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Paclitaxel loaded poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres for the prevention of intraperitoneal carcinomatosis after a surgical repair and tumor cell spill.

A controlled release delivery system for paclitaxel was developed using poly(L-lactic acid) to provide local delivery to the peritoneal cavity. Microspheres were made in 1-40 and 30-120 microm size ranges. In an in vitro release study, 30-120 microm microspheres loaded with 10, 20 and 30% paclitaxel exhibited a burst phase of release for 3 days followed by an apparently zero-order phase of release. At all loadings, 20-25% of the original load of paclitaxel was released after 30 days. The effect of microsphere size on retention in the peritoneal cavity was assessed. Control 1-40 microm microspheres were injected intraperitoneally in rats. The rats received either insufflation of the peritoneal cavity using 11 mmHg CO2 or no further treatment. After sacrifice, microspheres with diameters less than 24 microm were observed in the lymphatic system after being cleared from the peritoneal cavity through fenestrations in the diaphragm. Insufflation of the peritoneal cavity had no effect on the size of microspheres that were cleared. Efficacy studies were carried out using 30-120 microm microspheres that were of sufficient size to be retained in the peritoneal cavity. In a model of a tumor cell spill after a cecotomy repair, 100 mg of 30-120 microm microspheres containing 30% paclitaxel were effective in preventing growth of tumors in the peritoneal cavity at both 2 and 6 weeks post-surgery. No gross or histologically evident tumor growth was observed on any peritoneal surfaces or in the surgical wound site. Rats receiving control microspheres all showed tumor cell implantation and growth after 2 weeks.

Animals↗

Preparation, characterization and in vitro release of gentamicin from coralline hydroxyapatite-gelatin composite microspheres.

Composite microspheres have been prepared from bioactive ceramics such as coralline hydroxyapatite [CHA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] granules, a biodegradable polymer, gelatin and an antibiotic, gentamicin. In our earlier work, we have shown a gentamicin release from CHA granules--chitosan composite microspheres. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to prepare the composite microspheres containing coralline hydroxyapatite and gelatin (CHA-G), which were prepared by the dispersion polymerization technique and the gentamicin was incorporated by the absorption method. The crystal structure of the composite microspheres was analyzed using X-ray powder diffractometer. The Fourier transformed infrared spectrum clearly indicated the presence of amide and hydroxyl groups in the composite microspheres. Scanning electron micrographs and optical micrographs show that the composite microspheres are spherical in shape and porous in nature. The particle size of composite microspheres was analyzed and the average size was found to be 16 microm. The thermal behavior of composite microspheres was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. The cumulative in vitro release profile of gentamicin from composite microspheres showed near zero order patterns.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Biocompatibility and degradation of poly(ether-ester) microspheres: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Microspheres of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic poly(ether-ester) copolymer were evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and degradation. The microspheres prior to and after sterilization were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity. The in vivo biocompatibility of the poly(ethylene glycol) terephthalate and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEGT/PBT) microspheres was evaluated subcutaneously and intramuscularly for 24 weeks in rabbits. The in vivo degradation of the microspheres was studied microscopically and compared to the in vitro degradation. The in vitro and in vivo studies showed the biocompatibility of the microspheres of both the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic PEGT/PBT copolymer. Extracts of these microspheres showed no cytotoxic reactivity in the in vitro cytotoxicity test. Sterilization of the microspheres by gamma irradiation did not affect the cytotoxicity. PEGT/PBT microspheres injected subcutaneously and intramuscularly in rabbits showed a mild tissue response in vivo, in terms of the inflammatory response, the foreign body reaction and the granulation tissue response. Although an in vitro degradation experiment showed a decrease in molecular weight due to hydrolysis, the in vivo degradation of the microspheres was slower than previously published.

Animals↗

A floating-type oral dosage form for piroxicam based on hollow polycarbonate microspheres: in vitro and in vivo evaluation in rabbits.

