Characterization of the size, shape, and drug encapsulation efficiency of PLGA microcapsules produced via electrojetting for drug delivery to brain tumors

Despite significant progress in the development of new chemotherapeutic agents and drug delivery methods for brain tumors, malignant gliomas (high grade brain tumor) remains deadly with a median one-year survival time. A major unmet challenge in the treatment of malignant gliomas is the development of effective and targeted local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents at the cellular level. Here, we report the results of a systematic study of the size, shape, and drug release profiles of Poly(lactic-co glycolic) (PLGA) microcapsules produced and loaded with the anticancer agent 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) using an electrojetting technique. We quantify the shape and size distribution of BCNU-loaded PLGA microcapsules as a function of the polymer concentration and flow rate used during electrojetting, and measure drug release profiles for microcapsules of three different morphologies: flattened microspheres, microspheres, and microfibers. The BCNU release profiles for three microcapsule morphologies are found to be in good agreement with model predictions for drug release as a result of drug diffusion and degradation of PLGA.