Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Microparticles for Drug Delivery Applications: An Overview of Recent Advances

Abstract

The sustained release of pharmaceutical substances remains the most convenient way of drug delivery. Hence, a great variety of reports can be traced in the open literature associated with drug delivery systems (DDS). Specifically, the use of microparticle systems has received special attention during the past two decades. Polymeric microparticles (MPs) are acknowledged as very prevalent carriers toward an enhanced bio-distribution and bioavailability of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drug substances. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and their copolymers are among the most frequently used biodegradable polymers for encapsulated drugs. This review describes the current state-of-the-art research in the study of poly(lactic acid)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles and PLA-copolymers with other aliphatic acids as drug delivery devices for increasing the efficiency of drug delivery, enhancing the release profile, and drug targeting of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Potential advances in generics and the constant discovery of therapeutic peptides will hopefully promote the success of microsphere technology.

Dual Coating of Chitosan and Albumin Negates the Protein Corona-Induced Reduced Vascular Adhesion of Targeted PLGA Microparticles in Human Blood

“…PLGA microparticles were fabricated using the emulsion solvent evaporation method established in the literature [ 12 , 30 ]. First, 100 mg of low molecular weight PLGA (50:50, 0.15–0.25 dL/g, ≈6.4 kDa; Lactel Absorbable Polymers, Birmingham, AL, USA) was dissolved in 18 mL of methylene chloride (Fisher Chemical, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) to form the oil phase.…”

“…Synthetic polymers are primarily employed to construct injectable pharmaceutical products due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and FDA approval for numerous other clinical applications [ 9 ]. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)—a negatively charged polymer that is easily degraded via hydrolysis into its monomeric forms that are subsequently metabolized by the human body [ 10 ]—is the most widely studied material because of its tunable capability to encapsulate various drugs, ranging from small molecules to proteins [ 11 , 12 ]. Despite the benefits of PLGA, only 19 injectable long-acting formulations have been authorized for clinical use since its FDA approval in 1989, and most are designed for intramuscular administration [ 13 , 14 ].…”

Special Features of Polyester-Based Materials for Medical Applications

“…In addition to other types of polymeric materials, polyesters have found diverse uses in biomedical applications, such as controlled drug release systems [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ], time-tailored implants, screws, prostheses, and different 3D structures including scaffolds for bone reconstruction and tissue engineering [ 6 ]. Various medical products containing polyesters are commercially available, while new ones are awaiting patents for placement on the market.…”

Novel Biodegradable Poly (Lactic Acid)/Wood Leachate Composites: Investigation of Antibacterial, Mechanical, Morphological, and Thermal Properties

“…Despite the numerous advantages of biocomposites such as the potential to create a sustainable industry as well as enhancement in various properties such as durability, flexibility, high gloss, clarity, and tensile strength, there are certain drawbacks, such as deteriorated physical and mechanical properties, poor interface adhesion, brittleness, lower thermal resistance and water absorption, susceptibility to fungi and insect attacks, etc., limiting their wider application as functional materials [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most suitable biodegradable polymers widely employed in many applications ranging from the biomedical field, e.g., in engineered drug delivery systems [ 10 , 11 ], tissue engineering (scaffolds) [ 12 , 13 ], and wound dressing [ 14 , 15 ] to food packaging and disposable plastic bags [ 16 , 17 , 18 ] due to its versatility, excellent processability, and biocompatibility. It is also widely used as a 3D printing feedstock for desktop fused filament fabrication 3D printers [ 19 ].…”