PLGA and PHBV Microsphere Formulations and Solid-State Characterization: Possible Implications for Local Delivery of Fusidic Acid for the Treatment and Prevention of Orthopaedic Infections

Purpose  To develop and characterize the solid-state properties of poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) microspheres for the localized and controlled release of fusidic acid (FA). Methods  The effects of FA loading and polymer composition on the mean diameter, encapsulation efficiency and FA released from the microspheres were determined. The solid-state and phase separation properties of the microspheres were characterized using DSC, XRPD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, laser confocal and real time recording of single microspheres formation. Results  Above a loading of 1% (w/w) FA phase separated from PLGA polymer and formed distinct spherical FA-rich amorphous microdomains throughout the PLGA microsphere. For FA-loaded PLGA microspheres, encapsulation efficiency and cumulative release increased with initial drug loading. Similarly, cumulative release from FA-loaded PHBV microspheres was increased by FA loading. After the initial burst release, FA was released from PLGA microspheres much slower compared to PHBV microspheres. Conclusions  A unique phase separation phenomenon of FA in PLGA but not in PHBV polymers was observed, driven by coalescence of liquid microdroplets of a DCM-FA-rich phase in the forming microsphere. Electronic supplementary material   The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The Acidic Microclimate in Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Microspheres Stabilizes Camptothecins

Purpose. The camptothecin (CPT) analogue, 10-hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT) has been shown previously to remain in its acid-stable (and active) lactone form when encapsulated in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres (1). The purpose of this study was to determine the principal mechanism(s) of 10-HCPT stabilization. Methods. CPTs were encapsulated in PLGA 50:50 microspheres by standard solvent evaporation techniques. Microspheres were eroded in pH 7.4 buffer at 37°C. The ratio of encapsulated lactone to carboxylate was determined by HPLC as a function of time, initial form of drug encapsulated, fraction of co-encapsulated Mg(OH)₂, CPT lipophilicity, and drug loading. Two techniques were developed to assess the microclimate pH, including: i) measurement of H⁺ content of the dissolved microspheres in an 80:20 acetonitrile/H₂O mixture and ii) confocal microscopy of an encapsulated pH-sensitive dye, fluorescein. Results. The encapsulated carboxylate converted rapidly to the lactone after exposure to the release media, indicating the lactone is favored at equilibrium in the microspheres. Upon co-encapsulation of Mg(OH)₂, the trend was reversed, i.e., the lactone rapidly converted to the carboxylate form. Measurement of -log(hydronium ion activity) (pa*_H) of dissolved microspheres with pH-electrode and pH mapping with fluorescein revealed the presence of an acidic microclimate. From the measurements of H+ and water contents of particles hydrated for 3 days, a microclimate pH was estimated to be in the neighborhood of 1.8. The co-encapsulation of Mg(OH)₂ could both increase the pa*_H reading and neutralize pH in various regions of the microsphere interior. Varying the drug lipophilicity and loading revealed that the precipitation of the lactone could also stabilize CPT. Conclusions. PLGA microspheres prepared by the standard solvent evaporation techniques develop an acidic microclimate that stabilizes the lactone form of CPTs. This microclimate may be neutralized by co-encapsulating a base such as Mg(OH)₂, as suggested by previous work with poly(ortho esters) (2).     

Fluphenazine release from biodegradable microparticles: Characterization and modelling of release

Abstract

The release of actives encapsulated in biodegradable poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA)-based microparticles may be diffusion controlled, dependent on polymer degradation, or may occur by a combination of drug diffusion and polymer degradation. This report applies a model, describing combined diffusional and polymer degradation-assisted drug release, to quantify the release of fluphenazine HCl (F-HCl) from PLGA microspheres. Parameters for the release process showed that both the initial drug release phase and the polymer controlled drug release phase were dependent on the F-HCl loading of the microspheres. The percentage drug released in the burst phase and the length of the lag phase were dependent on F-HCl loading. In the degradation controlled release phase, drug release was faster the higher the loading, as shown by the decrease in t_max from 27 to 10 days, as F-HCl loadings increased from 4.2 to 16.6%w/w. The presence of F-HCl was found to catalyse the degradation of PLGA polymer during particle manufacture and during dissolution. When compared to drug free microspheres, F-HCl accelerated PLGA degradation as shown by the ～5-fold increase in both PLGA degradation rate constant (k) and reduction in t_max.     

