Release of FITC-BSA from poly(l-lactic acid) microspheres analysis using flow cytometry

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers like poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) are crucial for advanced drug delivery systems.
• Developing microspheres with controlled particle size and release profiles is essential for effective therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres for drug delivery applications.
• To evaluate the drug release kinetics and cellular uptake of FITC-BSA loaded PLA microspheres.

Main Methods:

• PLA microspheres loaded with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) were fabricated using the W(1)/O/W(2) solvent evaporation method.
• Microsphere size was optimized using homogenization and purified via glycerol gradient centrifugation.
• Drug release and degradation were assessed using enzyme treatment and supernatant analysis; cellular uptake was evaluated via flow cytometry.

Main Results:

• Microspheres with a homogeneous particle size distribution around 10 μm were successfully produced.
• Enzyme degradation studies showed approximately 40% degradation within 72 hours.
• Drug release tests confirmed increasing FITC-BSA concentration over time, and phagocytosis experiments indicated cellular uptake of 1 μm microspheres.

Conclusions:

• PLA microspheres are effective for encapsulating and delivering drugs like FITC-BSA.
• The prepared microspheres exhibit controlled release properties and are readily taken up by cells.
• This study validates the potential of PLA microspheres as a viable drug delivery vehicle.