Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Fabricating Highly Open Porous Microspheres (HOPMs) via Microfluidic Technology
05:21

Fabricating Highly Open Porous Microspheres (HOPMs) via Microfluidic Technology

Published on: May 16, 2022

Design of methylprednisolone biodegradable microspheres intended for intra-articular administration

Francesco Cilurzo1, Francesca Selmin, Paola Minghetti

  • 1Istituto di Chimica Farmaceutica e Tossicologica "P. Pratesi", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 14, 20133 Milan, Italy. francesco.cilurzo@unimi.it

AAPS Pharmscitech
|November 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study developed methyprednisolone (MP)-loaded poly(D,L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres for joint injections. Beta-irradiation minimally affected microsphere properties, with HPMC potentially offering radioprotection.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Intra-articular administration requires specialized drug delivery systems.
  • Poly(D,L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres are suitable for sustained drug release.
  • Methyprednisolone (MP) is a corticosteroid used for inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and characterize methyprednisolone (MP)-loaded poly(D,L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres for intra-articular administration.
  • To evaluate the impact of beta-irradiation on the properties and drug release of these microspheres.

Main Methods:

  • Microspheres were prepared using the oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion technique with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) as a surfactant.
  • Four types of PLGA with varying properties were used for encapsulation.
  • Beta-irradiation (25 kGy) was applied to assess its effects on microsphere characteristics and drug release profiles.
  • Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to confirm HPMC presence.

Main Results:

  • The O/W technique with HPMC yielded microspheres of appropriate size (7-50 microm) for intra-articular injection.
  • Encapsulation efficiency for MP ranged from 56-60%.
  • Microspheres made from capped (MS 2M) and uncapped (MS 3A) PLGA demonstrated prolonged MP release over 2-3 months, exhibiting triphasic and biphasic patterns, respectively.
  • Beta-irradiation showed minimal impact on microsphere morphology and physicochemical properties, with a slight reduction in the dormant release period for MS 2M.

Conclusions:

  • PLGA microspheres loaded with methyprednisolone are feasible for intra-articular delivery, providing sustained release over several months.
  • Beta-irradiation at 25 kGy does not significantly alter the critical properties of these PLGA microspheres.
  • The presence of HPMC may confer a radioprotective effect on the PLGA microspheres, explaining the minimal changes observed post-irradiation, which contrasts with existing literature.

More Related Videos

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications10:33

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications

Published on: August 12, 2012

Preparation of Cross-Linked Sodium Alginate Microspheres with Different Metal Ions Using the Microfluidic Electrospray Technology07:24

Preparation of Cross-Linked Sodium Alginate Microspheres with Different Metal Ions Using the Microfluidic Electrospray Technology

Published on: June 7, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems01:11

Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems

Delayed-release drug delivery systems are specialized pharmaceutical formulations designed to postpone the release of active compounds until the drug reaches a specific region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, typically the intestine. These systems are essential for drugs that may cause gastric irritation, are unstable in acidic environments, or need to exert therapeutic effects locally in the intestinal or colonic regions.The core feature of delayed-release systems is the use of enteric...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems01:21

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...