Polylactide Microparticles with Tunable Morphology for Biomedical Applications
Vladislav Potseleev, Sergey Uspenskii, Ivan Kovtun, Nikita Sedush
TL;DR
This paper introduces a method to create polylactide microparticles with controlled size and structure for use in medicine.
Contribution
A systematic approach to fabricate PLA microparticles with tunable architecture via emulsion-solvent evaporation is presented.
Findings
Polymer molecular weight and solution concentration dictate microparticle size and shape.
Porogen type significantly influences porosity, with alkanes and lithium salts enabling tailored pore networks.
Double-emulsion with Li2CO3 is effective for macroporosity due to slow leaching kinetics.
Abstract
The ability to precisely control the morphology of polylactide (PLA) microparticles is crucial for their biomedical applications, yet it is a challenge due to the interdependent nature of key parameters such as size, porosity, and surface topology. This study presents a systematic approach to fabricating PLA microparticles with tunable architecture via emulsion-solvent evaporation by investigating the interplay of polymer molecular weight (44–442 kDa), solution concentration (0.5–20% w/v), and porogen type (PEG, alkanes, lithium salts). We achieved precise size control from 5 to 500 μm, dictated by solution viscosity and the polymer’s crystallization tendency, with poly(L-lactide) yielding irregular particles and poly(D,L-lactide) forming perfect spheres. Furthermore, porogen selection was critical for porosity: alkanes enabled tailored pore networks, with longer chains (e.g., decane)…
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Taxonomy
TopicsPickering emulsions and particle stabilization · biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties · Polymer Foaming and Composites