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Small-molecule release from poly(D,L-lactide)/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) composite microparticles
Emily J Pollauf1, Kyekyoon Kevin Kim, Daniel W Pack
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|July 30, 2005
Summary
Biodegradable polymer shells around drug microparticles precisely control drug release. Varying shell thickness of poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLL) over poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) cores achieved sustained piroxicam release for six weeks.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Polymeric microparticles are utilized for controlled drug release.
- Achieving precise control over drug release kinetics remains a challenge.
- Biodegradable polymer shells offer a potential strategy for modulating release rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel fabrication method for core-shell microparticles with controlled dimensions.
- To investigate the impact of biodegradable polymer shell thickness on drug release kinetics.
- To compare the drug release profiles of core-shell microparticles versus blended polymer microspheres.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of core-shell microparticles using a novel method allowing precise control over particle diameter and shell thickness.
- Encapsulation of piroxicam as a model drug within poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) cores.
- Coating PLG cores with poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLL) shells of varying thicknesses (2-15 micrometers).
- Comparative analysis with pure PLG microspheres and blended polymer systems.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated precise control over microparticle diameter and shell thickness through the novel fabrication technique.
- Established a clear correlation between poly(D,L-lactide) shell thickness and the release rate of piroxicam.
- Showcased the superiority of core-shell morphology over blended polymers for controlled release, even at equivalent mass ratios.
- Achieved nearly constant drug release rates for up to six weeks by combining microcapsules with different shell thicknesses.
Conclusions:
- The developed fabrication method enables precise control over core-shell microparticle architecture.
- Biodegradable polymer shell thickness is a critical factor in modulating drug release profiles.
- Core-shell morphology is essential for achieving predictable and sustained drug delivery compared to blended systems.
- Combining microcapsules with varying shell thicknesses offers a viable strategy for achieving long-term, near-constant drug release.