Formulation and Characterization of Injectable Poly(<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">dl</Emphasis>-lactide-<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">co</Emphasis>-glycolide) Implants Loaded with N-Acetylcysteine,a MMP Inhibitor

Purpose The objective of this study was to develop poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) injectable implants (i.e., millicylinders) with microencapsulated N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for site-specific controlled NAC release, for potential chemopreventive applications in persons with previously excised head and neck cancers. Methods PLGA 50:50 (i.v. = 0.57 dl/g) implants with 1–10 wt% NAC free acid or 10 wt% NAC salts (NAC–Na⁺, NAC–Mg²⁺ and NAC–Ca²⁺) were prepared by solvent extrusion and/or fluid energy micronization (FEM) methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies were performed to evaluate the physical mixing of NAC with PLGA. PLGA implant degradation was studied by kinetics of polymer molecular weight decline (gel permeation chromatography) and mass loss. Release studies were conducted in N₂ purged PBS (pH 7.4) at 37°C in evacuated and sealed ampoules. NAC was quantified by HPLC at 210 nm. Results XRD, SEM and DSC studies indicated that NAC had dissolved in the polymer phase at 1–3.5% w/w loading, but became discretely suspended in the polymer at 6–10% w/w. Initial burst and long-term release rate increased with increased drug loading, and release was uncharacteristically rapid at higher loading (6–10% w/w). The cause of the rapid release was linked to extensive plasticization, matrix porosity and general acid catalysis of PLGA degradation caused by the NAC free acid. PLGA millicylinders loaded with 10% w/w NAC–Ca²⁺ and NAC–Mg²⁺salts exhibited reduced burst (34 vs 13–22% release within a day of incubation for NAC free acid vs NAC–Ca²⁺ and NAC–Mg²⁺salts, respectively) and slow and continuous complete release over 4 weeks without significant NAC-catalyzed degradation of PLGA. Release of NAC from NAC–Ca²⁺/PLGA implant was slower than that of NAC–Mg²⁺/PLGA consistent with the lower solubility of the former salt. NAC with its free thiol was rapidly converted to its cystine dimer in the presence of molecular oxygen. PLGA released samples in sealed and evacuated ampoules indicated >80% parent NAC remaining after the 1 month release analysis irrespective of initial NAC free acid and salt forms. Conclusion By encapsulating the NAC–Mg²⁺ and NAC–Ca²⁺ salts in PLGA implants, the high initial burst, short release duration, and the general acid catalysis caused by the NAC free acid were each prevented and 1-month slow and continuous release was attained with minimal instability of the free thiol group.     

Kinetics of a Model Nucleoside (Guanosine) Release from Biodegradable Poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) Microspheres: A Delivery System for Long-Term Intraocular Delivery

The objective of this study was to prepare poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) microspheres containing guanosine as a model drug for intraocular administration. Microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation technique using o/w emulsion system. The influence of composition and molecular weight of PLGA, drug loading efficiency, microsphere size, and in vitro and in vivo release rates were determined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FTIR studies were conducted to examine the guanosine–polymer interaction. In vitro release studies indicated that the permeant release from microspheres exhibits an initial burst followed by slow first-order kinetics. Ascending molecular weights of the polymers generated progressively slower release rates. Three different sizes of microspheres were prepared. The release continued for 7 days with a maximum of 70% of the content released within that time period. DSC and FTIR studies showed no polymer–guanosine interaction. A novel microdialysis technique was used to examine the initial release kinetics from microspheres in isolated vitreous humor. This technique was also employed to observe in vivo intravitreal release in albino rabbits. A good correlation exists between in vitro and in vivo release rates from both 75 and 140 kDa PLGA microspheres. Guanosine-loaded microspheres could be prepared for once-a-week intravitreal injection with minimum required concentration maintained throughout the dosing interval. Because the structural and solubility characteristics of guanosine are similar to those of acyclovir and ganciclovir (two acycloguanosine analogues effective against herpes simplex virus [HSV-1] and cytomegalovirus [CMV], respectively), similar biodegradable polymer-based microsphere technology can be employed for the long-term intraocular delivery of these two drugs.     

