Preparation and characterization of pH- and temperature-sensitive pullulan microspheres for controlled release of drugs

Biomaterials. 2008 Jun;29(18):2767-75. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2008.03.025. Epub 2008 Apr 8.

Abstract

Most part of pH- and temperature-sensitive microspheres used for the controlled delivery of drugs are not biodegradable. Therefore, the aim of this work is to prepare pH- and temperature-sensitive microspheres from biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymers. Pullulan microspheres were prepared by suspension cross-linking with epichlorohydrin of an aqueous solution of the polymer. In order to confer them temperature sensitivity, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) was grafted onto pullulan microspheres. Then, the pH-sensitive units (-COOH) were introduced by reaction between the remaining -OH groups of the pullulan with succinic anhydride. The grafted pullulan microspheres are more hydrophilic than pullulan microspheres, their swelling degree as well as water regain increase significantly. The thermo-sensitivity of the carboxylated microspheres depends to the number and the ionization form (-COOH/-COO(-)) of carboxylic groups. At a low exchange capacity (0.35 meq/g), microspheres are thermo-sensitive both in the protonated and deprotonated form of -COOH groups. At a higher exchange capacity (2.25 meq/g), microspheres are almost unswellable in the protonated form and swell extensively in the ionized form (up to 28 times than their dried form) loosing in a great extent the thermo-sensitive properties. In isotonic phosphate buffer pH=7.4, both thermo-sensitive and pH/thermo-sensitive microspheres possess a phase transition temperature close to that of the human body temperature. Loading and release profiles of lysozyme, taken as a molecular model system, were investigated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Compounding
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Glucans / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Kinetics
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microspheres*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Glucans
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • pullulan