Preparation of Gemcitabine-Loaded PLLA/Gemcitabine-PLLA Microparticles Using Supercritical Fluid and Their Release Characteristics

Abstract

In this study, gemcitabine (Gem)-Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) conjugates were synthesized through an amide linkage reaction. Then, the microparticles of Gem-PLLA/PLLA blends containing gemcitabine were prepared using a supercritical fluid process, called aerosol solvent extraction system (ASES). Gemcitabine-loaded Gem-PLLA/PLLA microparticles obtained from the ASES process showed a spherical shape. The amount of gemcitabine released after 30 day incubation in a phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.4 was about 90% of the total amount of gemcitabine present in the product.