Release optimization of epidermal growth factor from PLGA microparticles

Abstract

The objective of this study was to prepare poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based microparticles as potential carriers for recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF). In order to optimize characteristic parameters of protein-loaded microspheres, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was selected as the model protein. To reduce burst release as a common problem of microspheres, a proper alteration in the particle composition was used, such as addition of poly vinyl alcohol and changes in initial drug loading. The effects of these parameters on particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release kinetics of BSA in PLGA microspheres were investigated using a Box–Behnken response surface methodology. The biological activity of the released rhEGF was assessed using human skin fibroblasts cell proliferation assay. The prepared rhEGF-loaded microspheres had an average size of 6.44?±?2.45?µm, encapsulation efficiency of 97.04?±?1.13%, burst release of 13.06?±?1.35% and cumulative release of 22.56?±?2.41%. The proliferation of human skin fibroblast cells cultivated with rhEGF releasate of microspheres was similar to that of pure rhEGF, indicating the biological activity of released protein confirming the stability of rhEGF during microsphere preparation. These results are in agreement with the purpose of our study to prepare rhEGF-entrapped PLGA microparticles with optimized characteristics.     

Preparation and Characterization of Poly (D,L-Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Microspheres for Controlled Release of Poly(L-Lysine) Complexed Plasmid DNA

Purpose. To produce and characterize controlled release formulations of plasmid DNA (pDNA) loaded in poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres both in free form and as a complex with poly (L-lysine). Methods. Poly (L-lysine) (PLL) was used to form pDNA/PLL complexes with complexation ratio of 1:0.125 and 1:0.333 w/w to enhance the stability of pDNA during microsphere preparation and protect pDNA from nuclease attack. pDNA structure, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, in vitro release properties, and protection from DNase I were studied. Results. The microspheres were found to be spherical with average particle size of 3.1-3.5 m. Drug loading of 0.6% was targeted. Incorporation efficiencies of 35.1% and 29.4-30.6% were obtained for pDNA and pDNA/PLL loaded microspheres respectively. Overall, pDNA release kinetics following the initial burst did not correlate with blank microsphere polymer degradation profile suggesting that pDNA release is convective diffusion controlled. The percentage of supercoiled pDNA in the pDNA and pDNA/PLL loaded microspheres was 16.6 % and 76.7-85.6% respectively. Unencapsulated pDNA and pDNA/PLL degraded completely within 30 minutes upon the addition of DNase I. Encapsulation of DNA/PLL in PLGA microspheres protected pDNA from enzymatic degradation. Conclusions. The results show that using a novel process, pDNA can be stabilized and encapsulated in PLGA microspheres to protect pDNA from enzymatic degradation.     

Preparation and Characterization of a Composite PLGA and Poly(Acryloyl Hydroxyethyl Starch) Microsphere System for Protein Delivery

