Surface morphology control of polylactide microspheres enclosing irinotecan hydrochloride.

In order to reduce the initial burst from polylactide (PLA) microspheres enclosing an antitumor agent, we prepared the microspheres with a smooth surface by varying solvent evaporation conditions such as operating temperature and pressure. PLA microspheres enclosing irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT) were prepared using the O/O emulsion system for solvent evaporation. The mean diameter and enclosing efficiency were almost constant because they were independent of solvent evaporation conditions. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation verified the smooth surface of the PLA microspheres produced by varying the preparation conditions. In vitro release experiments show that the initial burst of microspheres with a smooth surface was less than that of those with a rough surface.