Bioerodable Ketamine-Loaded Microparticles Fabricated Using Dissolvable Hydrogel Template Technology

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Pain Management
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Severe cancer pain often requires advanced treatment strategies when standard analgesics are insufficient.
• Intrathecal drug delivery via implanted pumps can be effective but carries risks of catheter-related complications.
• There is a need for less invasive, sustained-release drug delivery systems for intrathecal administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles for sustained intrathecal delivery of ketamine.
• To evaluate ketamine loading capacity and in vitro release kinetics of the developed microparticles.

Main Methods:

• Biodegradable PLGA microparticles loaded with ketamine were fabricated using a dissolvable hydrogel template.
• Microparticles were prepared using PLGA with three different lactic acid to glycolic acid ratios (50:50, 75:25, 85:15).
• Ketamine loading, particle size, morphology, and in vitro drug release were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Homogenous PLGA microparticles with high ketamine loading (18.9%-20.4%) were successfully prepared.
• Microparticles exhibited desired dimensions (approx. 20 μm diameter, 30 μm height).
• In vitro studies demonstrated sustained ketamine release for ≥14 days with a controlled initial burst release (10%-20%).

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable ketamine-loaded PLGA microparticles represent a promising alternative to implanted pumps for intrathecal pain management.
• This formulation allows for sustained drug release, potentially improving efficacy and patient compliance in managing severe cancer-related pain.
• Further investigation is warranted to assess the in vivo performance and safety of these microparticles for intrathecal administration.