Vancomycin encapsulation in biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles for bone implantation. Influence of the formulation process on size, drug loading, in vitro release and cytocompatibility.

Vancomycin encapsulation in biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles (200 microm mean diameter) was most efficient with a simple emulsion technique that dispersed 122.5 mg/g of polymer. Scanning electron micrographs showed smooth or pitted particles. Dissolution studies were correlated with microparticle morphology, indicating higher release with pitted particles when vancomycin was encapsulated in a dissolved state. The cytocompatibility of these poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles was demonstrated by a direct contact cytotoxic assay. This material can be considered as an efficient drug delivery system for bone implantation.