Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid-Controlled-Release Systems: Experimental and Modeling Insights

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been the most successful polymeric biomaterial used in controlled drug delivery systems. There are several different chemical and physical properties of PLGA that impact the release behavior of drugs from PLGA delivery devices. These properties must be considered and optimized in the formulation of drug release devices. Mathematical modeling is a useful tool for identifying, characterizing, and predicting mechanisms of controlled release. The advantages and limitations of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) for controlled release are reviewed, followed by a review of current approaches in controlled-release technology that utilize PLGA. Mathematical modeling applied toward controlled-release rates from PLGA-based devices also will be discussed to provide a complete picture of a state-of-the-art understanding of the control that can be achieved with this polymeric system, as well as the limitations.