Characterization of a polymeric PLGA-injectable implant delivery system for the controlled release of proteins

Abstract

Physico-chemical properties of injectable polymeric implant systems, based on the principle that a water-insoluble polymer dissolved in a biocompatible solvent will precipitate upon contact with water, were studied and utilized to predict the release of proteins from these systems. Polylactide-co-glycolide copolymer (PLGA) and glycofurol were chosen since they both have pharmaceutical precedence. Changes in polymer composition, its weight percent in solution, molecular weight, and protein loading level were assessed to provide formulations with the desired release rates and duration of release.