Improving Protein Delivery from Microparticles Using Blends of Poly(DL lactide co-glycolide) and Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) Copolymers

Purpose. Microparticles containing ovalbumin as a model for protein drugs were formulated from blends of poly(DL lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) copolymers (Pluronic). The objectives were to achieve uniform release characteristics and improved protein delivery capacity. Methods. The water- in oil -in oil emulsion/solvent extraction technique was used for microparticle production. Results. A protein loading level of over 40% (w/w) was attained in microparticles having a mean diameter of approximately 5 µm. Linear protein release profiles over 25 days in vitro were exhibited by certain blend formulations incorporating hydrophilic Pluronic F127. The release profile tended to plateau after 10 days when the more hydrophobic Pluronic L121 copolymer was used to prepare microparticles. A delivery capacity of 3 µg OVA/mg particles/ day was achieved by formulation of microparticles using a 1:2 blend of PLG:Pluronic F127. Conclusions. The w/o/o formulation approach in combination with PLG:Pluronic blends shows potential for improving the delivery of therapeutic proteins and peptides from microparticulate systems. Novel vaccine formulations are also feasible by incorporation of Pluronic L121 in the microparticles as a co-adjuvant.     

Poly(ethylene glycol)-Modified Proteins: Implications for Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-Based Microsphere Delivery

The reduced injection frequency and more nearly constant serum concentrations afforded by sustained release devices have been exploited for the chronic delivery of several therapeutic peptides via poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres. The clinical success of these formulations has motivated the exploration of similar depot systems for chronic protein delivery; however, this application has not been fully realized in practice. Problems with the delivery of unmodified proteins in PLG depot systems include high initial “burst” release and irreversible adsorption of protein to the biodegradable polymer. Further, protein activity may be lost due to the damaging effects of protein-interface and protein-surface interactions that occur during both microsphere formation and release. Several techniques are discussed in this review that may improve the performance of PLG depot delivery systems for proteins. One promising approach is the covalent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to the protein prior to encapsulation in the PLG microspheres. The combination of the extended circulation time of PEGylated proteins and the shielding and potential stabilizing effects of the attached PEG may lead to improved release kinetics from PLG microsphere system and more complete release of the active conjugate.     

The Preparation and Characterization of Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Microparticles. II. The Entrapment of a Model Protein Using a (Water-in-Oil)-in-Water Emulsion Solvent Evaporation Technique

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles with entrapped antigens have recently been investigated as controlled-release vaccines. This paper describes the preparation of PLG microparticles with an entrapped model antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), using a (water-in-oil)-in-water emulsion solvent evaporation technique. In a series of experiments, the effects of process parameters on particle size and OVA entrapment were investigated. It was found that smooth, spherical microparticles 1–2 µm in diameter containing up to 10% (w/w) OVA could be produced using a small volume of external aqueous phase containing a high concentration of emulsion stabilizer and a 1:5 antigen:polymer ratio. PAGE analysis, isoelectric focusing, and Western blotting of OVA released from the microparticles in vitro confirmed that the molecular weight and antigenicity of the protein remained largely unaltered by the entrapment procedure.     

Inactive Vibrio cholerae whole-cell vaccine-loaded biodegradable microparticles: in vitro release and oral vaccination

An approach is proposed using Vibrio cholerae (VC)-loaded microparticles as oral vaccine delivery systems for improved vaccine bioavailability and increased therapeutic efficacy. The VC-loaded microparticles were prepared with 50:50 poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG), 75:25 poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(lactide acid) (PLA)/PEG blend copolymers by the solvent evaporation method. VC was successfully entrapped in three types of microparticles with loading efficiencies and loading levels as follows: 50:50 PLG systems: 97.8% and 55.4 ± 6.9 µg/mg; 75:25 PLG systems: 89.2% and 46.5 ± 4.4?µg/mg; PLA/PEG-blended systems: 82.6% and 53.7 ± 5.8?µg/mg. The different distributions of VC in the core region and on the surface were as follows: 50:50 PLG systems 25.7 ± 1.9 and 6.2 ± 0.9?µg/mg; 75:25 PLG systems: 25.8 ± 2.2 and 3.6 ± 0.4?µg/mg; PLA/PEG-blended systems: 32.4 ± 2.1 and 5.2 ± 1.0?µg/mg, respectively. In vitro active release of VC was affected mainly by matrix type and VC-loaded location in microparticles. The therapeutic immunogenic potential of VC loaded with 50:50 PLG, 75:25 PLG and PLA/PEG-blended microparticles was evaluated in adult mice by oral immunization. Significantly higher antibody responses and serum immunoglobin Ig G, IgA and IgM responses were obtained when sera from both VC-loaded 75:25 PLG and PLA/PEG-blended microparticles immunized mice were titrated against VC. The most immunogenicity in evoking serum IgG, IgA and IgM responses was immunized by VC-loaded PLA/PEG-blended microparticles, and with VC challenge in mice, the survival rate (91.7%).     