A floating type dosage form (FDF) of piroxicam in hollow polycarbonate (PC) microspheres capable of floating on simulated gastric and intestinal fluids was prepared by a solvent evaporation technique. Incorporation efficiencies of over 95% were achieved for the encapsulation. In vitro release of piroxicam from PC microspheres into simulated gastric fluid at 37 degree C showed no significant burst effect. The amount released increased with time for about 8 h after which very little was found to be released up to 24 h. In intestinal fluid, the release was faster and continuous and at high drug payloads, the cumulative release reached above 90% in about 8 h. In vivo evaluation of different dosage forms of piroxicam such as free drug, drug-encapsulated microspheres and microspheres along with a loading dose of free drug in rabbits showed multiple peaking in the plasma concentration-time curve suggesting enterohepatic recirculation of the drug. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the bioavailability from PC microspheres alone was about 1.4 times that of the free drug and it was about 4.8 times for the dosage form consisting of the microspheres plus the loading dose. The elimination half life was increased by about three times for the microsphere preparation alone and nearly about six times for the dosage form comprising of microspheres and a loading dose in comparison to the free drug. Data obtained in this study demonstrated that FDF of piroxicam in PC microspheres was capable of sustained delivery of the drug for longer periods with increased bioavailability.

Administration, Oral↗

Sustained release of etanidazole from spray dried microspheres prepared by non-halogenated solvents.

Etanidazole, a kind of radiosensitizer, was encapsulated in the spray-dried microspheres using biodegradable polymer PLGA 65:35 as the carrier for controlled release applications. Two non-halogenated solvents, e.g., ethyl acetate (EA) and ethanol, were tested to modify the properties of microspheres prepared by the commonly used solvent dichloromethane (DCM) alone. Their effects on the release behavior, morphology, particle size, and encapsulation efficiency of etanidazole-loaded microspheres were determined, and results were compared with DCM. The particle formation process via spray drying technique was also analyzed in order to understand the results obtained. It was found that larger percentage of EA (in the solvent mixture consisting of DCM and EA) in the fabrication of PLGA 65:35 microspheres decreases the initial burst, release rate and prolongs the release duration of etanidazole. In contrast to the spherical and porous microspheres prepared by DCM, the microspheres prepared by the solvent EA are all nonporous with a doughnut like surface structure due to its comparatively rapid phase transition (phase inversion) but slow solvent evaporation rate (longer time required to solidify). Increasing the polymer concentration (e.g., 4%, w/v) can bring about much more spherical microspheres by spray drying. Although ethanol, as a co-solvent, can dissolve a higher amount of etanidazole and lead to a higher drug encapsulation efficiency, the addition of ethanol in the DCM solvent can significantly increase the initial burst and the release rate of the microspheres due to the inhomogeneous drug distribution and structure of microspheres caused by phase separation. This study shows that ethyl acetate is an excellent low-toxic solvent that can be used in the spray drying technique for decreasing the initial burst, prolonging the release duration of a highly water-soluble drug like etanidazole. The use of EA provides a promising way to develop a sustained release system for etanidazole and other highly water-soluble drugs.

Acetates↗

Mucosal immune responses following oral immunization with rotavirus antigens encapsulated in alginate microspheres.

Availability of effective oral vaccine delivery vehicles should contribute to the success of oral immunization in domestic animals. To achieve this goal, we evaluated alginate microspheres for their capacity to induce mucosal immune responses following oral and enteric immunizations. Mice were immunized with either live porcine rotavirus (PRV) or its recombinant VP6 protein, encapsulated in alginate microspheres or unencapsulated. VP6-specific IgG (but no IgA) antibodies were detected in the sera of mice after a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) immunization with either VP6 in Incomplete Freund's adjuvant (VP6-IFA), VP6 in alginate microspheres (VP6-MS) or with live PRV in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (PRV-IFA). In contrast, VP6-specific IgA (but no IgG) was detected in culture supernatants of mesenteric lymph nodes from mice immunized i.p. with either VP6-IFA or with PRV-IFA. Oral immunization with VP6-MS induced the highest level of VP6-specific fecal IgA antibody, similar to responses induced by oral immunization with live PRV. Furthermore, the VP6-specific fecal IgA could be boosted by a secondary i.p. immunization with VP6. Further experiments were performed in a sheep intestinal 'loop' model to evaluate uptake of microspheres by Peyer's patches. Microspheres containing colloidal carbon were specifically bound and transported by follicle-associated epithelium of Peyer's patches. Additionally, mucosal immune responses were detected following enteric immunization with porcine serum albumin (PSA) encapsulated in alginate microspheres. Our results confirm that alginate microspheres are an effective oral delivery vehicle for protein antigens and intestinal IgA antibody responses are induced by antigens encapsulated in alginate microspheres without any additional mucosal adjuvant. These investigations confirm that alginate microspheres have the potential as an effective delivery vehicle for oral immunization of ruminants.

