Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025

PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS
Published on: December 27, 2013
Influence of PLGA molecular weight distribution on leuprolide release from microspheres
Masanori Ochi1, Bo Wan1, Quanying Bao1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
Abstract:
Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a biodegradable copolymer used in many long-acting drug products. The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of polymer molecular weight distribution differences of PLGA on the in vitro release profile of leuprolide acetate microspheres. Eight microsphere formulations were prepared using the same manufacturing process but with different PLGA polymers. The physicochemical properties (drug loading, particle size and morphology) as well as the in vitro release profiles of the prepared microspheres were evaluated using a sample-and-separate method. The amount of burst release increased with increasing amount of low molecular weight fractions of PLGA, indicating that the drug release profiles appeared to be affected not only by the average molecular weight but also the molecular weight distribution of PLGA. In conclusion, quality control of the molecular weight distribution of PLGA as well as the weight average molecular weight is highly desirable in order to control the burst release.
More Related Videos
11:32Characteristics of Precipitation-formed Polyethylene Glycol Microgels Are Controlled by Molecular Weight of Reactants
Published on: December 23, 2013
15:33Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Polyethylene glycol and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation
Published on: October 29, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Drug Permeability, Stability and Stereochemistry
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Pharmaceutical Parameters