Author: Aravind Chakrapani

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13:

Abstract: We report a novel soft lithography based technique to fabricate non-spherical biodegradable polymeric microparticles of different sizes and shapes as drug delivery systems. Geometrical control over the shape and size of these microparticles renders them different aerodynamic and fluidic dynamic properties when compared to conventional spherical microparticles and may prove to be beneficial in certain drug delivery strategies, such as pulmonary and intravenous routes. The surface morphology of the particles was studied using a scanning electron microscope and size distribution of the particles was determined using a Coulter counter. The process is reproducible and millions of uniform biodegradable particles of various sizes and shapes with dimensions ranging from 2-30 um have been fabricated and were collected by a simple vacuum filtration apparatus. In addition, we demonstrated encapsulation of a model drug (FITC), and FITC distributions within the particles were studied by confocal microscopy. Particle size is a critical parameter for several aspects of controlled drug delivery including control of drug-release kinetics, passive targeting to specific cell or tissue types, biodistribution upon administration and available routes of administration. In conclusion, the uniform, biodegradable polymeric microparticles produced have potential to be used in a variety of drug delivery applications and polymer-based microfabrication technology holds promise to produce sophisticated, multi-functional drug delivery devices.