Preparation and evaluation of biodegradable polymeric systems for the intra-articular delivery of drugs

Colloidal suspensions of four biodegradable polymers, polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylcyanoacrylate (PBCA), gelatin (PG) and albumin (PA) were prepared within the size range 1-10 micron. In-vivo biocompatibility tests with synovial tissues were carried out to assess the irritancy of the polymers following intra-articular injection into rabbit knee joints. PLA, PBCA and PG were found to cause joint inflammation whereas PA was well tolerated by the tissues. PA microspheres may provide a means of sustaining the release and reducing the rate of clearance of drugs from the knee joint.