Biodegradable microspheres: a new delivery system for growth hormone.

A drug delivery system for biologically active agents targeted to specific cells could be used to improve tissue repair in orthopaedics. The system should be controllable and capable of drug release over an extended period of time. Biodegradable, membrane-moderated, monolithic microspheres for the controlled release of growth hormone (GH) were developed and the release of GH was monitored in vitro. Cross-linked gelatin microspheres were used as the vehicle, with the drug dispersed within the gelatin. The amount of GH released from the microspheres was increased following ultrasonication. The release of growth hormone was monitored in phosphate buffered saline and horse serum. Interestingly, a higher level of GH was detected in the phosphate buffered saline than in serum. In addition, both pH and enzyme-induced degradation had an effect on the swelling kinetics of the gelatin microspheres. The release of GH from the microspheres was diffusion controlled, during the time period studied.