title: Preparation of smallest microparticles of poly-D,L-lactide by modified precipitation method: influence of the process parameters.
abstract: Biodegradable microspheres such as those made of poly-D,L-lactide (PDLLA) are widely investigated delivery systems for drugs or antigens. The aim of this study was to examine experimental conditions in order to produce PDLLA microspheres with the best properties for controlled and sustained drug delivery by the modified precipitation method. For this purpose, the following parameters were varied: co-solvent (methanol or ethanol), the concentration of stabilizer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chloroform-to-water ratio and the speed and time of homogenization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereological analysis were used to characterize the particles. The average size and morphology of the microspheres varied substantially with preparation conditions from 8.44-1.25 microm. Results showed that the smallest particles were obtained with methanol, 1% PVA and with 10 min of homogenization at 21,000 rpm.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Technical Sciences of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia.
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Jovanović
authors.forename: Branka
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jordović
authors.forename: Marijana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petković
authors.forename: Nenad
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ignjatović
authors.forename: Dragan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Uskoković
mesh_terms: D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008863:Microspheres; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D017800:Potyvirus
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)