Biodegradable polymeric capsules obtained via room temperature spray drying: preparation and characterization

J Biomater Appl. 2011 May;25(8):825-49. doi: 10.1177/0885328210366489. Epub 2010 May 28.

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to determine the relationship existent between the chemistry and/or viscosity of some biodegradable polymer solutions and the morphology of micro- and nanospheres resulted after spray drying the solutions at room conditions either in the presence or in the absence of an encapsulated aqueous material. Using dichloromethane as solvent, the following polyesters were used to prepare 2 wt% solutions: polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and Eastar Bio GP (GP). A comprehensive thermal characterization was also performed on all polymers to verify the relationships existent between the structure of polyesters and certain important parameters, such as T(g), T(m), T(d). It was observed that a decrease in the solution viscosity triggers the formation of smoother microspheres. When the viscosity becomes low enough the sprayed solution can lead to the development of well defined nanospheres instead of microspheres. Additionally, it was found that in the presence of an aqueous core the micro- and/or nanocapsules coalesce into larger micrometric aggregates, due to the plasticizing effects of water on the polyester.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorbable Implants*
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning / methods
  • Capsules / chemistry*
  • Desiccation / instrumentation*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Hydroxybutyrates / chemistry*
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry*
  • Methylene Chloride / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods
  • Nanocapsules / chemistry*
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemistry*
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Rheology
  • Solutions / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Thermogravimetry / methods
  • Transition Temperature
  • Viscosity
  • Vitrification

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Capsules
  • Drug Carriers
  • Hydroxybutyrates
  • Nanocapsules
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Solutions
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)
  • Methylene Chloride