Development and characterization of drug-loaded biodegradable PLA microcarriers prepared by the electrospraying technique

Abstract

Biodegradable particles are extremely useful in the development of novel drug delivery systems. Recent studies have suggested that morphology can influence the mechanisms of drug delivery in many ways. In the present study, biodegradable microparticles with different morphologies were prepared from poly(L-lactide) (PLA) using the electrospraying technique. The microparticles were then systematically examined by scanning using an electron microscope. The results revealed that the preparation of drug-loaded microspheres through electrospraying is a simple and efficient method, and the processing parameters, such as polymer molecular weight, concentration, surfactant and solvent play an important role in obtaining high quality microcarriers. The association between microcarrier morphology and the processing parameters used was also investigated. Rifampin-loaded PLA microspheres were also prepared according to the above-mentioned model. Our data demonstrate that the drug release from PLA microspheres can be sustained in vitro for over 60 h. Our study focused on obtaining electrosprayed medicated microparticles from complex polyester particles. Further studies are required to explore the potential commercial use of these microparticles.