Purpose. To prepare and characterize a novel composite microsphere system based on poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(acryloyl hydroxyethyl starch) (acHES) hydrogel for controlled protein delivery. Methods. Model proteins, bovine serum albumin, and horseradish peroxidase were encapsulated in the acHES hydrogel, and then the protein-containing acHES hydrogel particles were fabricated in the PLGA matrix by a solvent extraction or evaporation method. The protein-loaded PLGA-acHES composite microspheres were characterized for protein loading efficiency, particle size, and in vitro protein release. Protein stability was examined by size-exclusion chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and monitoring the enzymatic activity. Results. Scanning electron microscopy showed discrete PLGA microspheres containing many acHES particles. The composite microspheres were spherical and smooth in size range of 39-93 m. The drug loading efficiency ranged from 51 to 101%. The composite microspheres showed more favorable in vitro release than conventional PLGA microspheres. The composite microspheres showed 20% less initial with a gradual sustained release compared to high burst (60%) followed by a very slow release with the conventional PLGA microspheres. The composite microspheres also stabilized encapsulated proteins from the loss of activity during the microsphere preparation and release. Proteins extracted from the composite microspheres showed good stability without protein degradation products and structural integrity changes in the size-exclusion chromatography and SDS-PAGE analyses. Horseradish peroxidase extracted from microspheres retained more than 81% enzymatic activity. Conclusion. The PLGA-acHES composite microsphere system could be useful for the controlled delivery of protein drugs.     

Effect of Polymer Blending on the Release of Ganciclovir from PLGA Microspheres

Purpose The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of polymer blending on entrapment and release of ganciclovir (GCV) from poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres using a set of empirical equations. Methods Two grades of PLGA, PLGA 7525 [d,l-lactide:glycolide(75:25), MW 90,000–126,000 Da] and Resomer RG 502H [d,l-lactide:glycolide(50:50), MW 8000 Da], were employed in the preparation of PLGA microspheres. Five sets of microsphere batches were prepared with two pure polymers and their 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 blends. Drug entrapment, surface morphology, particle size analysis, drug release, and differential scanning calorimetric studies were performed. In vitro drug-release data were fitted to a set of empirical sigmoidal equations by nonlinear regression analysis that could effectively predict various parameters that characterize both diffusion and degradation cum diffusion-controlled release phases of GCV. Results Entrapment efficiencies of GCV ranged from 47 to 73%. Higher amounts of GCV were entrapped in polymer blend microspheres relative to individual polymers. Triphasic GCV release profiles were observed, which consisted of both diffusion and degradation cum diffusion-controlled phases. In vitro GCV release was shortest for Resomer RG 502H microsphere (10 days) and longest for PLGA 7525 microspheres (90 days). Upon blending, the duration of release gradually decreased as the content of Resomer RG 502H in the matrix was raised. Equations effectively estimated the drug-release rate constants during both the phases with high R² values (>0.990). GCV release was slower from the blend microsphere during the initial diffusion phase. Majority of entrapped drug (70–95%) was released during the matrix degradation cum diffusion phase. Conclusions Drug entrapment and release parameters estimated by the equations indicate more efficient matrix packing between PLGA 7525 and Resomer RG 502H in polymer-blended microspheres. The overall duration of drug release diminishes with rising content of Resomer RG 502H in the matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry studies indicate stronger binding between the polymers in the PLGA 7525/Resomer RG 502H∷ 3:1 blend. Polymer blending can effectively alter drug-release rates of controlled delivery systems in the absence of any additives.     

The Stabilization and Encapsulation of Human Growth Hormone into Biodegradable Microspheres

Purpose. To produce and evaluate sustained-acting formulations of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) made by a novel microencapsulation process. Methods. The protein was stabilized by forming an insoluble complex with zinc and encapsulated into microspheres of poly (D,L-lactide co-glycolide) (PLGA) which differed in polymer molecular weight (8–3 1kD), polymer end group, and zinc content. The encapsulation procedure was cryogenic, non-aqueous, and did not utilize surfactants or emulsification. The rhGH extracted from each of these microsphere formulations was analyzed by size-exclusion, ion-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, peptide mapping, and cell proliferation of a cell line expressing the hGH receptor. In addition, the in vivorelease profile was determined after subcutaneous administration of the microspheres to rats and juvenile rhesus monkeys. Results. Protein and bioactivity analyses of the rhGH extracted from three different microsphere formulations showed that the encapsulated protein was unaltered relative to the protein before encapsulation. In vivo, microsphere administration to rats or monkeys induced elevated levels of serum rhGH for up to one month, more than 20-fold longer than was induced by the same amount of protein injected subcutaneously as a solution. The rate of protein release differed between the three microsphere formulations and was determined by the molecular weight and hydrophobicity of the PLGA. The serum rhGH profile, after three sequential monthly doses of the one formulation examined, was reproducible and showed no dose accumulation. Conclusions. Using a novel process, rhGH can be stabilized and encapsulated in a solid state into PLGA microspheres and released with unaltered properties at different rates.     

