Abstract
Purpose:
To prepare qualitatively (Q1) and quantitatively (Q2) identical dexamethasone-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) implants with variable diameters and mechanical properties in order to identify implants suitable for developing in vitro-in vivo correlations.
Methods:
Powders of dexamethasone and PLGA-503H were mixed at a ratio of 1:4 and implants with different diameters were manufactured with Telfon molds and warm compression. Blade cutting mode of the Texture Analyzer was used to measure the firmness and toughness of implants. Dexamethasone content in implants was quantified using a QTRAP 4500 LC-MS instrument.
Results:
Warm compression followed by cooling of the molds allowed easy removal of the implants from the mold using a stylus. Dexamethasone loaded implants of diameters about 1 and 0.8 mm with a drug content of about 20 and 17%, respectively, were made. Implants with the larger diameter exhibited higher hardness (1074.6 vs 344.1 g) and toughness (108.7 vs 31.4 g•sec).
Conclusions:
Using Teflon molds and warm compression, dexamethasone-PLGA implants of various diameters could be prepared. Future studies will involve preparation of implants with low, medium, and high in vitro release rates for in vivo studies and the development of in vitro-in vivo correlations.