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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
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Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Biodegradable and injectable paclitaxel-loaded poly(ester amide)s microspheres: fabrication and characterization
1Fiber and Polymer Science Program, Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design, and Biomedical Engineering Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-4401.
Summary
Novel biodegradable submicron microspheres were created using amino acid-based poly(ester amide)s (PEAs). These PEA microspheres show potential for delivering hydrophobic anticancer drugs via injection due to high drug loading efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers are crucial for advanced drug delivery systems.
- Amino acid-based poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) offer tunable properties for biomedical applications.
- Submicron microspheres are ideal for injectable formulations, particularly for hydrophobic drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize novel biodegradable submicron microspheres from amino acid-based poly(ester amide)s (PEAs).
- To investigate the effects of fabrication parameters on microsphere size and morphology.
- To evaluate the drug loading efficiency and biodegradation behavior of PEA microspheres for potential anticancer drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PEA microspheres using an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion/solvent evaporation technique.
- Analysis of microsphere morphology and size distribution using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Investigation of biodegradation in vitro using alpha-chymotrypsin at 37°C.
Main Results:
- Submicron PEA microspheres (<1 µm) with narrow size distribution were obtained with approximately 80% yield.
- Optimal conditions for smaller microspheres included low PEA concentration, high polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration, and high homogenizer speed.
- PEA microspheres demonstrated surface erosion degradation and achieved high encapsulation efficiency for Paclitaxel, close to 100% drug loading.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable PEA submicron microspheres can be effectively fabricated with controlled size and morphology.
- These microspheres exhibit favorable biodegradation characteristics.
- The high drug loading efficiency suggests significant potential for injectable delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.
