DEVELOPMENT OF ENCAPSULATED ANTIBIOTICS FOR TOPICAL ADMINISTRATION TO WOUNDS.

Abstract

This paper describes antibiotic microcapsules consisting of ampicillin anhydrate and poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (DL-PLG). In addition, results of the experiments that evaluated the prototype microcapsules in vitro and in vivo are summarized. The promising results observed in efficacy testing of these prototype microcapsules have resulted in plans to evaluate them in other animal models and to micro-encapsulate alternative antibiotics. From a biological perspective, the DL-PLG copolymer is well suited for in vivo drug release because it elicits a minimal inflammatory response, is biologically compatible, and degrades under physiologic conditions to products that are nontoxic and readily metabolized.