Radiosterilisation of indomethacin PLGA/PEG-derivative microspheres: protective effects of low temperature during gamma-irradiation

Int J Pharm. 2006 Apr 26;313(1-2):129-35. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2006.01.034. Epub 2006 Feb 21.

Abstract

Currently, gamma-irradiation seems to be a good method for sterilising drug delivery systems made from biodegradable polymers. The gamma-irradiation of microspheres can cause several physicochemical changes in the polymeric matrix. These modifications are affected by the temperature, irradiation dose and nature of the encapsulated drug and additives. This study has aimed to evaluate the influence of temperature during the sterilisation process by gamma irradiation in indomethacin PLGA microspheres including a PEG-derivative. Microspheres were prepared by the solvent evaporation method from o/w emulsion and were then exposed to gamma-irradiation. A dose of 25 kGy was used to ensure effective sterilisation. Some microspheres were sterilised with dry ice protection that guaranteed a low temperature during the process whilst others were sterilised without such dry ice protection. The effects of gamma-irradiation on the characteristics of non-loaded PLGA/PEG-derivative and indomethacin loaded PLGA/PEG-derivative microspheres with and without protection were studied. Non-protected microspheres showed changes in their morphological surface, polymer glass transition temperature, molecular weight and release rate of indomethacin after sterilisation. However, microspheres sterilised with protection did not show significant differences after gamma-irradiation exposure. The sterilisation method was satisfactory when the indomethacin loaded microspheres including a PEG-derivative were exposed to gamma-irradiation at low temperature.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / radiation effects*
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers / radiation effects*
  • Drug Stability
  • Gamma Rays*
  • Indomethacin / chemistry
  • Indomethacin / radiation effects*
  • Kinetics
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry
  • Lactic Acid / radiation effects*
  • Microspheres*
  • Molecular Weight
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / radiation effects*
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemistry
  • Polyglycolic Acid / radiation effects*
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / radiation effects*
  • Solubility
  • Sterilization* / methods
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature*
  • Transition Temperature

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Drug Carriers
  • Polymers
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Indomethacin