was included in the formulation as an additive in order to modulate the release rate of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Once prepared, the microspheres were sobre-sterilized by gamma-irradiation. The effect of the irradiation dose (25 kGy) exposure, at low temperature, on the formulation was evaluated. The sterilization procedure employed did not alter the physicochemical characteristics of the formulation. Dissolution profiles of formulations behaved similarly and overlapped (f2=87.23, f1=4.2) before and after sterilization. Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) revealed no significant changes in the polymer molecular weight. Additionally, a stability study of the sterilized formulation was carried out using microsphere storage conditions of 4 degrees C in a vacuum desiccator for 1 year. The results obtained after storing the sterilized microspheres show no significant alterations in the ibuprofen release rate (f2 = 85.06, f1 = 4.32) or in the molecular weight of the PLGA (12957 Da). The employment of low molecular weight PLGA polymers resulted as advantageous, due to the practical absence of degradation after gamma irradiation (25 kGy) exposure at low temperature.