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Published on: December 27, 2013
Preparation and characterization of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic Acid) microspheres containing flurbiprofen sodium
Yekta Samati1, Nilüfer Yüksel, Nilüfer Tarimci
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
This study aimed to prepare biodegradable microspheres containing flurbiprofen sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), as the drug delivery system to the periodontal pocket. Microspheres were prepared from biodegradable copolymers of poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) using solvent evaporation method. The effects of the different copolymers and amounts of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a dispersing agent on characteristics of the microspheres were evaluated. Although there was no correlation between microsphere size and amount of PVA, an optimum PVA concentration was essential to achieve narrower size distributions of microspheres. As the concentration of PVA increased, the drug loading of the microspheres increased. The effect of PVA on drug loading was found to be statistically significant for those microspheres prepared from PLGA 50:50 (p < 0.05). Regarding copolymer composition, PLGA 85:15 provided higher drug loading into the microspheres than PLGA 50:50 (p < 0.05). The recoveries of microspheres (60-80%) were affected neither by different PVA concentrations nor by copolymer compositions (p > 0.05). According to the first-order release rate constants of the microspheres, the microspheres of PLGA 50:50 released the drug at the highest rate consistently, with the highest hydrophilicity of this copolymer.
Insights
Biodegradable microspheres loaded with flurbiprofen sodium were developed for periodontal drug delivery. Poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer type and polyvinyl alcohol concentration influenced drug loading and microsphere size distribution.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Periodontal Therapeutics
Background:
- Periodontal disease management requires effective local drug delivery.
- Biodegradable microspheres offer controlled release of anti-inflammatory agents.
- Flurbiprofen sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with potential for periodontal application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize biodegradable microspheres containing flurbiprofen sodium for periodontal drug delivery.
- To evaluate the impact of poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer composition and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration on microsphere properties.
- To assess drug loading, size distribution, and release kinetics of the developed microspheres.
Main Methods:
- Microspheres were fabricated using the solvent evaporation technique.
- Poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymers (50:50 and 85:15 ratios) were utilized.
- Varying concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were employed as a dispersing agent.
Main Results:
- Optimal PVA concentration was crucial for achieving narrow microsphere size distributions.
- Increased PVA concentration led to higher flurbiprofen sodium loading, particularly with PLGA 50:50.
- PLGA 85:15 exhibited higher drug loading compared to PLGA 50:50.
- Microsphere recovery ranged from 60-80% and was not significantly affected by PVA or copolymer type.
- PLGA 50:50 microspheres demonstrated the fastest drug release rate due to higher hydrophilicity.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable PLGA microspheres are suitable for flurbiprofen sodium delivery to periodontal pockets.
- PVA concentration and PLGA copolymer composition significantly influence microsphere characteristics and drug loading.
- PLGA 50:50 offers faster drug release, while PLGA 85:15 provides higher drug loading capacity.
