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Encapsulation of Therapeutic, Low-Molecular-Weight Chemokines Using a Single Emulsion, Microfluidic, Continuous
Julie A Kobyra1, Michael Pezzillo2, Elizabeth R Bentley1
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
Pharmaceutics
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel single emulsion method for encapsulating protein biologics in microparticles. This advanced formulation technique offers controlled release and retains drug activity, improving biologic drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Protein Engineering
Background:
- Polymeric microparticles (MPs) offer extended bioavailability for biologic drugs.
- Encapsulating sensitive, hydrophilic biologics in hydrophobic polymers is challenging.
- Scaling double emulsion processes for biologics is difficult compared to small molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a feasible single emulsion method for encapsulating protein biologics.
- To evaluate the release kinetics and biological activity of encapsulated proteins.
- To adapt the method for scalable microfluidic continuous manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of recombinant chemokines (CCL22, CCL2) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) MPs using a single emulsion technique.
- Analysis of release kinetics and biological activity of released proteins.
- Adaptation of the single emulsion process to a microfluidic continuous manufacturing system.
Main Results:
- Single emulsion MPs showed a reduced initial burst compared to double emulsion MPs.
- Released proteins retained biological activity in cell-based assays.
- Release kinetics were tunable by adjusting particle size and polymer end groups (PLGA-COOH vs. PLGA-OH).
Conclusions:
- The single emulsion method is feasible for encapsulating certain protein biologics.
- This approach offers potential for improved biologic drug formulation and delivery.
- Microfluidic adaptation enhances scalability and control over microparticle production.
