Influence of formulation parameters on the characteristics of poly( -lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres containing poly( -lysine) complexed plasmid DNA

This study describes the influence of polymer type, surfactant type/concentration, and target drug loading on the particle size, plasmid DNA (pDNA) structure, drug loading efficiency, in vitro release, and protection from DNase I degradation of poly( -lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres containing poly( -lysine) (PLL) complexed pDNA. PLGA microspheres containing pDNA–PLL were prepared using the water-in-oil-in-water (w–o–w) technique with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as surfactants in the external aqueous phase. A complex ratio of 1:0.33 (pDNA–PLL, w/w) enhanced the stability of pDNA during microsphere preparation. Higher pDNA–PLL loading efficiency (46.2%) and supercoiled structure (64.9%) of pDNA were obtained from hydrophobic PLGA (M_w 31 000) microspheres compared with hydrophilic PLGA or low-molecular-weight PLGA microspheres. The particle size decreased from 6.6 to 2.2 μm when the concentration of PVA was increased from 1 to 7%. At the same concentration of surfactant, PVA stabilized microspheres showed higher pDNA–PLL loading efficiency (46.2%) than PVP stabilized microspheres (24.1%). Encapsulated pDNA in PLGA microspheres was protected from enzymatic degradation and maintained in the supercoiled form. The pDNA–PLL microspheres showed in vitro release of 95.9 and 84.9% within 38 days from the low-molecular-weight PLGA and hydrophilic PLGA microspheres, respectively, compared to 54.2% release from the hydrophobic, higher-molecular-weight PLGA microspheres. The results suggest loading and release of pDNA–PLL complex can be influenced by surfactant concentration and polymer type.     

Preparation and characterization of melittin-loaded poly (DL-lactic acid) or poly (DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres made by the double emulsion method.

The water soluble peptide, melittin, isolated from bee venom and composed of twenty-six amino acids, was encapsulated in poly (DL-lactic acid, PLA) and poly (DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid, PLGA) microspheres prepared by a multiple emulsion [(W1/O)W2] solvent evaporation method. The aim of this work was to develop a controlled release injection that would deliver the melittin over a period of about one month. The influence of various preparation parameters, such as the type of polymer, its concentration, stabilizer PVA concentration, volume of internal water phase and level of drug loading on the characteristics of the microspheres and drug release was investigated. It was found that the microspheres of about 5 microm in size can be produced in high encapsulation (up to 90%), and the melittin content in the microspheres was up to 10% (w/w). The drug release profiles in vitro exhibited a significant burst release, followed by a lag phase of little or no release and then a phase of constant melittin release. The type of polymer used was a critical factor in controlling the release of melittin from the microspheres. In this study, the rate of peptide release from the microspheres correlated well with the rate of polymer degradation. Moreover, melittin was released completely during the study period of 30 days, which agreed well with the polymer degradation rate.     

Poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles as new carriers for the delivery of plasmid DNA.

The purpose of the present work was to produce and characterize poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) nanoparticles (size lower than 300 nm) containing a high loading of plasmid DNA in a free form or co-encapsulated with either poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). The plasmid alone or with PVA or PVP was encapsulated by two different techniques: an optimized w/o/w emulsion-solvent evaporation technique as well as by a new w/o emulsion-solvent diffusion technique. Particle size, zeta potential, plasmid DNA loading and in vitro release were determined for the three plasmid-loaded formulations. The influence of the initial plasmid loadings (5, 10, 20 microg plasmid DNA/mg PLA-PEG) on those parameters was also investigated. The plasmid loaded into the nanoparticles and released in vitro was quantified by fluorimetry and the different molecular forms were identified by gel electrophoresis. PLA-PEG nanoparticles containing plasmid DNA in a free form or co-encapsulated with PVA or PVP were obtained in the range size of 150-300 nm and with a negative zeta potential, both parameters being affected by the preparation technique. Encapsulation efficiencies were high irrespective of the presence of PVA or PVP (60-90%) and were slightly affected by the preparation technique and by the initial loading. The final plasmid DNA loading in the nanoparticles was up to 10-12 microg plasmid DNA/mg polymer. Plasmid DNA release kinetics varied depending on the plasmid incorporation technique: nanoparticles prepared by the w/o diffusion technique released their content rapidly whereas those obtained by the w/o/w showed an initial burst followed by a slow release for at least 28 days. No significant influence of the plasmid DNA loading and of the co-encapsulation of PVP or PVA on the in vitro release rate was observed. In all cases the conversion of the supercoiled form to the open circular and linear forms was detected. In conclusion, plasmid DNA can be very efficiently encapsulated, either in a free form or in combination with PVP and PVA, into PLA-PEG nanoparticles. Additionally, depending on the processing conditions, these nanoparticles release plasmid DNA either very rapidly or in a controlled manner.     

