Release of human serum albumin from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres

Human serum albumin (HSA) was encapsulated in a 50:50 copolymer of DL-lactide/glycolide in the form of microspheres. These microspheres were used as a model formulation to study the feasibility of controlling the release of large proteins over a 20- to 30-day period. We show that HSA can be successfully incorporated into microspheres and released intact from these microspheres into various buffer systems at 37 degrees C. A continuous release of the protein could be achieved in physiological buffers at 37 degrees C over a 20- to 30-day period from microspheres with high protein loadings (11.6%). These results demonstrate the potential of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres for continuous delivery of large proteins.