The use of aqueous PEG/dextran phase separation for the preparation of dextran microspheres

A novel procedure to prepare dextran microspheres, without the use of organic solvents was developed. The method is based on phase separation which occurs in aqueous solutions of PEG and methacrylated dextran (dexMA). After stirring this two phase system a water-in-water emulsion is formed. When dexMA forms the discontinuous phase, dextran microspheres can be obtained by polymerization of the methacryloyl groups attached to dextran. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the formulation parameters that affect the particle characteristics. Therefore, it was necessary to establish dexMA/PEG/water phase diagrams. Lower polymer molecular weights and higher degrees of MA substitution resulted in less pronounced phase separation (binodal shifts to higher concentrations). The volume weight mean microsphere diameter varied between 2.5 and 20 microm, depending on the viscosities of both phases and the PEG/dexMA volume ratio. A more viscous continuous phase and/or a less viscous discontinuous phase resulted in smaller microspheres. Furthermore, the particle size increased with decreasing PEG/dexMA volume ratios. The particle characteristics, like cross-link density, initial water content and size can be tailored by adjusting the formulation parameters.