Effects of formulation parameters on encapsulation efficiency and release behavior of thienorphine loaded PLGA microspheres

To develop a long-acting injectable thienorphine biodegradable poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microsphere for the therapy of opioid addiction, the effects of formulation parameters on encapsulation efficiency and release behavior were studied. The thienorphine loaded PLGA microspheres were prepared by o/w solvent evaporation method and characterized by HPLC, SEM, laser particle size analysis, residual solvent content and sterility testing. The microspheres were sterilized by gamma irradiation (2.5 kGy). The results indicated that the morphology of the thienorphine PLGA microspheres presented a spherical shape with smooth surface, the particle size was distributed from 30.19?±?1.17 to 59.15?±?0.67μm and the drug encapsulation efficiency was influenced by drug/polymer ratio, homogeneous rotation speed, PVA concentration in the water phase and the polymer concentration in the oil phase. These changes were also reflected in drug release. The plasma drug concentration vs. time profiles were relatively smooth for about 25 days after injection of the thienorphine loaded PLGA microspheres to beagle dogs. In vitro and in vivo correlation was established.     

Effects of gamma-irradiation on trehalose-hydroxyethylcellulose microspheres loaded with vancomycin.

Ionizing radiation can be used as a drug sterilization technique, provided that the drug itself is not modified and that no toxic products are produced; moreover, if the irradiated product is a drug delivery system, the drug release characteristics must not be significantly altered by radiation. The aim of this work was to study the effects of sterilization by ionizing radiation on hydroxyethylcellulose/trehalose spherical micromatrices, containing the antibiotic vancomycin. Our experimental results showed that gamma-rays did not alter the chromophore groups of vancomycin (UV measurements), and did not modify the kinetic behavior of drug release from microspheres. Moreover, no significant changes in the shape and in the size distribution of microspheres were found after irradiation. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was proven to be a valid identification method of the executed radiation treatment, even after 5 years. The experimental results showed that the therapeutic application of the pharmacological system investigated was not compromised by irradiation, and that ESR spectroscopy can be used to distinguish irradiated from non-irradiated products.     

Enhanced targeting efficiency of PLGA microspheres loaded with Lornoxicam for intra-articular administration

Owing to its rationale of targeting the drug to the site of action and minimizing systemic toxic effects of the drug, intra-articular drug delivery system has gained growing interests. In this study, emphasis was placed on intra-articular Lornoxicam -loaded PLGA microspheres (Lnxc-PLGA-MS) preparation and improving the targeting of lornoxicam (Lnxc) in knee joint. The microspheres were prepared by a process involving solid-in-oil-in-water(S/O/W) emulsion, and evaluated for physicochemical properties. Joint cavity′s drug leakage into systemic circulation in rabbits was examined to define the drug stagnation. Meanwhile, drug retention in synovial fluid in rats was investigated to further validate the drug targeting. The microspheres were spherical as evidenced by the SEM photographs with mean size of 7.47μm, and encapsulation efficiency was observed 82.22% along with drug loading 12.17%. DSC revealed that the drug in the microspheres existed in the phase of uncrystallization. The formulated microspheres could prolong the drug release up to 32 days in vitro. Comparing with animals injected with lornoxicam solution, the plasma drug concentration decreased in rabbits and retention time increased in rats’ synovial fluid with intra-articular injections of microspheres, revealing good targeting efficiency. In conclusion, PLGA microspheres could be used to deliver lornoxicam following intra-articular administration for enhancing targeting efficiency.     

Enhanced targeting efficiency of PLGA microspheres loaded with Lornoxicam for intra-articular administration

Owing to its rationale of targeting the drug to the site of action and minimizing systemic toxic effects of the drug, intra-articular drug delivery system has gained growing interests. In this study, emphasis was placed on intra-articular Lornoxicam-loaded PLGA microspheres (Lnxc-PLGA-MS) preparation and improving the targeting of lornoxicam (Lnxc) in knee joint. The microspheres were prepared by a process involving solid-in-oil-in-water(S/O/W) emulsion, and evaluated for physicochemical properties. Joint cavity's drug leakage into systemic circulation in rabbits was examined to define the drug stagnation. Meanwhile, drug retention in synovial fluid in rats was investigated to further validate the drug targeting. The microspheres were spherical as evidenced by the SEM photographs with mean size of 7.47 μm, and encapsulation efficiency was observed 82.22% along with drug loading 12.17%. DSC revealed that the drug in the microspheres existed in the phase of uncrystallization. The formulated microspheres could prolong the drug release up to 32 days in vitro. Comparing with animals injected with lornoxicam solution, the plasma drug concentration decreased in rabbits and retention time increased in rats' synovial fluid with intra-articular injections of microspheres, revealing good targeting efficiency. In conclusion, PLGA microspheres could be used to deliver lornoxicam following intra-articular administration for enhancing targeting efficiency.     

同时包载孕二烯酮和炔雌醇的PLGA微球的制备

目的探索制备皮下注射用孕二烯酮/炔雌醇复方微球的可行性。方法以乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物共聚物(PLGA)为载体材料,孕二烯酮、炔雌醇为模型药物,采用乳化溶剂挥发法制备皮下注射用复方微球,观察微球表面形态,检测所制微球的稳定性,检测微球的有机溶剂残留和体外释放特性。结果所得微球中孕二烯酮和炔雌醇的包封率分别为(69.9±6.6)%和(60.5±1.5)%;微球形态良好,粒径分布窄,平均粒径为(65.62±4.56)μm;微球中有机溶剂残留为(154.84±16.84)mg.L-1;体外释放过程中,2种药物能够持续稳定释放30 d,两药的体外释放行为符合Weibull方程,孕二烯酮和炔雌醇的释药方程分别为:ln[ln1/(1-F(t)]=0.625 8lnt-1.826(r=0.992 1)和:ln[ln1/(1-F(t)]=0.855 2lnt-2.850 1(r=0.991 4);制备的微球在高温、光照条件下均不稳定,在常温下长时间放置也不稳定,但在避光冷藏条件下稳定。结论所用制备工艺稳定,微球包封率较高,粒度均匀,有机溶剂残留符合国家标准,释药平稳,释药时间较长,可以进行进一步的体内研究。     

Radiosterilisation of indomethacin PLGA/PEG-derivative microspheres: protective effects of low temperature during gamma-irradiation

Currently, gamma-irradiation seems to be a good method for sterilising drug delivery systems made from biodegradable polymers. The gamma-irradiation of microspheres can cause several physicochemical changes in the polymeric matrix. These modifications are affected by the temperature, irradiation dose and nature of the encapsulated drug and additives. This study has aimed to evaluate the influence of temperature during the sterilisation process by gamma irradiation in indomethacin PLGA microspheres including a PEG-derivative. Microspheres were prepared by the solvent evaporation method from o/w emulsion and were then exposed to gamma-irradiation. A dose of 25 kGy was used to ensure effective sterilisation. Some microspheres were sterilised with dry ice protection that guaranteed a low temperature during the process whilst others were sterilised without such dry ice protection. The effects of gamma-irradiation on the characteristics of non-loaded PLGA/PEG-derivative and indomethacin loaded PLGA/PEG-derivative microspheres with and without protection were studied. Non-protected microspheres showed changes in their morphological surface, polymer glass transition temperature, molecular weight and release rate of indomethacin after sterilisation. However, microspheres sterilised with protection did not show significant differences after gamma-irradiation exposure. The sterilisation method was satisfactory when the indomethacin loaded microspheres including a PEG-derivative were exposed to gamma-irradiation at low temperature.     

Effect of WOW process parameters on morphology and burst release of FITC-dextran loaded PLGA microspheres

Using fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled dextran (FITC-dextran 40, FD40) as a hydrophilic model compound, microspheres were prepared by a WOW double emulsion technique. Influence of process parameters on microsphere morphology and burst release of FD40 from PLGA microspheres was studied. Internal morphology of microspheres was investigated by stereological method via cryo-cutting technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Drug distribution in microspheres was observed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Polymer nature (RG503 and RG503H) had significant influence on the micro-morphology of microspheres. Increase in continuous water phase volume (W2) led to increased surface porosity but decreased internal porosity. By increasing PVA concentration in the continuous phase from 0.1 to 1%, particle size changed marginally but burst release decreased from 12.2 to 5.9%. Internal porosity of microspheres decreased considerably with increasing polymer concentration. Increase in homogenization speed during the primary emulsion preparation led to decreased internal porosity. Burst release decreased with increasing drug loading but increased with drug molecular weight. Drug distribution in microspheres depended on preparation method. The porosity of microspheres decreased with time in the diffusion stage, but internal morphology had no influence on the release behavior in the bioerosion stage. In summary, surface porosity and internal morphology play a significant role in the release of hydrophilic macromolecules from biodegradable microspheres in the initial release phase characterized by pore diffusion.     

包埋PLGA微球壳聚糖支架的构建及其对蛋白释放的调节

目的制备能缓慢释放蛋白类药物的细胞生长支架。方法采用冷冻干燥制备壳聚糖支架，测定支架的孔隙率和吸水率。以牛血清白蛋白(BSA)为模型药物，制备乳酸-羟乙醇酸共聚物(PLGA)微球，并包埋于壳聚糖支架中，用扫描电镜观察微球和支架的形态，考察药物在各种支架上的体外释放。结果壳聚糖支架为多孔结构，当预冻温度为-70 ℃时，支架的孔隙率和吸水率分别为78.6%±1.5%和85.1%±6.2%。PLGA微球能够较均匀地覆在壳聚糖支架上。单用壳聚糖支架，BSA在24 h累积释放达90%以上，制成PLGA微球后，再包埋于壳聚糖支架中，则药物释放明显缓慢，168 h的累积释放量为33.5%。通过改变壳聚糖的用量和PLGA材料的型号，可以调控药物在复合支架上的释放。结论包埋PLGA微球的壳聚糖支架有望用于组织工程的支架材料和生长因子的缓慢释放。     

Insulin loaded PLGA microspheres: effect of zinc salts on encapsulation, release, and stability

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of three zinc salts (i.e., zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, and zinc acetate) on insulin encapsulation efficiency (EE), stability, and in vitro release kinetics from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. Microspheres were prepared by water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion solvent evaporation technique and characterized. Integrity of the encapsulated insulin and stability of the released insulin was assessed using a wide range of comprehensive analytical techniques. The EE of the formulation prepared without the addition of a zinc salt was 69%, the secondary structure of the encapsulated insulin in this formulation was found to be altered. Further, desamido insulin and aggregates were observed during in vitro release. When insulin was encapsulated with a zinc salt, EE increased significantly, secondary structure was unaltered, and no degradation or aggregation products were found. Initial burst release and release kinetics were markedly changed with the addition of zinc salts. More than 87% of the encapsulated insulin was released over a 2-week period with the addition of a zinc salt. In conclusion, zinc salts can be useful to increase the EE and stability of insulin in PLGA microspheres prepared by w/o/w technique.     

γ-Irradiation effects on biopharmaceutical properties of PLGA microspheres loaded with SPf66 synthetic vaccine

Gamma-irradiation is currently the method of choice for terminal sterilization of drug delivery systems made from biodegradable polymers. However, the consequences of gamma-sterilization on the immune response induced by microencapsulated antigens have not yet been reported in the literature. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of gamma-irradiation on the biopharmaceutical properties of PLGA microspheres containing SPf66 malarial antigen. Microspheres were prepared by a (w/o/w) double emulsion/solvent extraction method. Once prepared, part of the formulation was irradiated at a dose of 25 kGy using 60Co gamma as radiation source. The in vitro results obtained showed that the gamma-irradiation exposure had no apparent effect on SPf66 integrity and formulation properties such us morphology, size and peptide loading. Only the release rate of SPf66 was slightly faster after gamma-irradiation. Subcutaneous administration of irradiated and non-irradiated microspheres into mice induced a similar immune response (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a levels) and was comparable to that obtained with SPf66 emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant. These observations illustrate the applicability of gamma-irradiation as a method of terminal sterilization of microparticulate delivery systems based on chemically synthesized antigens encapsulated into biodegradable PLGA microspheres.     

蛋白质/多肽药物聚乳酸/乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物微球研究进展

缓释微粒给药系统是蛋白质/多肽药物传输系统的一个重要研究方向，聚乳酸和乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物是制备缓释微球最常用的载体材料。蛋白质/多肽药物聚乳酸/乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物微球常用的制备方法包括溶剂萃取/挥发法(复乳法)、相分离法和喷雾干燥法。本文总结了微球制备中面临的难点如蛋白质/多肽药物稳定性、包封率、药物突释和药物吸附等问题，并综述了保持药物结构稳定性和生物活性、提高包封率、改善药物释放曲线等微球制备方法和进展。     

多孔利福平 PLGA 微球的制备工艺研究

目的：以利福平为模型药物,研究多孔聚乳酸—羟基乙酸共聚物（poly（lactic-co-glycolic acid）,PLGA）微球的最佳制备工艺。方法乳化溶剂扩散法制备多孔微球,采用扫描电镜观察微球形态,HPLC 法测定微球包封率。通过单因素考察实验,筛选影响微球形态和包封率的主要因素并优选条件。结果制备过程中 PLGA 种类、PLGA 浓度、致孔剂浓度、均质速度、外水相 PVA 浓度等影响微球的粒径、多孔结构和包封率。按优化工艺制备的微球平均粒径为8．6μm,密度为0．1 g·cm －3,易于吸入并提高肺部的沉积率。结论低密度多孔微球具有适宜的吸入特性和肺部沉积率,或可成为递送抗结核药物的新载体。     

阳离子PLGA载基因纳米粒的初步研究

目的制备并评价阳离子PLGA载基因纳米粒(pDNA-CTAB-NPs)。方法纳米沉淀法制备空白阳离子PLGA纳米粒(CTAB-NPs),与报告基因pEGFP复合,考察其理化性质、抗核酸酶降解能力、体外释药特性、细胞毒性及其在A549细胞中的转染情况。结果pDNA-CTAB-NPs呈球形或类球形,平均粒径175.5 nm,Zeta电位+12.54mV,pDNA结合充分(>95%),抗核酸酶降解能力强,具有缓释效果,符合Higuchi释放动力学方程(r=0.997 7),细胞毒性较低,能在A549细胞中表达。结论pDNA-CTAB-NPs是一种制备工艺简单,性能良好,极富潜力的非病毒纳米基因载体。     

处方和工艺参数对盐酸昂丹司琼微球体外释放度的影响

目的：考察处方工艺参数对微球体外释放度的影响.方法：采用O/O型乳化溶剂挥发法,以乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物为载体,制备盐酸昂丹司琼（Ondansetron hydrochloride,OND）微球.采用紫外分光光度法测定微球的体外释放度.结果：选择对OND具有较好溶解能力的混合溶剂为内油相溶剂,可以降低突释;增加理论载药量,延缓正己烷加入的时间和减小粒径可以增加OND微球的释药速度.结论：通过对处方和工艺的调节可使OND微球的体外释药曲线符合Higuchi方程,2周的累积释放量在80%左右.     

Sustained release donepezil loaded PLGA microspheres for injection: Preparation,in vitro and in vivo study

The purpose of this study was to develop a PLGA microspheres-based donepezil (DP) formulation which was expected to sustain release of DP for one week with high encapsulation efficiency (EE). DP derived from donepezil hydrochloride was encapsulated in PLGA microspheres by the O/W emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The optimized formulation which avoided the crushing of microspheres during the preparation process was characterized in terms of particle size, morphology, drug loading and EE, physical state of DP in the matrix and in vitro and in vivo release behavior. DP microspheres were prepared successfully with average diameter of 30 µm, drug loading of 15.92 ± 0.31% and EE up to 78.79 ± 2.56%. Scanning electron microscope image showed it has integrated spherical shape with no drug crystal and porous on its surface. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction results suggested DP was in amorphous state or molecularly dispersed in microspheres. The Tg of PLGA was increased with the addition of DP. The release profile in vitro was characterized with slow but continuous release that lasted for about one week and fitted well with first-order model, which suggested the diffusion governing release mechanism. After single-dose administration of DP microspheres via subcutaneous injection in rats, the plasma concentration of DP reached peak concentration at 0.50 d, and then declined gradually, but was still detectable at 15 d. A good correlation between in vitro and in vivo data was obtained. The results suggest the potential use of DP microspheres for treatment of Alzheimer's disease over long periods.     

Effects of alginate coated on PLGA microspheres for delivery tetracycline hydrochloride to periodontal pockets

The effects of alginate coated on tetracycline (Tc) loaded poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres fabricated by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique for local delivery to periodontal pocket were investigated. Alginate coated PLGA microspheres showed smoother surface but enlarged their particle sizes compared with those of uncoated ones. In addition, alginate coated microspheres enhanced Tc encapsulation efficiency (E.E.) from 11.5 +/- 0.5% of uncoated ones to 17.9 +/- 0.5%. Moreover, all of the coated PLGA microspheres even fabricated at different conditions could prolong Tc release from 9-12 days with 50% or higher in cumulative release of Tc compared with those of uncoated ones. The swelling ratios of PLGA microspheres for alginate coated or uncoated ones, one of the possible mechanisms for enhancing Tc release for the coated ones, were measured. The results showed that 20% or higher in swelling ratio for the coated microspheres at the earlier stage of hydration (e.g. < or = 24 h) could be an important factor to result in high Tc release compared to the uncoated ones. In conclusion, alginate coated Tc loaded PLGA microspheres could enhance Tc delivery to periodontal pocket by enhancing drug encapsulated efficiency, released quantities and sustained release period compared with uncoated ones.     

