Interfacial tension effects on the properties of PLGA microparticles

Today, many types of long-acting injectables have been developed and ultimately benefited numerous patients. The advantages of using long-acting injectables include greater patient compliance and more steady state drug plasma levels for weeks and months. However, the development of long-acting polymeric microparticles has been hampered by the lack of understanding of the microparticle formation process, and thus, control of the process.

Highlights

• Interfacial tension effects can impact droplet deformation through drug release.

• Solvent(s) and emulsifier(s) can alter the drug loading/encapsulation efficiency.

• Further research on interfacial tension effects can advance the PLGA field.

Of the many parameters critical to the reproducible preparation of microparticles, the interfacial tension (IFT) effect is important throughout the process. It influences the droplet formation, solvent extraction, and drug distribution in the polymer matrix, and ultimately drug release kinetics from the particles. This review is focused on the IFT effects on drug-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles. More on Interfacial tension effects on the properties of PLGA microparticles