Effect of molecular weight of PLGA on release behavior of doxorubicin for double-layered PLGA microspheres

We developed the doxorubicin-loaded PLGA double-layered microspheres using relatively simple oil-in-water (OAV) solvent evaporation method for sustained release of doxorubicin and investigated the release behavior according to PLGA molecular weight and initial drug loading. The double-layered microsphere was characterized on the surface, the cross-section morphology, the behavior of doxorubicin release for 5 weeks by SEM and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Double-layered microspheres showed smooth surfaces and clear difference between core and outer-shell. As the PLGA molecular weight increased, the release rate of doxorubicin-loaded, double-layered microspheres decreased. These results showed that the release behaviors can be controlled by the variation of molecular weight of PLGA.