Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
07:32

Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles

Published on: August 28, 2015

12.1K

Injectable methotrexate loaded polycaprolactone microspheres: Physicochemical characterization, biocompatibility, and

Mukesh Dhanka1, Chaitra Shetty1, Rohit Srivastava1

  • 1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India.

Materials Science & Engineering. C, Materials for Biological Applications
|September 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Polycaprolactone microspheres loaded with methotrexate were developed for drug delivery. These microspheres show controlled drug release, good stability, and biocompatibility, suggesting potential for pharmaceutical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres are a promising platform for controlled drug delivery.
  • Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent requiring effective delivery systems.
  • Developing stable and biocompatible MTX-loaded microspheres is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize polycaprolactone microspheres (PCL MPs) loaded with methotrexate (MTX).
  • To evaluate the physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, stability, and biocompatibility of MTX-PCL MPs.
  • To assess the potential of these microspheres for future drug delivery applications.

Main Methods:

  • Oil-in-water emulsion solvent evaporation method using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as an emulsifier.
  • Characterization using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), High-Resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), Fourier transmittance infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA).
  • In vitro drug release studies in phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4), stability testing, L929 cell viability assays, and hemocompatibility tests with red blood cells (RBCs).

Main Results:

  • Methotrexate encapsulation efficiency of 51.28%±0.52 and loading capacity of 2.8%±0.06 were achieved.
  • Microspheres exhibited spherical morphology with smooth surfaces and a mean size of 23μm, suitable for injection.
  • PCL retained its semi-crystalline nature, while MTX lost crystallinity; no physicochemical modifications were observed. Controlled MTX release (31% in 306h) and good physicochemical stability for 8 months.
  • High cell viability (>80%) and hemocompatibility were confirmed, with no adverse effects on RBCs.

Conclusions:

  • Developed MTX-PCL MPs demonstrate favorable physicochemical properties and controlled drug release kinetics.
  • The microspheres exhibit excellent stability and biocompatibility, indicating a low risk of adverse biological reactions.
  • These findings support the potential of MTX-PCL MPs as a viable drug delivery system for therapeutic applications.
Keywords:
Cell viabilityHemolysisMethotrexateMicrospheresPolycaprolactone

More Related Videos

Direct and Indirect Culture Methods for Studying Biodegradable Implant Materials In Vitro14:49

Direct and Indirect Culture Methods for Studying Biodegradable Implant Materials In Vitro

Published on: April 15, 2022

5.7K
Fabricating Highly Open Porous Microspheres HOPMs via Microfluidic Technology05:21

Fabricating Highly Open Porous Microspheres HOPMs via Microfluidic Technology

Published on: May 16, 2022

3.5K

Related Concept Videos

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
37
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence01:27

Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence

Changes in polymorphic forms can significantly influence the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Although the FDA defines pharmaceutical equivalence based on having the same active ingredient, dosage form, and route of administration, it does not automatically disqualify products with different polymorphic forms. This means two products with different polymorphs can still be deemed pharmaceutically equivalent. However, polymorphic differences can affect properties like wettability,...
198
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention01:05

Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention

Body:Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...
238