Influences of Pluronics on Protein Loaded Poly(E-Caprolactone) Microparticles

The objective of this study was designed to elucidate the importance of adding Pluronics for PCL microparticles in delivery of protein. The influences of the type and the amount of Pluronics on the surface morphology and release property of protein-loaded PCL microparticles were evaluated . Microparticles were prepared by w/o/o/o solvent evaporation technique with an ultrasonicator. All of the microparticles prepared were spherical in shape with rough surface due to crystallization of PCL in microparticles. Pluronics efficiently prevented microparticles from aggregation, and the size of microparticles prepared was significantly reduced. The significant increase in the encapsulation efficiency and decrease in the burst release of protein from PCL microparticles were achieved by blending with Pluronic F127. Incorporation of Pluronic F127 increased the hydrophilicity of matrix, which further retained protein in blended microparticles. Both Pluronics PE10100 and L61 significantly reduced the crystallinity of PCL microparticles. Nevertheless, this result did not further influence the release property of BSA from these microparticles