Microfabrication of biodegradable (PLGA) honeycomb-structures and potential applications in implantable drug delivery

Using biodegradable polymers for implantable drug delivery purposes has been a very important research area and in medical practice for many years. Polymers, such as PLGA, have been the most attractive one because they do not require removal after the drug has been released. We report a research effort to microlabricate high aspect-ratio microstructures of PLGA and possible applications in implantable drug delivery. The prototypes of capsule packaged with sample species have been made and tested. The preliminary results show a linear release of sample species. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.