Incorporation of E2 protein into PLGA microspheres

Protein cages have been proposed as potential drug delivery system. The proteinaceous nature may impose limited circulation time in the body. This project is aimed to increase E2 circulation by encapsulating it in polymeric matrix. The encapsulation process was achieved via a double-emulsion (W/O/W) method. The integrity of the E2 protein after fabrication process was confirmed using dynamic light scattering upon encapsulation in hydrophobic PLGA. Influence of fabrication parameters (such as stirring speed, concentration of surfactant, polymer concentration, and amount of protein encapsulated) on microspheres properties, E2 protein stability upon encapsulation, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile from PLGA microspheres was investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscope was used to study the microspheres properties. Stirring speed during the second emulsion had significant impact on achieving successful encapsulation process. Decrease in external aqueous phase volume reduced the size of microspheres considerably without effecting microspheres porosity. The use of phosphate buffer as external aqueous phase reduced the pore size significantly compared to water. Increase in polymer concentration also led to formation of less porous microspheres.Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering