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. 2013;30(3):257-76.
doi: 10.1615/critrevtherdrugcarriersyst.2013006475.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid-controlled-release systems: experimental and modeling insights

Daniel J Hines  1 , David L Kaplan
Affiliations

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid-controlled-release systems: experimental and modeling insights

Daniel J Hines et al. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst. 2013.

Abstract

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been the most successful polymeric biomaterial used in controlled drug delivery systems. There are several different chemical and physical properties of PLGA that impact the release behavior of drugs from PLGA delivery devices. These properties must be considered and optimized in the formulation of drug release devices. Mathematical modeling is a useful tool for identifying, characterizing, and predicting mechanisms of controlled release. The advantages and limitations of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) for controlled release are reviewed, followed by a review of current approaches in controlled-release technology that utilize PLGA. Mathematical modeling applied toward controlled-release rates from PLGA-based devices also will be discussed to provide a complete picture of a state-of-the-art understanding of the control that can be achieved with this polymeric system, as well as the limitations.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparing blood-plasma concentration variability between repetitive first order oral dosage and zero order controlled release (a) dosage schedule (b)blood-plasma concentration response
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic of common release mechanisms (a) Diffusion (b) Polymer degradation and erosion (c)solvent penetration/device swelling
Figure 3
Figure 3
Factors /material properties that affect the release mechanism
Figure 4
Figure 4
Molecular structures of a) L-PLA b) D-PLA c) PGA and d) PLGA(x=number of lactic acid units, y=number of glycolic acid units)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Schematic of PLGA degradation kinetics: a) passive hydrolysis b) autocatalysis
Figure 5
Figure 5
Schematic of PLGA degradation kinetics: a) passive hydrolysis b) autocatalysis
Figure 6
Figure 6
Surface & Bulk Erosion Schematics
Figure 7
Figure 7
Schematic of processes that contribute to PLGA device release mechanism: a) Initial drug loaded device b) Water penetration and drug diffusion c) Bulk degradation and erosion d) Autocatalytic PLGA degradation and accelerated drug diffusion e) Total degradation and exhaustion of drug release
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