Microspheres for protein delivery prepared from amphiphilic multiblock copolymers. 1. Influence of preparation techniques on particle characteristics and protein delivery.

The entrapment of lysozyme in amphiphilic multiblock copolymer microspheres by emulsification and subsequent solvent removal processes was studied. The copolymers are composed of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) blocks and hydrophobic poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) blocks. Direct solvent extraction from a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion in ethanol or methanol did not result in the formation of microspheres, due to massive polymer precipitation caused by rapid solvent extraction in these non-solvents. In a second process, microspheres were first prepared by a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsion system with 4% poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as stabilizer in the external phase, followed by extraction of the remaining solvent. As non-solvents ethanol, methanol and mixtures of methanol and water were employed. However, the use of alcohols in the extraction medium resulted in microspheres which gave an incomplete lysozyme release at a non-constant rate. Complete lysozyme release was obtained from microspheres prepared by an emulsification-solvent evaporation method in PBS containing poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) or PVA as stabilizer. PVA was most effective in stabilizing the w/o/w emulsion. Perfectly spherical microspheres were produced, with high protein entrapment efficiencies. These microspheres released lysozyme at an almost constant rate for approximately 28 days. The reproducibility of the w/o/w emulsion process was demonstrated by comparing particle characteristics and release profiles of three batches, prepared under similar conditions.     

Stability of insulin during the erosion of poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres.

In recent years, the acylation of peptides during the erosion of poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres has been described in the literature. To investigate whether insulin is prone to the covalent attachment of lactic or glycolic acid, insulin-loaded PLA and PLGA microspheres containing 5% bovine insulin were manufactured using a w/o/w multiple emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Microspheres were characterized for their insulin encapsulation efficiency and release characteristics in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C. Moreover, the stability of the peptide during 18 days of release was evaluated using HPLC and HPLC-MS techniques. The results showed that the insulin loading efficiencies of PLA and PLGA microspheres were 75.18% and 79.63%, respectively. The microspheres were spherical with relatively porous surfaces with an average diameter of 40 and 53 mum, respectively. Insulin release from the microspheres was characterized by an initial burst, which was attributed to the amount of protein located on or close to the microsphere surface. The total ion chromatogram (TIC) of insulin samples extracted after 18 days of erosion in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C revealed that deamidation was the major mechanism of instability. Surprisingly, no acylation products were found. Control experiments in concentrated lactic acid solutions confirmed a minimal reactivity of the peptide under these conditions.     

Hydrophilic poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres for the delivery of DNA to human-derived macrophages and dendritic cells.

Biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres have a proven track record for drug delivery and are suggested to be ideal carrier systems to target therapeutics into phagocytic cells such as macrophages (MPhis) and dendritic cells (DCs). Microspheres prepared by spray-drying from different PLGA-type polymers were evaluated regarding their effect on phagocytosis, intracellular degradation and viability of human-derived macrophages MPhis and DCs. Even the microspheres prepared from the most hydrophilic polymer RG502H, were efficiently phagocytosed by primary human MPhis and DCs. Interestingly, uptake of PLGA microspheres by DCs as potent immune modulator cells was almost as efficient as uptake by the highly phagocytic MPhis. Phagocytosed microspheres remained inside the cells until decay with none of the microsphere preparations induced significant apoptosis or necrotic cell death. Acidic pH and the phagosomal environment inside the cells enhanced microsphere decay and release of encapsulated material. Degradation of microspheres consisting of the most hydrophilic PLGA polymer RG502H occurred in a reasonable time frame of less than 2 weeks ensuring the release of encapsulated drug during the life span of the cells. To explore important technical and biological aspects of DNA microencapsulation, we have studied DNA loading and in vitro DNA release of microspheres from different PLGA type polymers. Hydrophobicity and molecular weight of the PLGA polymers had profound influence on both the encapsulation efficiency of DNA and its release kinetics in vitro: the hydrophilic polymers showed higher encapsulation efficiency and faster release of intact DNA compared to the hydrophobic ones. These results suggest that microspheres from the PLGA polymer RG502H have improved characteristics for DNA delivery to human MPhis and DCs.     

Brush-like branched biodegradable polyesters, part III. Protein release from microspheres of poly(vinyl alcohol)-graft-poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid).

Brush-like branched polyesters, obtained by grafting poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), PLGA, onto water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL) backbones, were investigated regarding their utility for the microencapsulation of proteins. Poly(vinyl alcohol)-graft-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), PVAL-g-PLGA, offers additional degrees of freedom to manipulate properties such as e.g. molecular weight, glass transition temperature and hydrophilicity. PLGA chain length was varied at a constant molecular weight (M(w)) of the PVAL backbone and secondly M(w) of the PVAL backbone was varied keeping the PLGA chain lengths constant. The most striking feature of these polymers is their high M(w). Microencapsulation of hydrophilic macromolecules, such as bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, cytochrome c and FITC-dextran using a w/o/w double emulsion technique was investigated. Surface morphology, particle size, encapsulation efficiencies and protein release profiles were characterized as well. Microencapsulation of model compounds was feasible at temperatures of 0-4 degrees C with yields typically in the range of 60-85% and encapsulation efficiencies of 70-90%. Both, encapsulation efficiency and initial protein release (drug burst) were strongly affected by the glass transition temperature, T(g), of the polymer in contact with water, whereas the in vitro protein release profile depended on the PVAL-g-PLGA structure and composition. In contrast to PLGA, protein release patterns were mostly continuous with lower initial drug bursts. Shorter PLGA chains increased drug release in the erosion phase, whereas initial pore diffusion was affected by the M(w) of PVAL backbone. Release profiles from 2 to 12 weeks could be attained by modification of composition and molecular weight of PVAL-g-PLGA and merit further investigations under in vivo conditions. The in vitro cytotoxicity of PVAL-g-PLGA is comparable to PLGA and therefore, this new class of biodegradable polyesters has considerable potential for parenteral drug delivery systems.     

Paclitaxel releasing films consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol)-graft-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and their potential as biodegradable stent coatings.

Although substantial progress in catheter and stent design has contributed to the success of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of atherosclerotic disease, the incidence of restenosis caused by in-stent neointimal hyperplasia remains a serious problem. Therefore, stents with a non-degradable polymer coating showing controlled release of active ingredients have become an attractive option for the site-specific delivery of anti-restenotic agents. Biodegradable coatings using polyesters, namely poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and different poly(vinyl alcohol)-graft-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PVA-g-PLGA) as paclitaxel-eluting stent coating materials were investigated here to evaluate their influence on the release kinetic. Whereas PLGA showed sigmoid release behavior, the paclitaxel release from PVA-g-PLGA films was continuous over 40 days without initial drug burst. Wide angle X-ray diffraction confirmed that paclitaxel is dissolved in the polymer matrix. Paclitaxel crystallization can be observed at a drug load of > or =10%. The effect of drug loading on polymer degradation was studied in films prepared from PVA300-g-PLGA30 with paclitaxel loadings of 5% and 15% over a time period of 6 weeks. The results suggest a surface-like erosion mechanism in films. A model stent (Jostent peripheral) coated with Parylene N, a poly(p-xylylene) (PPX) derivate, was covered with a second layer of PVA300-g-PLGA15, and PVA300-g-PLGA30 by using airbrush method. Morphology of coated stents, and film integrity after expansion from 3.12 to 5 mm was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The devices resisted mechanical stress during stent expansion and merit further investigation under in vivo conditions.     

聚乳酸羟基乙酸/纳米羟基磷灰石-5-氟尿嘧啶复合微球的制备及体外释放

背景:由聚乳酸羟基乙酸/纳米羟基磷灰石复合材料制备的微球,在体外磷酸盐缓冲液中能够持续释放药物.目的:制备聚乳酸羟基乙酸/纳米羟基磷灰石-5-氟尿嘧啶复合微球,探讨纳米羟基磷灰石对复合微球的载药量、包封率和体外释放等性质的影响.设计、时间及地点:材料学体外观察,于2009-02/2009-07在华南理工大学材料学院实验室完成.材料:聚乳酸羟基乙酸为济南岱罡生物有限公司产品,纳米羟基磷灰石由华南理工大学特种功能材料教育部重点实验室自制,5-氟尿嘧啶为上海楷洋生物技术有限公司产品.方法:以水溶性抗癌药物5-氟尿嘧啶作为模型药物,先用纳米羟基磷灰石吸附药物,外包裹生物相容性好且可生物降解的聚乳酸羟基乙酸,采用单乳化溶剂挥发法(S/O/W)制备聚乳酸羟基乙酸,纳米羟基磷灰石-5-氟尿嘧啶复合微球.对载药前后的纳米羟基磷灰石进行透射电子显微镜、扫描电子显微镜观察和FTIR分析.采用扫描电镜、激光粒度仪和紫外分光光度计对微球的理化性质及体外释药性质进行分析.主要观察指标:纳米羟基磷灰石与5-氟尿嘧啶分子之间的相互作用,微球载药量和包封率,药物体外释放.结果:FTIR结果表明,纳米羟基磷灰石对5-氟尿嘧啶有较强的吸附作用.聚乳酸羟基乙酸/纳米羟基磷灰石-5-氟尿嘧啶复合微球的载药量和包封率分别为3.83%,86.78%,明显高于单纯的聚乳酸羟基乙酸-5-氟尿嘧啶微球.经过体外释放药物突释后,复合微球比单纯聚乳酸羟基乙酸微球的药物释放慢.在第27天,复合微球和单纯的聚乳酸羟基乙酸微球累积药物释率放分别为84.87%,99.87%.结论:与单纯的聚乳酸羟基乙酸-5-氟尿嘧啶微球相比,由于纳米羟基磷灰石对5-氟尿嘧啶存在较强的吸附作用,使聚乳酸羟基乙酸/纳米羟基磷灰石-5-氟尿嘧啶复合微球的载药量和包封率得到了较大提高,具有更好的药物缓释效果.     

Stability of bovine serum albumin complexed with PEG-poly(L-histidine) diblock copolymer in PLGA microspheres.

