Development of core-shell microcapsules by a novel supercritical CO2 process

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2009 Mar;20(3):751-8. doi: 10.1007/s10856-008-3633-9. Epub 2008 Nov 6.

Abstract

5-fluorouracil-SiO(2)-poly(L-lactide) (5-Fu-SiO(2)-PLLA) microcapsules were prepared in a novel process of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO(2) (SEDS). The SiO(2) nanoparticles were loaded with 5-Fu by adsorption at the first place, then the 5-Fu-SiO(2) nanoparticles were coated with PLLA by a modified SEDS process. The resulted microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser diffraction particle size analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and thermogravimeter-differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC). The drug load, encapsulation efficiency and drug release profiles were also determined. The resulted microcapsules exhibited a rather spherical shape, smooth surface, and a narrow particle size distribution with a mean particle size of 536 nm. The drug load and encapsulation efficiency of the samples were 0.18% and 80.53%, respectively, 25.05% of 5-Fu was released in the first half hour, then drug released in a sustained process, which was much slower than that of without coated by PLLA. The results indicated that the modified SEDS process could be used to produce drug-polymer microcapsules with a core-shell structure, high encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release effect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Capsules / chemical synthesis*
  • Capsules / chemistry
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Compounding / instrumentation
  • Drug Compounding / methods
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Particle Size
  • Polyesters / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Surface Properties
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Capsules
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Polyesters
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • poly(lactide)
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Fluorouracil