A novel approach to stabilization of protein drugs in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres using agarose hydrogel

A novel approach has been taken to stabilize protein drugs in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. This approach creates a new protein drug delivery system, which is based on the combination of agarose hydrogel particles and PLGA microspheres. This combination produces a heterogeneously structured polymeric composite. The protein drug molecules are encapsulated in the agarose hydrogel particles and the drug-containing agarose hydrogel particles are further dispersed in the PLGA microspheres. One PLGA microsphere may contain many agarose hydrogel particles to form a PLGA–agarose composite microsphere. The PLGA–agarose composite microspheres have spherical shape and a smooth surface. They possess a normal or Gaussian size distribution and an average diameter of 150 μm. The PLGA–agarose composite microspheres have higher protein loading efficiency than that of the conventional PLGA microspheres. The hydration of the PLGA–agarose composite microsphere matrix is faster than that of the conventional PLGA microspheres. Protein drugs can be slowly released from the PLGA–agarose composite microspheres. The agarose hydrogel particles can stabilize protein drugs in the PLGA matrix, which is the major advantage of this novel protein drug delivery system over the conventional PLGA microspheres.     

Preparation and in Vitro/in Vivo Evaluation of Insulin-Loaded Poly(Acryloyl-Hydroxyethyl Starch)-PLGA Composite Microspheres

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel composite microsphere delivery system composed of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(acryloyl hydroxyethyl starch) (acryloyl derivatized HES; AcHES) hydrogel using bovine insulin as a model therapeutic protein. Methods. Insulin was incorporated into the AcHES hydrogel microparticles by a swelling technique, and then the insulin-containing AcHES microparticles were encapsulated in a PLGA matrix using a solvent extraction/evaporation method. The composite microspheres were characterized for loading efficiency, particle size, and in vitro protein release. Protein stability was examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The hydrogel dispersion process was optimized to reduce the burst effect of microspheres and avoid hypoglycemic shock in the animal studies in which the serum glucose and insulin levels as well as animal body weight were monitored using a diabetic animal model. Results. Both the drug incorporation efficiency and the in vitro release profiles were found to depend upon the preparation conditions. Sonication effectively dispersed the hydrogel particles in the PLGA polymer solution, and the higher energy resulted in microspheres with a lower burst and sustained in vitro release. Average size of the microspheres was around 22 m and the size distribution was not influenced by sonication level. High-performance liquid chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, along with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed the retention of insulin stability in the microspheres. Subcutaneous administration of microspheres provided glucose suppression <200 mg/dL for 810 days with hyperglycemia recurring by day 16. During the treatment, the time points with higher serum insulin level were consistent with a more significant glucose suppression. The microsphere-treated rats also grew virtually at the same rate as normal control until the insulin level declined and hyperglycemia returned. Multiple dosing given every 10 days demonstrated that the pharmacological effect and serum insulin levels from second or third doses were similar and comparable to that of the first dose. Conclusion. The AcHES-PLGA composite microsphere system provides satisfactory in vitro and in vivo sustained release performance for a model protein, insulin, to achieve 10-day glucose suppression.     