The aim of this study was to examine the stability of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres upon addition of a new excipient, poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-histidine) diblock copolymer (PEG-PH). Poly(L-histidine) component can form an ionic complex with BSA under acidic conditions within a narrow pH range. To optimize the ionic complexation conditions for BSA with PEG-PH, the resulting complex sizes were monitored using the Zetasizer. PLGA microspheres containing BSA as a model protein were prepared by w/o/w double emulsion method. BSA stability in aqueous solutions and after release from PLGA microspheres was determined using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy for secondary structure analyses and fluorescence measurements for tertiary structure analyses. The release profile of BSA from the microspheres was monitored using UV spectrophotometry. The rate of PLGA degradation was monitored by gel permeation chromatography. The pH profile within microspheres was further evaluated by confocal microscopy using a pH-sensitive dye. Approximately 19 PEG-PH molecules and one BSA molecule coalesced to form an ionic complex around a pH range of 5.0-6.0. Plain BSA/PLGA and BSA/PEG-PH/PLGA microspheres had a mean size of 27-35 microm. PLGA microspheres with a BSA loading efficiency >80% were prepared using the double emulsion method. PEG-PH significantly improved the stability of BSA both in aqueous solutions and in PLGA microspheres. The release profiles of BSA from different formulations of PLGA microspheres were significantly different. PEG-PH effectively buffered the local acidity inside the microspheres and improved BSA release kinetics by reducing initial burst release and extending continuous release over a period of time, when encapsulated as an ionic complex. PLGA degradation rate was found to be delayed by PEG-PH. There was clear evidence that PEG-PH played multiple roles when complexed with BSA and incorporated into PLGA microspheres. PEG-PH is an effective excipient for preserving the structural stability of BSA in aqueous solution and BSA/PLGA microspheres formulation.     

聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物微球瘤内注射抑制荷人三阴性乳腺癌裸鼠移植瘤细胞的增殖

背景:通过超声引导,将抗肿瘤药物缓释剂注射到肿瘤局部进行间质化疗,可提高抗肿瘤效果,并且减轻全身毒副作用。目的:观察超声引导下瘤内注射多西他赛聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球对荷人三阴性乳腺癌裸鼠移植瘤增殖的抑制作用。方法:采用乳化溶剂挥发法制备多西他赛聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球,扫描电镜观察微球的表面形态及粒径,高效液相色谱法测定包封率、载药率及体外释放情况。建立荷人三阴性乳腺癌裸鼠移植瘤模型,随机分为5组:模型组无处理;微球组在肿瘤内注射空白聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球1次;多西他赛瘤内注射组在肿瘤内注射多西他赛注射液(多西他赛剂量为10mg/kg),每10d给药1次,连续4次;多西他赛聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物微球低剂量组在肿瘤内注射载药微球(多西他赛剂量为20mg/kg)1次;多西他赛聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物微球高剂量组在肿瘤内注射载药微球(多西他赛剂量为40mg/kg)1次。结果与结论:多西他赛聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球平均粒径23.1μm,包封率为96.3%,载药率为4.82%,40d累积释放药物85.7%。超声引导下多西他赛聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球瘤体内注射具有明显的抗肿瘤作用,高剂量组抑瘤率达65.7%,彩色多普勒超声见肿瘤血流信号明显减少,病理学检查见肿瘤组织大片坏死,提示超声引导下瘤内注射多西他赛聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球可明显抑制荷人三阴性乳腺癌裸鼠移植瘤增殖。     

Influences of preparation conditions on particle size and DNA-loading efficiency for poly(DL-lactic acid-polyethylene glycol) microspheres entrapping free DNA.

Poly-DL-lactic acid-polyethylene glycol (PELA) with different contents and different molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as a DNA delivery system. DNA-loaded PELA or poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres were prepared by the emulsion evaporation technique, which was based on the water-in-oil-in-water solvent evaporation method. The purpose of the present work was to investigate the factors influencing particle size and DNA loading efficiency for the PELA microspheres containing free DNA. During the preparation process, different conditions were used and the resulting microspheres were characterized by particle size and DNA loading efficiency. Microspheres prepared by PELA with a PEG (molecular weight: 6000 Da) content of 6-10% obtained the highest loading efficiency and smaller particle size among other PELA copolymer and PLA homopolymer. When the solvent of the oil phase was composed of methylene chloride and ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v), the highest loading efficiency and smaller particle size were also obtained for the PELA microspheres. The presence of the surfactant in oil phase influenced both the particle size and loading efficiency. Increasing the concentration of polymer in oil phase resulted in an increase of particle size and loading efficiency for DNA-loaded PELA microspheres. The addition of a hydrophilic polymer into the internal water phase ameliorated the DNA loading efficiency and reduced the particle size. Significant influences of DNA molecular weight and structure on the particle size and loading efficiency were observed. The volume and concentration of the external water phase also influenced the particle size and loading efficiency.     

