Drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for oral administration: fundamental issues and challenges ahead.

Drug-loaded polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles have been extensively studied and have a practical impact on drug delivery. Many PLGA-based nanoformulations have reached different stages of preclinical development; however, they present distinct challenges for researchers. This review discusses some of the challenges and issues involved in selecting drug and polymer combinations for encapsulation, aggregation of nanoparticles during characterization in in vitro studies, sterilization, and long-term stability of drug-loaded nanoparticles. We include recommendations to overcome these challenges.