Effects of formulation factors on encapsulation efficiency and release behaviour in vitro of huperzine A-PLGA microspheres

To develop a long-acting injectable huperzine A-PLGA microsphere for the chronic therapy of Alzheimer's disease, the microsphere was prepared by using an o/w emulsion solvent extraction evaporation method based on a series of formulation design of the emulsion. The dialysis method was used for release analysis. The encapsulation efficiency and release amount of the microspheres were determined by a UV/VIS spectrophotometer. The morphology of the microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The distribution of the drug within microspheres was observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The results indicated that the PLGA 15?000 microspheres possessed a smooth and round appearance with average particle size of 50?µm or so. The encapsulation percentages of microspheres prepared from PLGA 15?000, 20?000 and 30?000 were 62.75%, 27.52% and 16.63%, respectively. The drug release percentage during the first day decreased from 22.52% of PLGA 30?000 microspheres to 3.97% of PLGA 15?000 microspheres, the complete release could be prolonged to 3 weeks. The initial burst release of microspheres with higher molecular weight PLGA could be explained by the inhomogeneous distribution of drug within microspheres. The encapsulation efficiency of the microspheres improved as the polymer concentration increased in the oil phase and PVA concentration decreased in the aqueous phase. The burst release could be controlled by reducing the polymer concentration. Evaporation temperature had a large effect on the drug release profiles. It had better be controlled under 30°C. Within a certain range of particle size, encapsulation efficiency decreased and drug release rate increased with the reducing of the particle size.     

Utilization of an Amorphous Form of a Water-Soluble GPIIb/IIIa Antagonist for Controlled Release from Biodegradable Microspheres

Purpose. We prepared injectable microspheres for controlled release of TAK-029, a water-soluble GPIIb/IIIa antagonist and discussed the characteristics of controlled release from microspheres. Methods. Copoly(dl-lactic/glycolic)acid (PLGA) microspheres were used for controlled release of TAK-029 [4-(4-amidinobenzoylglycyl)-3-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxopiperazine-l-acetic acid]. They were prepared with a solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) emulsion solvent evaporation technique using either a crystalline form or an amorphous form of the drug. Results. An amorphous form of TAK-029 gave more homogeneous S/O dispersion and higher viscosity than its crystalline form when added to dichloromethane solution of PLGA, resulting in a high drug entrapment into microspheres and a well-controlled release of the drug. Additions of sodium chloride into an external aqueous phase and L-arginine into an oil phase also increased entrapment of the drug, and reduced initial burst of the drug from the microspheres. The micro-spheres demonstrated a desirable plasma level profile in therapeutic range (20–100 ng/ml) for 3 weeks in rats after single subcutaneous injection. Conclusions. A well-controlled release of TAK-029, a water-soluble neutral drug, with small initial burst was achieved by utilizing its amorphous form as a result of possible interaction with PLGA and L-arginine.     

The Stability of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) Microspheres

Purpose. The development of a sustained release formulation for recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) as well as other proteins requires that the protein be stable at physiological conditions during its in vivo lifetime. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres may provide an excellent sustained release formulation for proteins, if protein stability can be maintained. Methods. rhGH was encapsulated in PLGA microspheres using a double emulsion process. Protein released from the microspheres was assessed by several chromatrographic assays, circular dichroism, and a cell-based bioassay. The rates of aggregation, oxidation, diketopiperazine formation, and deamidation were then determined for rhGH released from PLGA microspheres and rhGH in solution (control) during incubation in isotonic buffer, pH 7.4 and 37°C. Results. rhGH PLGA formulations were produced with a low initial burst (<20%) and a continuous release of rhGH for 30 days. rhGH was released initially from PLGA microspheres in its native form as measured by several assays. In isotonic buffer, pH 7.4 and 37°C, the rates of rhGH oxidation, diketopiperazine formation, and deamidation in the PLGA microspheres were equivalent to the rhGH in solution, but aggregation (dimer formation) occured at a slightly faster rate for protein released from the PLGA microspheres. This difference in aggregation rate was likely due to the high protein concentration used in the encapsulation process. The rhGH released was biologically active throughout the incubation at these conditions which are equivalent to physiological ionic strength and pH. Conclusions. rhGH was successfully encapsulated and released in its fully bioactive form from PLGA microspheres over 30 days. The chemical degradation rates of rhGH were not affected by the PLGA microspheres, indicating that the internal environment of the microspheres was similar to the bulk solution. After administration, the microspheres should become fully hydrated in the subcutaneous space and should experience similar isotonic conditions and pH. Therefore, if a protein formulation provides stability in isotonic buffer, pH 7.4 and 37°C, it should allow for a safe and efficacious sustained release dosage form in PLGA microspheres.     

