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Preparation of Uniform PEG-PLLA Microspheres via Membrane Emulsification for Soft Tissue Filling Applications
Siqi Zhang1,2, Yuan Gao2,3, Danyang Wang2,3
1Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed uniform poly(lactic acid) microspheres (MSs) using shirasu porous glass membrane emulsification. These biocompatible fillers promote collagen regeneration and reduce skin laxity, offering a promising solution for aging skin treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dermatology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Skin aging is characterized by collagen loss and elastic fiber degradation, leading to skin laxity.
- Conventional poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microspheres (MSs) for volume restoration have limitations like broad size distribution and surface irregularities, causing adverse reactions.
- Developing uniform and well-shaped MSs is crucial for effective and safe dermal fillers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate uniform and well-shaped polyethylene glycol-block-poly (L-lactic acid) (PEG-PLLA) MSs using shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification.
- To optimize the preparation parameters for PEG-PLLA MSs.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of the fabricated PEG-PLLA MSs in promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) production.
Main Methods:
- Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification was used to fabricate PEG-PLLA MSs.
- A single-factor experiment optimized PEG-PLLA concentration (40 mg/mL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration (0.5%), and magnetic stirring speed (200 rpm).
- Cytotoxicity assays on L929 mouse fibroblasts and assessment of ECM component production (Col-I, Col-III, HA) were performed.
Main Results:
- Optimal conditions yielded PEG-PLLA MSs with an average particle size of 58.982 μm and a span value (SPAN) of 1.367.
- The fabricated MSs showed no significant cytotoxicity to L929 mouse fibroblasts at concentrations below 500 μg/mL.
- PEG-PLLA MSs significantly enhanced the production of type I collagen (Col-I), type III collagen (Col-III), and hyaluronic acid (HA), while reducing cellular oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification provides a reliable and reproducible method for fabricating uniform PEG-PLLA MSs.
- The developed PEG-PLLA MSs are biocompatible and effective in stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production, addressing skin laxity.
- This study presents a promising strategy for creating controllable, biocompatible MS fillers for long-term volume restoration and skin rejuvenation.
