From Starch to Starch Microspheres: Factors Controlling the Microspheres Quality

Abstract

Abstract Starch microparticle is a dosage form suitable for encapsulation of protein drugs. The microparticle characteristics can be influential factors for consecutive sustained drug release from the starch matrix and impact its ability to be coated by poly( D , L ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide). In this study, six types of starch microparticles were investigated and characterized. Desired qualities of the microspheres such as spherical form of the particles, well‐defined and sharp particle contours were coincident with coarse surface morphology, sharp and distinct peaks in DSC and X‐ray graphs. It was concluded that the quality of the starch microparticles was influenced by molecular properties of the starch material as well as type of buffer, and these factors were related to recrystallization kinetics, amount and quality of ordered/crystalline structure of final starch microspheres and their microscopic appearance.