Administration, Oral↗

Feeding liquid, non-ionic surfactant and cyclodextrin affect the properties of insulin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres prepared by spray-drying.

The potential of spray-drying technique for the encapsulation in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres of bovine insulin, a poorly stable peptide, has been investigated. Insulin-loaded microspheres were prepared by spray-drying different feeding liquids containing insulin and PLGA, that is a S/O dispersion, a W/O emulsion or an acetic acid solution. In the case of the emulsion, insulin was also co-encapsulated with either non-ionic surfactants such as polysorbate 20 and poloxamer 188, or complexing agents such as HPbetaCD. In the microspheres prepared from the acetic acid solution of insulin and PLGA, HPbetaCD was tested. Microspheres containing surfactants were aggregated, whereas good quality particles displaying a mean diameter in the range 12.1-27.9 microm were produced in the other cases. Insulin was efficiently loaded inside microspheres except for S/O formulation (only 22% of total insulin content was entrapped). The impact of the microencapsulation process on insulin chemical and conformational stability was assessed by HPLC, circular dichroism and turbidimetry studies. Under the adopted manufacture conditions, insulin was encapsulated in the native state and its chemical and conformational stability was preserved along the fabrication process. The formulations containing only insulin displayed low burst effects (6-11%), whereas the addition of surfactants resulted in much higher burst effects (49-54%) and faster release rate. The co-encapsulation of HPbetaCD slowed down the overall release rate and, in the case of microspheres prepared from the emulsion, allowed a constant insulin release up to 45 days. The study of insulin stability along the release phase showed that insulin was released in the intact form and un-released insulin was stable inside all the microsphere formulations. We conclude that insulin can be effectively encapsulated in PLGA microspheres by the spray-drying technique. Additives with complexing properties such as HPbetaCD have demonstrated a potential in optimizing the release rate of insulin when used in microspheres prepared from W/O emulsions.

Cyclodextrins↗

FTIR characterization of the secondary structure of proteins encapsulated within PLGA microspheres.

A commonly used technique for protein encapsulation in microspheres is the double-emulsion method wherein an initial water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion of protein and polymer is formed via sonication, and then a second emulsion (w/o)/w is formed by dispersion in an aqueous phase via homogenization. This approach is often used to produce microspheres of biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The harsh processing associated with this method can cause denaturation of the encapsulated protein. Herein, we have used Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the secondary structures of two model proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chicken egg-white lysozyme, within PLGA microspheres. The alpha-helix content of both proteins in the microspheres was about a third lower than in the lyophilized state, indicating conformational changes upon protein entrapment within the microspheres. BSA microspheres containing the stabilizing excipient trehalose have a higher alpha-helix content than those without excipient, suggesting that trehalose partially prevents the denaturing effects incurred during processing. In addition, BSA released from microspheres is improved by incorporation of trehalose: analysis of the protein released from the microspheres indicates that there is less BSA dimer formation in the trehalose-containing microspheres than in those without trehalose.

Animals↗

Degradable dextran hydrogels: controlled release of a model protein from cylinders and microspheres.