Effects of alginate coated on PLGA microspheres for delivery tetracycline hydrochloride to periodontal pockets

The effects of alginate coated on tetracycline (Tc) loaded poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres fabricated by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique for local delivery to periodontal pocket were investigated. Alginate coated PLGA microspheres showed smoother surface but enlarged their particle sizes compared with those of uncoated ones. In addition, alginate coated microspheres enhanced Tc encapsulation efficiency (E.E.) from 11.5?±?0.5% of uncoated ones to 17.9?±?0.5%. Moreover, all of the coated PLGA microspheres even fabricated at different conditions could prolong Tc release from 9–12 days with 50% or higher in cumulative release of Tc compared with those of uncoated ones. The swelling ratios of PLGA microspheres for alginate coated or uncoated ones, one of the possible mechanisms for enhancing Tc release for the coated ones, were measured. The results showed that 20% or higher in swelling ratio for the coated microspheres at the earlier stage of hydration (e.g.?≤?24?h) could be an important factor to result in high Tc release compared to the uncoated ones. In conclusion, alginate coated Tc loaded PLGA microspheres could enhance Tc delivery to periodontal pocket by enhancing drug encapsulated efficiency, released quantities and sustained release period compared with uncoated ones.     

Insulin-loaded PLGA microspheres for glucose-responsive release

Porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres were prepared, loaded with insulin, and then coated in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and a novel boronic acid-containing copolymer [poly(acrylamide phenyl boronic acid-co-N–vinylcaprolactam); p(AAPBA-co-NVCL)]. Multilayer microspheres were generated using a layer-by-layer approach depositing alternating coats of PVA and p(AAPBA-co-NVCL) on the PLGA surface, with the optimal system found to be that with eight alternating layers of each coating. The resultant material comprised spherical particles with a porous PLGA core and the pores covered in the coating layers. Insulin could successfully be loaded into the particles, with loading capacity and encapsulation efficiencies reaching 2.83?±?0.15 and 82.6?±?5.1% respectively, and was found to be present in the amorphous form. The insulin-loaded microspheres could regulate drug release in response to a changing concentration of glucose. In vitro and in vivo toxicology tests demonstrated that they are safe and have high biocompatibility. Using the multilayer microspheres to treat diabetic mice, we found they can effectively control blood sugar levels over at least 18 days, retaining their glucose-sensitive properties during this time. Therefore, the novel multilayer microspheres developed in this work have significant potential as smart drug-delivery systems for the treatment of diabetes.     

Intra-articular lornoxicam loaded PLGA microspheres: enhanced therapeutic efficiency and decreased systemic toxicity in the treatment of osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the joint tissue distribution and pharmacodynamics of Lornoxicam (Lnxc) following intra-articular injection of either Lnxc suspensions or sustained release Lnxc-loaded PLGA microspheres (Lnxc-MS), as well as the biocompatibility of PLGA microspheres with or without drugs. In this study, Lnxc suspensions or Lnxc-loaded PLGA microspheres was injected into the knee joint cavity of rats. Blood samples were taken at predetermined times from the jugular vein and the joint tissue (cartilage and synovial membrane) were removed from the rats. Biocompatibility and pharmacodynamics were evaluated by observing the swelling of the joints of the rats and histological analysis following the injection of the microspheres. The plasma drug concentration decreased in rats and retention time increased in rats’ joint with intra-articular injections of microspheres, revealing good targeting efficiency and decreased systemic toxicity. After 30 days of intra-articular injection with Lnxc-loaded or blank microspheres, the filtration liquid accumulation, blood vessels and fibrous proliferation were not detected, showing their good compatibility. Furthermore, the articular cartilage damage by papain could also be repaired by the Lnxc-loaded PLGA microspheres. In conclusion, intra-articular Lnxc-MS have considerable potential for creating a sustained release Lnxc delivery system and providing effective healing to Osteoarthritis.