title: Insulin-loaded PLGA microparticles: flow focusing versus double emulsion/solvent evaporation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oral administration of insulin is severely limited by very low bioavailability. Biocompatible polymeric nanocarriers have been investigated to overcome this problem. Flow focusing (FF) has revolutionized current engineering of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based micromedicines. This technique has never been used to formulate insulin-loaded PLGA microparticles.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Investigation of the benefits rising from the synthesis of insulin-loaded PLGA microplatforms by FF, compared to double emulsion/solvent evaporation method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both synthesis methodologies were compared in terms of geometry, surface physicochemical properties and insulin vehiculization capabilities. The stability of the peptide during the formulation procedure was further analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  FF permitted the preparation of insulin-loaded microcarriers with better geometry and physicochemical properties for the oral route, along with greater insulin loading capabilities and sustained insulin release kinetics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results have lead to the identification of the best formulation conditions for the engineering of insulin-loaded PLGA microparticles against diabetes.
authors: Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain. cozar@us.es
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Cózar-Bernal
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Holgado
authors: J L
authors: JL
authors: Arias
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Muñoz-Rubio
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Martín-Banderas
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Alvarez-Fuentes
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Fernández-Arévalo
mesh_terms: D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D004655:Emulsions; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008722:Methods; D008863:Microspheres; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D004655:Emulsions; D007328:Insulin; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid