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Published on: March 3, 2023
Biodegradable micro- and nanoparticles as long-term delivery vehicles for gentamicin
Concepcion Lecaroz1, Carlos Gamazo, María Jesus Renedo
1Department of Microbiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
Journal of Microencapsulation
|November 25, 2006
Summary
Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles and nanoparticles loaded with gentamicin were developed for systemic delivery. Certain PLGA formulations demonstrated excellent encapsulation and sustained release, showing promise for treating intracellular infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a widely used biodegradable polymer for drug delivery.
- Gentamicin is an antibiotic effective against various bacterial infections, including those caused by intracellular pathogens.
- Effective systemic delivery of gentamicin is crucial for treating widespread infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) micro- and nanoparticles loaded with gentamicin.
- To evaluate their potential as vectors for systemic administration.
- To characterize particle size, drug loading, aggregation, and in vitro release profiles.
Main Methods:
- Solvent evaporation method was employed for preparing PLGA micro- and nanoparticles.
- Particle size and morphology were analyzed.
- Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were quantified.
- In vitro drug release studies were conducted over 28 days.
Main Results:
- Microspheres had diameters below 3 microm; nanoparticles were uniformly sized at 320 nm.
- Higher drug loading was achieved with microencapsulation, particularly with hydrophilic PLGA copolymers (e.g., 502H, 503H, 75:25H).
- Particles prepared via solvent evaporation showed no aggregation, unlike spray-dried counterparts.
- 502H microspheres exhibited the most sustained gentamicin release (40% remaining after 28 days).
Conclusions:
- PLGA microspheres (502H, 503H, 75:25H) and nanoparticles (502H) show significant potential for systemic gentamicin delivery.
- These formulations are promising for targeting intracellular gentamicin-susceptible pathogens.
- The choice of PLGA copolymer influences drug loading and release kinetics, enabling tailored delivery systems.
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