Comparative study on sustained release of human growth hormone from semi-crystalline poly(L-lactic acid) and amorphous poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres: morphological effect on protein release.

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) was encapsulated by a double emulsion solvent evaporation method within two biodegradable microspheres having different polymer compositions. Semi-crystalline poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and amorphous poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were used for the encapsulation of hGH. Protein release profiles from the two microspheres were comparatively evaluated with respect to their morphological difference. Both of the microspheres similarly exhibited rugged surface and porous internal structures, but their inner pore wall morphologies were quite different. The slowly degrading PLA microspheres had many nano-scale reticulated pores on the wall, while the relatively fast degrading PLGA microspheres had a non-porous and smooth wall structure. From the PLA microspheres, hGH was released out in a sustained manner with an initial approximately 20% burst, followed by constant release, and almost 100% complete release after a 1-month period. In contrast, the PLGA microspheres showed a similar burst level of approximately 20%, followed by much slower release, but incomplete release of approximately 50% after the same period. The different hGH release profiles between PLA and PLGA microspheres were attributed to different morphological characters of the pore wall structure. The inter-connected nano-porous structure of PLA microspheres was likely to be formed due to the preferable crystallization of PLA during the solvent evaporation process.     

缓释成骨生长肽聚乳酸-聚羟乙酸共聚物微球的制备及其体外释放实验

背景:既往动物实验证实,局部或全身应用成骨生长肽,能够促进骨折愈合。但存在着半衰期短及口服生物利用率低等缺点,限制了其在临床上的应用。目的:用可吸收性生物材料包裹成骨生长肽于微球中,观察成骨生长肽在体外释放的过程及其结构变化,为控制释放系统选取合适的载体材料。设计:分组观察对比实验。单位:西安交通大学生命科学院实验室。材料:成骨生长肽由西安蓝晶生物科技公司按照Fmoc系统合成。质谱分析其纯化后纯度超过98%,Mr1523650符合理论Mr1523750),其序列分析符合理论序列。聚乳酸-聚羟乙酸共聚物(PLGA)(50∶50,Mr30000;75∶25Mr80000)由山东医疗器械研究所提供。方法:应用两种不同Mr的PLGA,用复乳溶剂挥发法包裹成骨生长肽,制备成骨生长肽PLGA微球。利用扫描电镜观察微球的表面结构及形态。应用激光粒度计数仪测量微球的粒径分布。高效液相色谱法检测成骨生长肽的包裹率、缓释时间及制备过程对多肽的结构稳定性的影响。结果:①成功制备了较均匀的圆形成骨生长肽微球。PLGA50∶50微球的平均粒径为(19.6±4.5)μm,包裹率为(83.9±4.2)%,载药率为(83.9±4.2)%;PLGA75:25微球的平均粒径为(35.8±3.6)μm,包裹率为(65.6±6.8)%,载药率为(65.6±6.8)%。②高效液相色谱法结果显示,成骨生长肽在制备过程没有发生化学结构改变及凝集,与制备前的结构一致。两种微球均有突释现象,但成骨生长肽-PLGA75∶25微球突释较重,成骨生长肽-PLGA50∶50微球能够缓释成骨生长肽56d,且累计缓释效果良好,成骨生长肽-PLGA75∶25缓释70d。成骨生长肽-PLGA50∶50微球35d的成骨生长肽累计缓释率低于成骨生长肽-PLGA75∶25,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论:与成骨生长肽-PLGA75∶25缓释微球相比,成骨生长肽-PLGA50∶50缓释微球具有较好的控制释放效果,且缓释时间能够满足骨折或骨缺损愈合局部应用需要。     

Influence of the co-encapsulation of different non-ionic surfactants on the properties of PLGA insulin-loaded microspheres.

