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Protein encapsulation in biodegradable amphiphilic microspheres

P Bouillot1, N Ubrich, F Sommer

  • 1Laboratoire de Chimie-Physique Macromoléculaire, UMR CNRS-INPL 7568, groupe ENSIC, BP 451, 54 001, Nancy cedex, France. p.bouillot@bris.ac.uk

Insights

Methoxy Poly(ethylene oxide)-Poly(lactic acid) (MPOE-PLA) microspheres enhance bovine serum albumin (BSA) release. The MPOE coating improves drug delivery performance by reducing adsorption and increasing BSA release, offering a promising drug delivery system.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres are widely used for drug delivery.
  • Controlling drug release kinetics and minimizing non-specific adsorption remain challenges.
  • Methoxy Poly(ethylene oxide)-Poly(lactic acid) (MPOE-PLA) copolymers offer tunable properties for improved performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prepare and characterize MPOE-PLA microspheres for enhanced bovine serum albumin (BSA) delivery.
  • To investigate the effect of MPOE coating on microsphere surface properties and BSA release kinetics.
  • To elucidate the relationship between MPOE chain characteristics and drug diffusion within the microspheres.

Main Methods:

  • Double emulsion method for MPOE-PLA microsphere preparation.
  • Confocal scanning microscopy for surface analysis and MPOE coating visualization.
  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for surface roughness assessment.
  • Diffusion studies using rhodamine aqueous solution to evaluate water penetration.

Main Results:

  • High encapsulation efficiency (~93%) achieved for BSA-loaded MPOE-PLA microspheres.
  • MPOE coating confirmed on microsphere surfaces, leading to reduced BSA adsorption and increased BSA release.
  • Surface roughness was observed due to the presence of MPOE chains.
  • Fast water diffusion through MPOE-PLA matrices, particularly with high molecular weight MPOE, correlated with rapid BSA release.

Conclusions:

  • MPOE-PLA microspheres demonstrate improved performance as a drug delivery system compared to plain PLA.
  • The MPOE hydrophilic chains effectively reduce protein adsorption and enhance drug release.
  • The findings suggest MPOE-PLA microspheres are a promising platform for controlled protein delivery.

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