Formulation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of terbutaline sulphate incorporated in PLGA (25/75) and L-PLA microspheres

Terbutaline sulphate (TBS) is widely used in the treatment of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Because of its short biological half life and dosing schedule, a long acting TBS formulation is required to improve patient compliance. The objective of this study was to develop a TBS containing biodegradable microsphere formulation. Poly(D, L-lactide-co-glyco-lide) (PLGA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (L-PLA) were chosen as matrix materials. A solvent evaporation method was used for preparation of microspheres. Surface morphology, particle size distribution and encapsulation efficiency were investigated. In vitro release studies were performed in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. In vivo distribution of microspheres were studied in the Swiss albino male mice. All microspheres were spherical in shape and had a porous surface with mean diameters of 9–21 μm. The encapsulation efficiency was influenced by the polymer type, but not the molecular weight. About 90% of the initial amount was trapped in PLGA microspheres, and the remainder was on the surface. In the case of L-PLA, 50% of the total drug was associated with the surface of microspheres. The in vitro release pattern was biphasic characterized by an initial burst phase followed by a slower phase. The L-PLA microspheres released ～92% of the initial payload in 72 h. On the other hand, TBS release was increased with an increase in the molecular weight of PLGA. Biodistribution of L-PLA microspheres was characterized by an initially high uptake (35%) by the lungs. All these results suggest that L-PLA and PLGA microspheres have the potential to be used for passive lung targeting.     

Comparative study of some biodegradable polymers on the entrapment efficiency and release behavior of etoposide from microspheres

Etoposide-loaded biodegradable microspheres of poly lactic-co-glycolide (PLGA) 50:50, PLGA 75:25, and polycaprolactone (PCL) were prepared by simple o/w emulsification solvent evaparation method and characterized by size analysis and microscopy. The influence of drug to polymer ratio on the entrapment of etoposide was studied. Of all the three types of microspheres, polycaprolactone microspheres (PCL MS) showed the highest entrapment efficiency (94.64%), followed by PLGA 75:25 microspheres (PLGA 75:25 MS) (88.64%) and PLGA 50:50 microspheres (PLGA 50:50 MS) (79.19%). The drug to polymer ratio of 1:20 gave the highest entrapment efficiency for all the three types of microspheres. The in vitro release of etoposide from the three microsphere formulations were studied in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 (pH 7.4 PB) containing 0.1% Tween 80. The microspheres showed an initial burst release, which was highest from the PLGA 50:50 MS and least from the PCL MS. PCL MS microspheres showed the lower and slow drug release than the remaining formulations. The release of etoposide from all the three microsphere formulations followed Higuchi's diffusion pattern. The microspheres in the dissolution medium for 28 days appeared irregular in shape and slightly fragmented.     

Effects of formulation factors on encapsulation efficiency and release behaviour in vitro of huperzine A-PLGA microspheres

