(442) In vitro enzymatic degradation of PLGA microparticles

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a key polymer for drug delivery. While commonly used in microparticles (MPs), its degradation profile in tissues is underexplored despite its importance for repeated administration [1]. PLGA degrades via bulk erosion, where hydration leads to ester bond hydrolysis and mass loss (Scheme 1). The final 10% of the polymer can persist in tissue for extended periods [2-3]. Enzymatic degradation by proteases, lipases, and esterases may influence the polymer matrix's breakdown [4].Understanding these pathways is critical for optimizing PLGA-based MPs (Scheme 2).