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles for the development of single-dose controlled-release vaccines

With the exception of the provision of clean water supplies, vaccination remains the most successful public health intervention strategy for the control of infectious diseases. However, the logistics of delivering at least two to three doses of vaccines to achieve protective immunity are complex and compliance is frequently inadequate, particularly in developing countries. In addition, newly developed purified subunit and synthetic vaccines are often poorly immunogenic and need to be administered with potent vaccine adjuvants. Microparticles prepared from the biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, the poly(lactide-co-glycolides) or (PLG), have been shown to be effective adjuvants for a number of antigens. Moreover, PLG microparticles can control the rate of release of entrapped antigens and therefore, offer potential for the development of single-dose vaccines. To prepare single-dose vaccines, microparticles with different antigen release rates may be combined as a single formulation to mimic the timing of the administration of booster doses of vaccine. If necessary, adjuvants may also be entrapped within the microparticles or, alternatively, they may be co-administered. The major problems which may restrict the development of microparticles as single-dose vaccines include the instability of vaccine antigens during microencapsulation, during storage of the microparticles and during hydration of the microparticles following in vivo administration. In the present review, we discuss the adjuvant effect of PLG microparticles, and also their potential for the development of single-dose vaccines through the use of controlled-release technology.     

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.     

Improved Lysozyme Stability and Release Properties of Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Implants Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion

Purpose  

To assess the feasibility of hot-melt extrusion (HME) for preparing implants based on protein/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) formulations with special emphasis on protein stability, burst release and release completeness.     

Encapsulation of bovine serum albumin in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres by the solid-in-oil-in-water technique

Non-aqueous protocols to encapsulate pharmaceutical proteins into biocompatible polymers have gained much attention because they allow for the minimization of procedure-induced protein structural perturbations. The aim of this study was to determine if these advantages could be extended to a semi-aqueous encapsulation procedure, namely the solid-in-oil-in-water (s/o/w) technique. The model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) was encapsulated into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres by first suspending lyophilized BSA in methylene chloride containing PLG, followed by emulsification in a 1% aqueous solution of poly(vinyl alcohol). By variation of critical encapsulation parameters (homogenization intensity, BSA:PLG ratio, emulsifier concentration, ratio of organic to aqueous phase) an encapsulation efficiency of > 90% was achieved. The microspheres obtained showed an initial burst release of < 20%, a sustained release over a period of about 19 days, and a cumulative release of at least 90% of the encapsulated BSA. Different release profiles were observed when using different encapsulation protocols. These differences were related to differences in the microsphere erosion observed using scanning electron microscopy. Release of BSA was mainly due to simple diffusion or to both diffusion and microsphere erosion. Fourier-transform infrared studies were conducted to investigate the secondary structure of BSA during the encapsulation. Quantification of the alpha-helix and beta-sheet content as well as of overall structural changes showed that the secondary structure of encapsulated BSA was not more perturbed than in the lyophilized powder used initially. Thus, the encapsulation procedure did not cause detrimental structural perturbations in BSA. In summary, the results demonstrate that the s/o/w technique is an excellent alternative to the water-in-oil-in-water technique, which is still mainly used in the encapsulation of proteins in PLG microspheres.     

pH and Osmotic Pressure Inside Biodegradable Microspheres During Erosion1

Purpose. To measure changes in pH as well as osmotic pressure in aqueous pores and cavities inside biodegradable microspheres made from polymers such as poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(D,L-lactic acid -co- glycolic acid) (PLGA). Methods. The internal osmotic pressure inside eroding PLA microspheres was analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in a temperature range of 10 to –25°C. The osmotic pressure was calculated from the melting peaks of the aqueous phase using purity analysis. For pH determination, PLGA microspheres were loaded with a pH-sensitive spin probe which allowed the determination of pH by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Results. The osmotic pressure in PLA microspheres increased to 600 mOsm within four days and decreased to 400 mOsm after two weeks. The pH in PLGA microspheres in this study was 4.7. Basic drugs such as gentamicin free base or buffering additives led to a pH increase. In no case, however, did the internal pH exceed a value of 6 within 13 hours. Conclusions. DSC and EPR are useful techniques to characterize the chemical microenvironment inside eroding microspheres. This data in combination with detailed information on peptide and protein stability could allow in the future to predict the stability of such compounds within degradable polymers.     

