Controlled delivery of gentamicin using poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) microspheres.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) is a biodegradable polymer with potential biomedical applications.
• Fabrication of P(3HB) microspheres is crucial for controlled drug delivery systems.
• Bacillus cereus SPV can produce P(3HB) via a glucose feeding strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate P(3HB) microspheres using a solid-in-oil-water (s/o/w) technique.
• To investigate the effect of polymer concentration, surfactant, and stirring rates on microsphere characteristics.
• To evaluate the encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release kinetics of gentamicin from P(3HB) microspheres.

Main Methods:

• P(3HB) was produced from Bacillus cereus SPV.
• P(3HB) microspheres were fabricated using the s/o/w emulsification technique.
• Microsphere characteristics (size, surface area, morphology) were analyzed by varying fabrication parameters.
• Gentamicin encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release profiles were determined.

Main Results:

• P(3HB) microspheres with sizes ranging from 1.54 μm to 2 μm were fabricated.
• Specific surface area ranged from 6.05 m²/g to 9.60 m²/g.
• Higher stirring rates (800 rpm) resulted in smaller microspheres compared to lower rates (300 rpm).
• The highest gentamicin encapsulation efficiency achieved was 48%.
• In vitro gentamicin release exhibited a bimodal pattern: an initial burst release followed by sustained release.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable P(3HB) microspheres can be successfully fabricated using the s/o/w technique.
• Fabrication parameters significantly influence microsphere characteristics.
• P(3HB) microspheres demonstrate potential for effective gentamicin encapsulation and controlled release.
• These P(3HB) microspheres hold promise for various biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery.