Preparation of vancomycin microparticles: Importance of preparation parameters

The aim of the present work was to prepare microparticles containing vancomycin for intraocular injection. The primary objective was to guarantee continuous release and keep an intracameral drug concentration above the minimal inhibitory limit for at least 24 h, needed in endophthalmitis prophylaxis after cataract surgery. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles were prepared using the double emulsion (water-in-oil-in-water) solvent extraction/evaporation method. The influence of preparation parameters on the final microparticles properties was explored in an attempt to control particle sizes, stability, encapsulation rate and vancomycin release profile. Satisfying release profile and stability were obtained, independently of the process. Sizes and encapsulation rate were controlled using an experimental design. Final obtained properties demonstrated that the fabricated particles are suitable for the prophylactic intraocular use in cataract surgery. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments will be conducted to assess efficiency of the entrapped antibacterial and then validate its potential usefulness in prophylaxis. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.