Loading of Tetanus Toxoid to Biodegradable Nanoparticles from Branched Poly(Sulfobutyl-Polyvinyl Alcohol)-g-(Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Nanoparticles by Protein Adsorption: A Mechanistic Study

Purpose. Mucosal delivery of vaccine-loaded nanoparticles (NP) is an attractive proposition from an immunologic perspective. Although numerous NP preparation methods are known, sufficient antigen loading of NP remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate adsorptive loading of NP with a negatively charged surface structure using tetanus toxoid (TT) as a model vaccine. Methods. Blank NP, consisting of poly(sulfobutyl-polyvinyl alcohol)-g-(lactide-co-glycolide), as well as poly(lactide-co-glycolide) NP were prepared by a solvent displacement technique. The use of polymers with different degrees of substitution resulted in NP with different negative surfaces charges. Adsorption of TT to NP was performed varying to NP surface properties, protein equilibrium concentration, and loading conditions. Results. The protein adsorption was controlled by NP surface properties, and maximum TT adsorption occurred at highly negatively charged NP surfaces. Results from isothermal titration calorimetry and -potential measurement suggest an adsorption process governed by electrostatic interactions. The adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm in the concentration ranges studied. TT withstood this gentle loading procedure in a nonaggregated, enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay-active form. Conclusions. The results demonstrate that negatively charged NP consisting of poly(sulfobutyl-polyvinyl alcohol)-g-(lactide-co-glycolide) are suitable for adsorptive loading with TT and may have potential for mucosal vaccination.     

Fabrication and characterisation of 2NDPA-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres for explosive safety

We demonstrate the microencapsulation of a double-base (DB) rocket propellant stabiliser, 2-nitrodiphenylamine (2-NDPA), that can potentially increase the shelf life of DB rocket propellants. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres loaded with 2-NDPA were prepared using the oil-in-water emulsion technique. The microsphere size was found to be inversely related to the mixing rate. It was also found that a higher theoretical loading of 2-NDPA resulted in larger microspheres. In addition, a Rosin Rammler distribution function gave an accurate representation of the microsphere size distribution, and the release rate 2-NDPA from PLG microspheres was found to be size dependent. We show that parameters such as the stirring speed and the percent loading of 2-NDPA can be varied to tailor the release of 2-NDPA from PLG microspheres. In addition, we have shown that temperature has a dramatic effect on the release of 2-NDPA from PLG microcapsules.     

Fabrication and characterisation of 2NDPA-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres for explosive safety

We demonstrate the microencapsulation of a double-base (DB) rocket propellant stabiliser, 2-nitrodiphenylamine (2-NDPA), that can potentially increase the shelf life of DB rocket propellants. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres loaded with 2-NDPA were prepared using the oil-in-water emulsion technique. The microsphere size was found to be inversely related to the mixing rate. It was also found that a higher theoretical loading of 2-NDPA resulted in larger microspheres. In addition, a Rosin Rammler distribution function gave an accurate representation of the microsphere size distribution, and the release rate 2-NDPA from PLG microspheres was found to be size dependent. We show that parameters such as the stirring speed and the percent loading of 2-NDPA can be varied to tailor the release of 2-NDPA from PLG microspheres. In addition, we have shown that temperature has a dramatic effect on the release of 2-NDPA from PLG microcapsules.     

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).     

The potency of the adjuvant, CpG oligos, is enhanced by encapsulation in PLG microparticles

The objective of this work was to evaluate the potency of the CpG containing oligonucleotide encapsulated within poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and coadministered with antigen adsorbed to poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles (PLG particles). The formulations evaluated include, CpG added in soluble form, CpG adsorbed, and CpG encapsulated. The antigen from Neisseria meningitidis serotype B (Men B) was used in these studies. The immunogenicity of these formulations was evaluated in mice. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles were synthesized by a w/o/w emulsification method in the presence of a charged surfactant for the formulations. Neisseria meningitidis B protein was adsorbed to the PLG microparticles, with binding efficiency and initial release measured. CpG was either added in the soluble or adsorbed or encapsulated form based on the type of formulation. The binding efficiency, loading, integrity and initial release of CpG and the antigen were measured from all the formulations. The formulations were then tested in mice for their ability to elicit antibodies, bactericidal activity and T cell responses. Encapsulating CpG within PLG microparticles induced statistically significant higher antibody, bactericidal activity and T cell responses when compared to the traditional method of delivering CpG in the soluble form.     