The preparation of protein-loaded degradable hydroxyethyl methacrylated dextran (dex-HEMA) hydrogels, cylindrical macroscopic gels as well as microspheres, is described. The hydrogels were degradable under physiological conditions (pH 7.0 and 37 degrees C), due to the presence of hydrolytically sensitive carbonate esters in the crosslinks of the gels. The degradation of dex-HEMA hydrogels was studied by swelling measurements and the release of dextran from the matrices. The hydrogels showed a progressive swelling in time, followed by a dissolution phase. The total degradation time ranged from 25 to more than 80 days and depended on the initial water content of the gels and the degree of substitution (DS) of dex-HEMA. IgG-loaded dex-HEMA microspheres (volume mean diameter of about 10 microm) were prepared with a high encapsulation efficiency (83-100%). Furthermore, it was possible to entrap more than 90% of the protein in both dex-HEMA microspheres and macroscopic hydrogels. Therefore, it was possible to obtain a completely degradation-controlled protein release. For degrading macroscopic dex-HEMA hydrogels as well as microspheres, a biphasic release of IgG was observed. The release was always faster during the second phase than during the first phase. Microspheres with an initial water content of 60% (w/w) had a significant release of 25-40% of the encapsulated IgG during the first phase. For microspheres with a water content of 50% (w/w), the released amount of protein during the first phase was marginal (less than 15%), resulting in delayed release profiles. The delay time increased with increasing crosslink density (determined by the DS and the water content) of the gels (longer degradation time) and decreasing pH of the incubation buffer (decreasing degradation rate). In addition, the delay time was considerably shorter (5-15 days) for dex-HEMA microspheres than for macroscopic hydrogels (10-37 days), due to a higher surface-to-volume ratio for the microspheres. This paper shows that the release of IgG from dex-HEMA hydrogels can be modulated by the composition (water content and DS) and the geometry of the gel (microspheres versus macroscopic gels).

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Chronic local tissue reactions, long-term immunogenicity and immunologic priming of mice and guinea pigs to tetanus toxoid encapsulated in biodegradable polymer microspheres composed of poly lactide-co-glycolide polymers.

Immunogenicity of tetanus toxoid (TT) encapsulated in biodegradable polymer microspheres composed of poly lactide (PLA) or poly lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) polymers was evaluated in mice and guinea pigs for 1 year. Microsphere formulations made from polymers differing in molecular weight and composition elicited significantly higher IgG antibody levels than soluble TT in mice. The antibody levels elicited by microsphere formulations in mice and guinea pigs were similar to those elicited by a single injection of AlPO4 adsorbed TT. Immunogenicity was not consistently better with a particular polymer composition, molecular weight or microsphere size. However, animals primed with TT-containing microspheres showed significantly higher anamnestic response to a low dose booster 1 year after priming than those primed with AlPO4 adsorbed TT. Microspheres made from low molecular weight PLGA polymer showed a minimal local tissue reaction 1 year after injection. In contrast, aluminum adjuvant formed local granulomas which persisted for 1 year after injection. Microsphere formulations used in this study released a small fraction of antigenic TT during in vitro release studies due to denaturation of TT during encapsulation and hydration of microspheres. Nevertheless, strong priming of immune responses were seen. It remains to be demonstrated whether stabilization of TT would lead to more immunogenic microsphere formulations.

Albumins↗

Evaluation of glass microspheres for intra-arterial radiotherapy in animal kidneys.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the histologic distribution of nonradioactive microspheres when intra-arterially infused into normal kidneys, and to evaluate the histologic changes after the infusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The glass microspheres were SiO2 microspheres with a smooth spherical shape measuring 20-30 micrometers in diameter with a specific gravity of 2.2 g/cm3. After the microspheres were mixed with contrast medium, they were infused into the renal artery. Twelve rabbits were sacrificed at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, and 8 weeks after the treatment, respectively. The specimen was fixed with 10% buffered formalin, specially embedded in methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin and was stained by hematoxylin-eosin. The distribution of the microspheres in the kidney was analyzed microscopically, and histologic changes were also evaluated. RESULTS: The microspheres were found in arterioles whose diameters were about 20-30 micrometers, within normal kidneys. All vessels containing microspheres were confined to arterioles or arteries. No migration of microspheres was detected in the normal lung or the contralateral kidney. Severe ischemic changes were observed in kidneys, developing within 8 weeks of the infusion. CONCLUSION: Glass microspheres seemed to be a useful embolic material for intra-arterial radiation therapy.

