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12:48
PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS
Published on: December 27, 2013
Injectable PLGA/hydrocortisone formulation produced by continuous supercritical emulsion extraction.
Nunzia Falco1, Ernesto Reverchon, Giovanna Della Porta
1Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Ponte don Melillo 1, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|November 6, 2012
Summary
This study developed a sustained-release anti-inflammatory formulation using hydrocortisone acetate (HA) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) microspheres. The supercritical emulsion extraction in continuous operation (SEE-C) process yielded microdevices with high encapsulation and prolonged drug release for local injection.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Developing prolonged-release formulations for local anti-inflammatory injections is crucial for sustained therapeutic effects.
- Hydrocortisone acetate (HA) is a widely used corticosteroid for treating inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an anti-inflammatory prolonged-action formulation for local injection using hydrocortisone acetate (HA) incorporated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) microspheres.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using supercritical emulsion extraction in continuous operation (SEE-C) for industrial-scale production.
Main Methods:
- PLGA/HA microspheres were prepared using supercritical emulsion extraction in continuous operation (SEE-C).
- Microsphere size, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release were analyzed.
- Process parameters such as pressure, temperature, and L/G ratio were optimized.
Main Results:
- PLGA/HA microspheres with mean sizes ranging from 1 to 5 μm were successfully produced.
- High encapsulation efficiencies (75-80%) were achieved.
- Sustained drug release over 6-15 days was observed, varying with emulsion type.
Conclusions:
- The SEE-C process is a robust, flexible, and scalable technology for producing microdevices with tunable drug release profiles.
- This technology enables the continuous industrial production of prolonged-action anti-inflammatory formulations for local injection.
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