Influence of pluronics on protein-loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles

The objective of this study was designed to elucidate the importance of add ing pluronics to PCL microparticles for the delivery of proteins. The influ ences of the type and the amount of pluronic on the surface morphology and release properties of protein-loaded PCL microparticles were evaluated. Mic roparticles were prepared by the w/o/o/o solvent evaporation technique with an ultrasonicator. All of the microparticles prepared were spherical in sh ape, with a rough surface due to crystallization of PCL in the microparticl es. The pluronics efficiently prevented microparticles from aggregation, an d the size of microparticles prepared was significantly reduced. The signif icant increase in the encapsulation efficiency and decrease in the burst re lease of protein from PCL microparticles were achieved by using pluronic F1 27. Incorporation of pluronic F127 increased the hydrophilicity of the matr ix, which further retained protein in blended microparticles. Both pluronic s PE10100 and L61 significantly reduced the crystallinity of PCL microparti cles. Nevertheless, this result did not further influence the release prope rty of BSA from these microparticles.