To develop a long-acting injectable huperzine A-PLGA microsphere for the chronic therapy of Alzheimer's disease, the microsphere was prepared by using o/w emulsion solvent extraction evaporation method based on a series of formulation design of the emulsion. The dialysis method was used for release analysis. The encapsulation efficiency and release amount of the microspheres were determined by UV/VIS spectrophotometry. The morphology of the microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The distribution of the drug within microspheres was observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The results indicated that the PLGA 15 000 microspheres possessed a smooth and round appearance with average particle size of 50 microm or so. The encapsulation percentages of microspheres prepared from PLGA 15 000, 20 000 and 30 000 were 62.75, 27.52 and 16.63%, respectively. The drug release percentage during the first day decreased from 22.52% of PLGA 30 000 microspheres to 3.97% of PLGA 15 000 microspheres, the complete release could be prolonged to 3 weeks. The initial burst release of microspheres with higher molecular weight PLGA could be explained by the inhomogeneous distribution of drug within microspheres. The encapsulation efficiency of the microspheres improved as the polymer concentration increase in oil phase and PVA concentration decreased in aqueous phase. The burst release could be controlled by reducing the polymer concentration. Evaporation temperature had a large effect on the drug release profiles. It had better be controlled under 30 degrees C. Within a certain range of particle size, encapsulation efficiency decreased and drug release rate increased with the reducing of the particle size.     

Effects of formulation factors on encapsulation efficiency and release behaviour in vitro of huperzine A-PLGA microspheres

To develop a long-acting injectable huperzine A-PLGA microsphere for the chronic therapy of Alzheimer's disease, the microsphere was prepared by using an o/w emulsion solvent extraction evaporation method based on a series of formulation design of the emulsion. The dialysis method was used for release analysis. The encapsulation efficiency and release amount of the microspheres were determined by a UV/VIS spectrophotometer. The morphology of the microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The distribution of the drug within microspheres was observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The results indicated that the PLGA 15,000 microspheres possessed a smooth and round appearance with average particle size of 50 microm or so. The encapsulation percentages of microspheres prepared from PLGA 15,000, 20,000 and 30,000 were 62.75%, 27.52% and 16.63%, respectively. The drug release percentage during the first day decreased from 22.52% of PLGA 30,000 microspheres to 3.97% of PLGA 15,000 microspheres, the complete release could be prolonged to 3 weeks. The initial burst release of microspheres with higher molecular weight PLGA could be explained by the inhomogeneous distribution of drug within microspheres. The encapsulation efficiency of the microspheres improved as the polymer concentration increased in the oil phase and PVA concentration decreased in the aqueous phase. The burst release could be controlled by reducing the polymer concentration. Evaporation temperature had a large effect on the drug release profiles. It had better be controlled under 30 degrees C. Within a certain range of particle size, encapsulation efficiency decreased and drug release rate increased with the reducing of the particle size.     

Characterization of Poly(glycolide-co-D,L-lactide)/Poly(D,L-lactide) Microspheres for Controlled Release of GM-CSF

Purpose. This study describes the preparation and characterization of a controlled release formulation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) encapsulated in poly(glycolide-co-D,L-lactide) (PLGA) and poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) microspheres. Methods. GM-CSF was encapsulated in PLGA/PLA microspheres by a novel silicone oil based phase separation process. Several different blends of PLGA and low molecular weight PLA were used to prepare the microspheres. The microspheres and the encapsulated GM-CSF were extensively characterized both in vitroand in vivo. Results. Steady release of GM-CSF was achieved over a period of about one week without significant 'burst' of protein from the microspheres. Analysis of microsphere degradation kinetics by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated that low molecular weight PLA enhanced the degradation of the PLGA and thereby affected release kinetics. GM-CSF released from the microspheres was found to be biologically active and physically intact by bioassay and chromato-graphic analysis. Analysis of serum from mice receiving huGM-CSF indicated that the GM-CSF was biologically active and that a concentration of greater than 10 ng/mL was maintained for a period lasting at least nine days. MuGM-CSF was not detected followingin vivo administration of muGM-CSF microspheres. The tissues of mice receiving muGM-CSF microspheres were characterized by infiltration of neutrophils, and macrophages which were in significant excess of those found in mice administered with placebo controls (i.e. microspheres without GM-CSF). Conclusions. This study demonstrates the influence of formulation parameters on the encapsulation of GM-CSF in PLGA/PLA microspheres and its controlled release in biologically active form. The intense local tissue reaction in mice to muGM-CSF microspheres demonstrates the importance of the mode of delivery on the pharmacologic activity of GM-CSF.