Stabilization of 10-Hydroxycamptothecin in Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Microsphere Delivery Vehicles

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres to stabilize and deliver the analogue of camptothecin, 10-hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT). Methods. 10-HCPT was encapsulated in PLGA 50:50 microspheres by using an oil-in-water emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The influence of encapsulation conditions (i.e., polymer molecular weight (M_w), polymer concentration, and carrier solvent composition) on the release of 10-HCPT from microspheres at 37°C under perfect sink conditions was examined. Analysis of the drug stability in the microspheres was performed by two methods:i) by extraction of 10-HCPT from microspheres and ii). by sampling release media before lactone— carboxylate conversion could take place. Results. Microspheres made, of low M_w polymer (inherent viscosity 0.15 dl/g) exhibited more continuous drug release than those prepared from polymers of higher M_w (i.v. = 0.58 and 1.07 dl/g). In addition, a high polymer concentration and the presence of cosolvent in the carrier solution to dissolve 10-HCPT were both necessary in the microsphere preparation in order to eliminate a large initial burst of the released 10-HCPT. An optimal microsphere formulation released 10-HCPT slowly and continuously for over two months with a relatively small initial burst of the released drug. Both analytical methods used to assess the stability of 10-HCPT revealed that the unreleased camptothecin analogue in the microspheres remained in its active lactone form (>95%) over the entire 2-month duration of study. Conclusions. PLGA carriers such as those described here may be clinically useful to stabilize and deliver camptothecins for the treatment of cancer.     

A Heterogeneously Structured Composite Based on Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres and Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Long-Term Protein Drug Delivery

Purpose. To prepare a heterogeneously structured composite based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel nanoparticles for long-term protein drug delivery. Methods. A heterogeneously structured composite in the form of PLGA microspheres containing PVA nanoparticles was prepared and named as PLGA-PVA composite microspheres. A model protein drug, bovine serum albumin (BSA), was encapsulated in the PVA nanoparticles first. The BSA-containing PVA nanoparticles was then loaded in the PLGA microspheres by using a phase separation method. The protein-containing PLGA-PVA composite microspheres were characterized with regard to morphology, size and size distribution, BSA loading efficiency, in vitroBSA release, and BSA stability. Results. The protein-containing PLGA-PVA composite microspheres possessed spherical shape and nonporous surface. The PLGA-PVA composite microspheres had normal or Gaussian size distribution. The particle size ranged from 71.5 m to 282.7 m. The average diameter of the composite microspheres was 180 m. The PLGA-PVA composite microspheres could release the protein (BSA) for two months. The protein stability study showed that BSA was protected during the composite microsphere preparation and stabilized inside the PLGA-PVA composite microspheres. Conclusions. The protein-containing PLGA-PVA composite may be suitable for long-term protein drug delivery.     

Biodegradable microparticles as a delivery system for the allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (house dust mite): I. Preparation and characterization of microparticles

The encapsulation of allergens into biodegradable microparticles may offer the potential for novel forms of hyposensitization therapy. The use of microparticles for hyposensitization therapy may offer the potential advantages of a reduced number of doses, through controlled release of allergens, and the possibility of oral delivery. Nevertheless, a possible concern is the effect of the microencapsulation process on the integrity and activity of the entrapped allergens. Therefore, in the current studies, an allergen, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.Pt.), was entrapped in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles and several established techniques were used to investigate the integrity of the entrapped allergen. Isoelectric focusing indicated that all the protein components of the allergen were successfully entrapped in the microparticles. A radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition assay indicated that there was a minor reduction in the binding of specific IgE to the entrapped allergen, but this was thought unlikely to affect the ability of the allergen to act as a hyposensitizing agent. Finally, the IgG binding activity of the major allergenic component of D.Pt. (Der P1) was shown to be unchanged following microencapsulation. Hence, the current studies indicated that the allergen D.Pt., was not adversely affected following encapsulation into PLG microparticles. Therefore, microparticles may have potential as delivery systems for hyposensitization therapy.     

