Effects of gamma-irradiation on PLGA microspheres loaded with thienorphine

Pharmazie. 2011 Sep;66(9):694-7.

Abstract

Ionizing radiation can be used as a drug sterilization technique, provided that the drug itself is not modified and that no toxic products are produced; moreover, if the irradiated product is a drug delivery system, its drug release characteristics must not be significantly altered by radiation. The aim of this work was to study the effects of sterilization by ionizing radiation on PLGA microspheres, containing thienorphine. Thienorphine PLGA microspheres were prepared by the O/W solvent evaporation method and characterized by HPLC, SEM and laser particle size analysis. Our experimental results showed that gamma-rays did not alter the drug content, and did not modify the kinetics of drug release from microspheres. Moreover, no significant changes in the shape and in the size distribution of microspheres were found after irradiation. In conclusion, the sterilization method is adequate because microspheres not underwent any change after exposition to gamma-irradiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Buprenorphine / administration & dosage
  • Buprenorphine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Buprenorphine / chemistry
  • Buprenorphine / radiation effects
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Compounding
  • Excipients
  • Gamma Rays
  • Lactic Acid
  • Microspheres
  • Particle Size
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Excipients
  • thienorphine
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Buprenorphine