Preparation and characterization of antifungal drug-loaded poly(Dl-Lactide-Co-Caprolactone) and poly(L-Lactide-Co-Caprolactone-Co-Glycolide) microspheres

Abstract

Objective: To incorporate, an antifungal drug, nystatin, in two biodegradable polymers, Poly(DL-lactide-co-caprolactone) and poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone-co-glycolide). Methods: Microspheres with different drug masses were prepared using solvent evaporation. They were evaluated for percentage yield, drug entrapment, particle size, morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy, interaction study by Fourier Transform-Infrared Red spectroscopy, stability and in vitro release. Results:Microspheres of both polymers had a homogeneous size between 80 and 110 µm, and a spherical shape. Fourier Transform-Infrared showed no chemical interaction between the drug and the polymer. Results were not the same for drug entrapment; Poly(DL-lactide-co-caprolactone) microspheres showed a drug entrapment dependent on the quantity of nystatin used, while for poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone-co-glycolide) microspheres, it was relatively small and close for all formulations. Conclusion: in vitro release study showed that nystatin release from both kinds of microspheres was slow during the first days, followed by an increase to reach a maximum of 90%.