Preparation, physiochemical characterization, and oral immunogenicity of Abeta(1-12), Abeta(29-40), and Abeta(1-42) loaded PLG microparticles formulations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by the deposition of beta-amyloid (Abeta) protein in brain. The current AD immunotherapy aims to prevent Abeta plaque deposition and enhance its degradation in the brain. In this work, the peptides B-cell epitope Abeta(1-12), T-cell epitope Abeta(29-40) and full-length Abeta(1-42) were loaded separately to the poly (D,L-lactide co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles by using W/O/W double emulsion solvent evaporation method with entrapment efficacy of 70.46%, 60.93%, and 65.98%, respectively. The prepared Abeta PLG microparticles were smooth, spherical, individual, and nonporous in nature with diameters ranging from 2 to 12 microm. The cumulative in vitro release profiles of Abeta(1-12), Abeta(29-40), and Abeta(1-42) from PLG microparticles sustained for long periods and progressively reached to 73.89%, 69.29%, and 70.08% by week 15. In vitro degradation studies showed that the PLG microparticles maintained the surface integrity up to week 8 and eroded completely by week 16. Oral immunization of Abeta peptides loaded microparticles in mice elicited stronger immune response by inducing anti-Abeta antibodies for prolonged time (24 weeks). The physicochemical characterization and immunogenic potency of Abeta peptides incorporated PLG microparticles suggest that the microparticles formulation of Abeta can be a potential oral AD vaccine.     

Surface Modification of Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Nanospheres by Biodegradable Poly(lactide)-Poly(ethylene glycol) Copolymers

The modification of surface properties of biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and model polystyrene nanospheres by poly(lactide)-poly(ethlene glycol) (PLA:PEG) copolymers has been assessed using a range of in vitro characterization methods followed by in vivo studies of the nanospheres biodistribution after intravenous injection into rats. Coating polymers with PLA:PEG ratio of 2:5 and 3:4 (PEG chains of 5000 and 2000 Da, respectively) were studied. The results reveal the formation of a PLA: PEG coating layer on the particle surface resulting in an increase in the surface hydrophilicity and decrease in the surface charge of the nanospheres. The effects of addition of electrolyte and changes in pH on stability of the nanosphere dispersions confirm that uncoated particles are electrostatically stabilized, while in the presence of the copolymers, steric repulsions are responsible for the stability. The PLA:PEG coating also prevented albumin adsorption onto the colloid surface. The evidence that this effect was observed for the PLA:PEG 3:4 coated nanospheres may indicate that a poly(ethylene glycol) chain of 2000 Da can provide an effective repulsive barrier to albumin adsorption. The in vivo results reveal that coating of PLGA nanospheres with PLA:PEG copolymers can alter the biodistribution in comparison to uncoated PLGA nanospheres. Coating of the model polystyrene nanospheres with PLA:PEG copolymers resulted in an initial high circulation level, but after 3 hours the organ deposition data showed values similar to uncoated polystyrene spheres. The difference in the biological behaviour of coated PLGA and polystyrene nanospheres may suggest a different stability of the adsorbed layers on these two systems. A similar biodistribution pattern of PLA:PEG 3:4 to PEG 2:5 coated particles may indicate that poly(ethylene glycol) chains in the range of 2000 to 5000 can produce a comparable effect on in vivo behaviour.     

In Vitro/In Vivo Comparison of Drug Release and Polymer Erosion from Biodegradable P(FAD-SA) Polyanhydrides—A Noninvasive Approach by the Combined Use of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare drug release and polymer erosion from biodegradable P(FAD-SA) polyanhydrides in vitro and in vivoin real time and with minimal disturbance of the investigated system. Methods. P(FAD-SA) 20:80 and P(FAD-SA) 50:50 polymer tablets were loaded with the spin probe 3-carboxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrollidine-1-oxyl (PCA) and implanted subcutaneously in the neck of rats or placed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer. 1.1 GHz EPR spectroscopy experiments and 7T MRI studies (Tl and T2 weighted) were performed. Results. A front of water penetration was visible by MRI in vitro in the case of P(FAD-SA) 20:80, but not for P(FAD-SA) 50:50. For both polymers, the thickness of the tablets decreased with time and a insoluble, easy deformable residue remained. Important processes such as edema, deformation of the implant, encapsulation and bioresorption were observable by MRIin vivo. P(FAD-SA) 50:50 was almost entirely absorbed by day 44, whereas an encapsulated residue was found for P(FAD-SA) 20:80 after 65 days. The EPR studies gave direct evidence of a water penetration induced changes of the microenvironment inside the tablet. EPR signals were still detectable in P(FAD-SA) 20:80 implants after 65 days, while the nitroxide was released in vitro within 16 days. Conclusions. Important parameters and processes such as edema, deformation of the tablet, micro viscosity inside the tablet and encapsulation can be monitored in real time by the combined use of the noninvasive techniques MRI and EPR leading to better understanding of the differences between the in vitroandin vivo situation.