title: rhEGF microsphere formulation and in vitro skin evaluation.
abstract: An optimized process for protein encapsulation was applied to formulate epidermal growth factor (rhEGF)-poly-epsilon-caprolactone microspheres. Microparticles mean size was 3.8 microm +/- 0.2 and the encapsulation efficiency was 41.9% +/- 2.6. rhEGF recovery after the encapsulation process was approximately 70% (41.9% inside the microspheres and 30% still active in the external phase). In vitro release experiments in McIlvaine buffered solution showed a rhEGF sustained release over 4 days. Skin absorption studies conducted on full-thickness human skin using the Franz cell method showed that 20% rhEGF was released from the microspheres after 24 h exposure. Microspheres accumulated in the stratum corneum where they may act as a rhEGF reservoir. Therefore, rhEGF-PCL microparticles seemed to be promising systems due to their ability to provide locally a sustained release of rhEGF in skin layers.
authors.affiliation: CNRS, UMR 5007, LAGEP, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Al Haushey
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bolzinger
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fessi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Briançon
mesh_terms: D002214:Capsules / Q000737:chemistry; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000737:chemistry*; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000379:methods*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D010316:Particle Size; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011091:Polyesters; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C016240:polycaprolactone; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor