Mechanisms of PLGA Microencapsulation and Delivery of Peptides

Much of the research and development of polymer controlled release systems is empirical. The family of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(lactic acid)/polylactide biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, collectively referred to as "PLGA," have emerged as the principal excipients used for the long-acting controlled release of the important class of peptide drugs. The underlying physical-chemical mechanisms, and in certain cases theories to predict them, will be described pertaining to the PLGA microencapsulation and delivery of peptides.