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Updated: May 31, 2026

PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS
Published on: December 27, 2013
Insulin-loaded PLGA microparticles: flow focusing versus double emulsion/solvent evaporation
M J Cózar-Bernal1, M A Holgado, J L Arias
1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain. cozar@us.es
Context:
Oral administration of insulin is severely limited by very low bioavailability. Biocompatible polymeric nanocarriers have been investigated to overcome this problem. Flow focusing (FF) has revolutionized current engineering of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based micromedicines. This technique has never been used to formulate insulin-loaded PLGA microparticles.
Objective:
Investigation of the benefits rising from the synthesis of insulin-loaded PLGA microplatforms by FF, compared to double emulsion/solvent evaporation method.
Materials And Methods:
Both synthesis methodologies were compared in terms of geometry, surface physicochemical properties and insulin vehiculization capabilities. The stability of the peptide during the formulation procedure was further analysed.
Results:
FF permitted the preparation of insulin-loaded microcarriers with better geometry and physicochemical properties for the oral route, along with greater insulin loading capabilities and sustained insulin release kinetics.
Discussion And Conclusion:
Results have lead to the identification of the best formulation conditions for the engineering of insulin-loaded PLGA microparticles against diabetes.

