Preparation of Biodegradable Polylactide Microparticles via a Biocompatible Procedure

Abstract

PLA MPs are prepared via a novel and toxic‐chemical‐free fabrication route using ethyl lactate, a green solvent and FDA‐approved aroma. MPs are obtained by a solution jet break‐up and solvent displacement method. Adjusting flow parameters allows the tuning of MPs size between 60 and 180 µm, with reduced polydispersity. Morphological analysis shows microporous particles with Janus‐like surface. A fluorophore is successfully loaded into the MPs during their formation step. This versatile green solvent‐based procedure is proven to be suitable for drug encapsulation and delivery applications. The method may be extended to different droplet generation techniques.

Ethyl lactate, a non‐toxic solvent, is used to obtain polylactide microparticles. Spherical microparticles with reduced size polydispersity are prepared via solution jet atomization/droplet solidification in a non‐solvent bath. Microparticles with interesting Janus surface roughness distribution and microporous interior morphology are loaded with rhodamine B.