Animals↗

Hepatic tumor radioembolization in a rat model using radioactive rhenium (186Re/188Re) glass microspheres.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to fully characterize newly developed radioactive rhenium glass microspheres in vivo by determining their biodistribution, stability, antitumor effect, and toxicity after hepatic arterial injection in a syngeneic rat hepatoma model. The dose response of the tumors to increasing amounts of radioactive 186Re and 188Re microspheres was also determined. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Rhenium glass microspheres were made radioactive by neutron activation and then injected into the hepatic artery of Sprague-Dawley rats containing 1-week-old Novikoff hepatomas. The biodistribution of the radioactivity and tumor growth were determined 1 h and 14 days after injection. RESULTS: Examination of the biodistribution indicated a time-dependent, up to 7-fold increase in Novikoff hepatoma uptake as compared to healthy liver tissue uptake. After 14 days, the average T:L ratio was 1.97. Tumor growth in the rats receiving radioactive microspheres was significantly lower than in the group receiving nonradioactive microspheres (142% vs. 4824%, p = 0.048). Immediately after injection, 0.065% of the injected radioactivity was measured in the thyroid; it decreased to background levels within 24 h. CONCLUSION: Radioactive rhenium microspheres are effective in diminishing tumor growth without altering hepatic enzyme levels. The microspheres are safe with respect to their radiation dose to healthy tissue and radiation release in vivo and can be directly imaged in the body with a gamma camera. Furthermore, rhenium microspheres have an advantage over pure beta-emitting microspheres in terms of preparation and neutron-activation time. In sum, this novel radiopharmaceutical may provide an innovative and cost-effective approach for the treatment of nonresectable liver cancer.

Animals↗

Chitosan microspheres in PLG films as devices for cytarabine release.

Cytarabine was included in chitosan microspheres and several of these microspheres were embedded in a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) film to constitute a comatrix system, to develop a prolonged release form. Chitosan microspheres, in the range of 92+/-65 microm, having good spherical geometry and a smooth surface incorporating cytarabine, were prepared. The cytarabine amount included in chitosan microspheres was 43.7 microg of ara-C per milligram microsphere. The incorporation efficiency of the cytarabine in microspheres was 70.6%. Total cytarabine release from microspheres in vitro was detected at 48 h. Inclusion of cytarabine-loaded microspheres in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) film initiated a slower release of the drug and, in this way, the maximum of cytarabine released (80%) took place in vitro at 94.5 h. Comatrices, with 8.7 mg of cytarabine, signifying a dose of 34.5 microg/kg, were subcutaneously implanted in the back of rats. Maximum plasma cytarabine concentration was 18.5+/-1.5 microg/ml, 48 h after the device implantation and the drug was detected in plasma for 13 days. The histological studies show a slow degradative process. After 6 months of implantation, most of the microspheres of the matrix seemed to be intact, the comatrix appeared surrounded by conjunctive tissue and small blood vessels and nerve packets were detected in the periphery of the implant.

Animals↗

The inhibition of phagocytosis of respirable microspheres by alveolar and peritoneal macrophages.

Respirable poly(lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (2-3 microm diameter), were fabricated as a model drug delivery system whose uptake by macrophages could be quantified by fluorescent activated cell sorting. The microspheres exhibited minimal release of the entrapped flourophore (rhodamine B) and thus avoided possible fluid phase uptake of the flourophore. Externally bound microspheres were removed from the cell membrane by acid washing. The fluorescent intensity associated with the cells arose, therefore, from the internalised microspheres. NR8383 continuous culture alveolar macrophages were verified against primary cultures as a good model of alveolar phagocytosis. Peritoneal macrophages were also isolated and systemic and alveolar phagocytosis compared. Poloxamer 338 adsorbed at the microsphere surface did not reduce phagocytosis by NR8383 macrophages. It did, however, reduce the number of microspheres contained in primary alveolar macrophages but did not reduce the percentage of phagocytic cells. Poloxamer coatings did not reduce phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages once the ratio of five microspheres per cell was exceeded. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), the major component of lung surfactant, was added to cultures to model the alveolar environment where it was observed to reduce phagocytosis. In light of this finding, microspheres were coated in DPPC, which reduced their uptake by all cell types at all microsphere to cell ratios.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Biodegradable polymeric microspheres for nalbuphine prodrug controlled delivery: in vitro characterization and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies.

The objective of this work was to study the in vitro characteristics as well as in vivo pharmacokinetic performance of a series nalbuphine (NA) prodrug-loaded microspheres. An oil-in-water solvent evaporation method was used to incorporate the various NA prodrugs into poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-based microspheres. The morphology of microspheres under the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a spherical shape with smooth surface. Drug release rates for the microspheres were found to be a function of prodrug hydrophilicity, with higher drug release rates for microspheres loaded with more hydrophilic prodrugs. The release profiles fit well to the Baker and Lonsdale's spherical matrix model, suggesting the drug release from microspheres was consistent with a diffusion mechanism. The in vivo pharmacokinetic studies after s.c. injection of microspheres into rabbits showed sustained plasma NA-time profiles, with approximately 104.7, 67.2, and 41.0% relative bioavailability for microspheres loaded with nalbuphine propionate (NAP), nalbuphine pivalate (NPI), and nalbuphine decanoate (NDE), respectively. The in vitro release characteristics correlated well with the in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles. The results indicated that the prodrug hydrophilicity had significant effects on the in vitro as well as in vivo drug release kinetics. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of using biodegradable polymeric microspheres for controlled delivery of NA prodrugs.

Animals↗

Preparation of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres encapsulating all-trans retinoic acid.

Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres containing all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) were prepared by o/w solvent evaporation method and various preparation parameters, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) concentration in aqueous solution, PVA MW, drug weight, solvent, polymer MW, and polymer weight, on the characteristics of microspheres and drug release were investigated. PVA concentration in water phase was a critical factor in making microspheres consistently with smooth surface and round shape. In our study, at least 2% (w/v) of PVA in aqueous solution was necessary for making microspheres with round shape. The particle size of microspheres ranged 10-100 microm. AtRA was slowly released from PLGA microspheres over 30 days. Sterilization of microspheres by ethylene oxide (EO) gas at 37 degrees C did not significantly affect the characteristics of drug release or its morphology. Cell growth inhibition of atRA was affected by preparation process of microspheres rather than the EO-gas sterilization process. These results indicate that PLGA microspheres containing atRA are acceptable for controlled release devices for use in the treatment of brain tumor.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Influence of physicochemical and biological parameters on drug release from microspheres adhered on vesical and intestinal mucosa.

The object of our work is to develop mucoadhesive microspheres to be applied into the urinary bladder. In the present study the microspheres were prepared and the release of a model drug after their adhesion to mucosa was evaluated. The microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method using Eudragit RL or hydroxypropylcellulose as matrix polymers and one out of five different polymers as mucoadhesives or non-mucoadhesive references. A method for the evaluation of the drug release from microspheres adhered on guinea pig urinary bladder and small intestine mucosa was developed and the influence of the following parameters on this process was followed: mucoadhesion strength of polymeric films, swelling of polymers and the drug release from microspheres. The results showed that the detachment forces were decreasing in the following order: CMCNa > Carbopol 934P > HPC > EE.HCl = PVP/VA. Carbopol swelled to the largest volume among all polymers and the drug release from microspheres was more retarded when Eudragit RL was used as matrix polymer. When comparing the results of pipemidic acid release from microspheres adhered on intestinal mucosa with detachment forces, similar ratios among the mucoadhesive polymers can be seen. On the other hand, differences between two mucosae were observed. These differences are due to the amount of mucus on mucosa and might also be influenced by the charge of mucus. The goal of our work at this point of investigation was achieved by microspheres containing carboxymethylcellulose as mucoadhesive and Eudragit RL as matrix polymer because they provide the longest release time from microspheres adhered on vesical mucosa and sufficient high strength of mucoadhesion.

Acrylic Resins↗

Surface drug removal from ibuprofen-loaded PLA microspheres.

The preparation, characterisation and drug release behaviour of ibuprofen loaded poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres are described. Depending on the gelatin concentration in the aqueous external solution (1, 0.5, 0.1% w/v), microspheres with three different sizes (2.2, 4.1, 7.5 micrometer) were obtained. The properties of microspheres washed with water (Untreated microspheres) (Un-Ms) were compared to those of the microspheres washed with a sodium carbonate solution in order to remove the surface drug (treated microspheres) (T-Ms). The results indicate that the removal of the surface drug did not induce any change in the size of the microspheres whereas the morphology of the smallest T-Ms appeared to be modified. The release profiles of both Un-Ms and T-Ms resulted in biphasic patterns. The initial burst effect (first release phase) of the T-Ms was lower than that of the Un-Ms. The rate of the second release phase did not change for the microspheres with the biggest size but increased for the smallest microspheres probably owing to the modification of the matrix porosity.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