The aim of this work was to produce insulin-loaded microspheres allowing the preservation of peptide stability during both particle processing and insulin release. Our strategy was to combine the concepts of using surfactants to improve insulin stability while optimising overall microsphere characteristics such as size, morphology, peptide loading and release. Bovine insulin was encapsulated within poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA 50:50, Resomer RG504H) microspheres by the multiple emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Microspheres were prepared by adding to the primary emulsion three non-ionic surfactants, poloxamer 188, polysorbate 20 and sorbitan monooleate 80, at different concentrations (1.5 and 3. 0% w/v). The presence of surfactants was found to decrease the mean diameter and to affect the morphology of the microspheres. Insulin encapsulation efficiency was reduced in the presence of surfactants and especially for sorbitan monooleate 80, in a concentration-dependent mode. The influence of the surfactants on the interactions between insulin and PLGA together with the primary emulsion stability were found to be the major determinants of insulin encapsulation. The release of insulin from microspheres was biphasic, showing an initial burst effect followed by a near zero-order release for all the batches prepared. The initial burst was related to the presence of insulin molecules located onto or near to the microsphere surface. In the presence of surfactants, a faster insulin release with respect to microspheres encapsulating insulin alone was observed. Insulin stability within microspheres after processing, storage and release was evaluated by reversed phase- and size-exclusion-HPLC. The analysis of microsphere content after processing and 6 months of storage showed that insulin did not undergo any chemical modification within microspheres. On the contrary, during the period of sustained release insulin was transformed in a high-molecular weight product, the amount of which was related to the surfactant used. In conclusion, polysorbate 20 at 3% w/v concentration was the most effective in giving regular shaped particles with both good insulin loading and slow release, and limiting insulin modification within microspheres.     

Drug release characteristics of multi-reservoir type microspheres with poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(dl-lactide).

For the multi-reservoir type microspheres composed of poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(dl-lactide) (PLA), the influence of the drug-holding layer and the non-drug-holding layer on drug release profiles was studied. The microspheres with the blend of PLGA and PLA were prepared by the W/O type emulsion-solvent evaporation technique, and cisplatin was used as a model drug. The degree of water uptake and the erosion of each polymer were evaluated to clarify the mechanism of drug release for multi-reservoir type microspheres. The blending of PLA and PLGA provided two types of microspheres in terms of the drug distribution in a microsphere, depending on the ratio of the blend: the microspheres with the drug-holding layer covered by the non-drug layer and the microspheres with the drug on the outer region. The drug release in the early period was governed by the pattern of drug distribution. The drug release rate at a steady state was governed by the erosion of the drug-holding layer. The results of present study indicate that drug release from multi-reservoir type microspheres involves the following process: (a) rapid release of the drug near the surface of microspheres, (b) formation of micropores in the non-drug-holding layer by hydration and erosion, (c) degradation of the drug-holding layer, and (d) diffusion of the drug through micropores.     

Two methods for quantifying DNA extracted from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres.

DNA can be formulated with synthetic polymers such as poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) to generate microparticles. Researchers have used either UV spectroscopy or fluorometry with PicoGreen((R)) dye to quantify PLG-encapsulated DNA. While the sensitivity of DNA detection and quantification by PicoGreen is higher ( approximately 12 pg/ml) compared to UV ( approximately 0.5 microg/ml), each method as an analytical tool has limitations. The premise of this work addresses the usefulness and limitations of each method to determine encapsulation efficiencies in PLG microspheres post-process, and to quantify release of DNA from microspheres during in vitro release experiments. In addition, assay conditions for accurate and reproducible extraction of DNA from PLG microspheres using a biphasic (aqueous/organic) solvent system are described. It was also determined that residual poly(vinyl alcohol) and DNA isoforms (linear, nicked, supercoiled) affected PicoGreen/DNA fluorescence values.     

Residual polyvinyl alcohol associated with poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles affects their physical properties and cellular uptake.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is the most commonly used emulsifier in the formulation of poly lactide and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymeric nanoparticles. A fraction of PVA remains associated with the nanoparticles despite repeated washing because PVA forms an interconnected network with the polymer at the interface. The objective of this study was to determine the parameters that influence the amount of residual PVA associated with PLGA nanoparticles and its effect on the physical properties and cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were formulated by a multiple emulsion-solvent evaporation technique using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. The parameters that affected the amount of residual PVA include the concentration of PVA and the type of organic solvent used in the emulsion. The residual PVA, in turn, influenced different pharmaceutical properties of nanoparticles such as particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, surface hydrophobicity, protein loading and also slightly influenced the in vitro release of the encapsulated protein. Importantly, nanoparticles with higher amount of residual PVA had relatively lower cellular uptake despite their smaller particle size. It is proposed that the lower intracellular uptake of nanoparticles with higher amount of residual PVA could be related to the higher hydrophilicity of the nanoparticle surface. In conclusion, the residual PVA associated with nanoparticles is an important formulation parameter that can be used to modulate the pharmaceutical properties of PLGA nanoparticles.     

Development of a novel formulation containing poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres dispersed in PLGA-PEG-PLGA gel for sustained delivery of ganciclovir.

The purpose of this work is to develop empirical equations for describing the in vitro ganciclovir (GCV) release from PLGA microspheres and also to develop and characterize a formulation containing GCV loaded PLGA microspheres dispersed in thermogelling PLGA-PEG-PLGA polymer gel. Effect of polymer chain length and polymer blending on GCV entrapment and release from PLGA microspheres is also examined. PLGA microspheres of GCV were prepared from two polymers PLGA 6535 (d,l-lactide:glycolideColon, two colons65:35, Mw=45,000-75,000 Da) and Resomer RG 502H (d,l-lactide:glycolideColon, two colons50:50, Mw=8000 Da) and a 3:1 mixture. PLGA-PEG-PLGA polymer was synthesized and characterized. In vitro GCV release studies were conducted with microspheres and microspheres dispersed in 23% w/v PLGA-PEG-PLGA solution. Polymer blended microspheres entrap more GCV (72.67+/-2.49%) than both PLGA 6535 (51.37+/-2.7%) and Resomer RG 502H (47.13+/-1.13%) microspheres. In vitro drug release data was fit to sigmoid equations and release parameters were estimated by nonlinear regression analysis. These equations effectively describe three different phases in GCV release from PLGA microspheres, initial diffusion, matrix hydration and degradation. The amount of drug release during the initial phase decreased for the blend microspheres indicating efficient packing between the PLGA 6535 and Resomer RG 502H in the microsphere matrix. Moreover, upon dispersion into the polymer gel, the rate of drug release during initial diffusion phases slowed relative to microspheres alone. In conclusion, this study reports the development of PLGA microspheres with high payloads and their PLGA-PEG-PLGA gel based formulations. Drug release equations have been developed that effectively describe the triphasic GCV release.     

Poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid) sequential interpenetrating network pH-sensitive microspheres for the delivery of diclofenac sodium to the intestine.

Sequential interpenetrating network (IPN) of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were prepared and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) to form pH-sensitive microspheres by the water-in-oil (w/o) emulsification method. Microspheres were used to deliver a model anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac sodium (DS), to the intestine. The formed IPN was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were done on the drug-loaded microspheres to confirm the polymorphism of DS. Results indicated a molecular level dispersion of DS in the IPN. Microspheres formed were spherical with the smooth surfaces as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle size and size distribution was studied using laser light diffraction particle size analyzer. Particle size analysis was also done by optical microscope for the selected microspheres; the change in diameter of the microspheres when soaked in different media at different time intervals was measured by optical microscope. Microspheres showed a pulsatile swelling behavior when the pH of the swelling media was changed. The swelling data were fitted to an empirical equation to understand the phenomenon of water transport as well as to calculate the diffusion coefficient (D). Values of D in acidic media were lower than those found in basic media. The values of D decrease with increasing crosslinking of the matrix. In-vitro release studies have been performed in 1.2 and 7.4 pH media to simulate gastric and intestinal conditions. The results indicated a dependence on the pH of the release media, extent of crosslinking and the amount of drug loading.