A detailed view of PLGA-mPEG microsphere formation by double emulsion solvent evaporation method

PLGA, m PEG diblock copolymer was synthesized by bulk ring-opening polymerization method. The double emulsion solvent evaporation method was used to prepare bovine serum albumin(BSA)-loaded microspheres. Optical microscopy was used to observe the whole microsphere fabrication process. It is confirmed that the proportion of inner aqueous phase is one of the most critical factors that determines the morphology of microspheres. Double emulsion droplets which have appropriate amount of inner aqueous phase can form closed and dense microspheres, while, too much inner aqueous phase will cause a collapse of the double emulsion droplets, resulting in a loss of drug. The proportion of inner aqueous phase was varied to prepare microspheres of different morphology. The results show that with increasing the amount of inner aqueous phase, a higher percent of broken microspheres and lower encapsulation efficiency appeared, and also, a more severe initial burst release and faster release rate.