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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Preparation of vancomycin microparticles: importance of preparation parameters
Walid Hachicha1, Laurent Kodjikian, Hatem Fessi
1Laboratoire d'Automatique et de Génie des procédés, UMR CNRS 5007, Villeurbanne, France.
Abstract:
The aim of the present work was to prepare microparticles containing vancomycin for intraocular injection. The primary objective was to guarantee continuous release and keep an intracameral drug concentration above the minimal inhibitory limit for at least 24h, needed in endophthalmitis prophylaxis after cataract surgery. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles were prepared using the double emulsion (water-in-oil-in-water) solvent extraction/evaporation method. The influence of preparation parameters on the final microparticles properties was explored in an attempt to control particle sizes, stability, encapsulation rate and vancomycin release profile. Satisfying release profile and stability were obtained, independently of the process. Sizes and encapsulation rate were controlled using an experimental design. Final obtained properties demonstrated that the fabricated particles are suitable for the prophylactic intraocular use in cataract surgery. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments will be conducted to assess efficiency of the entrapped antibacterial and then validate its potential usefulness in prophylaxis.
Insights
Researchers developed vancomycin-loaded microparticles for sustained intraocular drug delivery. These particles aim to maintain effective antibiotic levels for 24 hours, crucial for preventing infections after cataract surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endophthalmitis is a serious risk following cataract surgery.
- Maintaining adequate intracameral antibiotic levels is critical for prophylaxis.
- Current delivery methods may not ensure sustained drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize vancomycin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles.
- To achieve continuous vancomycin release for at least 24 hours post-injection.
- To ensure suitability for intraocular use in endophthalmitis prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of microparticles using the double emulsion (water-in-oil-in-water) solvent extraction/evaporation method.
- Exploration of preparation parameters to control particle size, stability, and encapsulation rate.
- Evaluation of vancomycin release profiles and microparticle stability.
Main Results:
- Successfully prepared vancomycin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles.
- Achieved controlled particle sizes and encapsulation rates through experimental design.
- Demonstrated satisfying release profiles and stability, suitable for intraocular administration.
- Microparticle properties were found to be independent of the specific preparation process.
Conclusions:
- The fabricated vancomycin microparticles show promise for intraocular prophylaxis after cataract surgery.
- The controlled release profile and stability meet the requirements for sustained therapeutic effect.
- Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to confirm efficacy and clinical utility.
