A facile strategy for controlling porous PLGA microspheres via o/w emulsion method

PLGA porous microspheres (a porous structure and the characteristics of low-quality density and high pore rate) are widely used in the medical field. Here, we report a preparation of PLGA porous microspheres by a solvent evaporation method, introducing alkanes as porogen. Various morphologies of microspheres can be regulated by controlling parameters such as alkane segment, content, polymer concentration, and temperature. The results show that the phase separation is caused by the incompatibility of the three alkane porogens of 60-90 petroleum ether, n-dodecane, and paraffin liquid. After the hydrophobic alkanes were eluted and pore-formed in situ, the PLGA microspheres could obtain different morphologies. Porous structures range from network porous to hollow. Interfacial tension and polymer phase separation work together on the microsphere morphology. In addition, the shell thickness and surface flatness of the microspheres can be regulated by polymer concentration and temperature, respectively.

Automated summary

In this study, PLGA porous microspheres were prepared by a solvent evaporation method, utilizing alkanes as porogens. By controlling various parameters, the morphology and structure of the microspheres could be regulated.