Author(s):
1. Ana Vesković, Fakultet za fizičku hemiju, Serbia
2. Jelena Kostić, Fakultet za fizičku hemiju, Serbia
3. Dušan Mladenović, Fakultet za fizičku hemiju, Serbia
4. Đura Nakarada, Fakultet za fizičku hemiju, Serbia

Abstract:
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) is a biocompatible copolymer approved by FDA for human use. It is one of the most commonly used biodegradable polymers in medicine and pharmaceutics. Various methods have been developed for the synthesis of different types of PLGA-based particles. The morphological and physicochemical properties of the polymeric particles, which determine their degradation process, are of the essential importance for the specific application. In this study, PLGA microspheres were synthesized using two procedures based on oil in water emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The morphology and size of the particles were determined by optical microscopy. The in vitro degradation process of PLGA microparticles was monitored by UV/vis spectrophotometry. This technique has been proposed for polymer particles degradation monitoring. However, the obtained results were not consistent and repeatable. Therefore, PLGA particles were modified with two aminoxyl radicals, 3-carbamoyl-, and 3-carboxy-proxyl (3CP and 3CxP), which are widely used in EPR spectroscopy and imaging for the study of biosystems. The in vitro release of 3CP or 3CxP from the polymer matrix was monitored and quantified by EPR spectroscopy during dialysis. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that EPR spectroscopy is an appropriate technique for PLGA biodegradation studies.

Key words:
biodegradation, PLGA, EPR, spin probes

Thematic field:
SYMPOSIUM B - Biomaterials and nanomedicine

Date of abstract submission:
27.07.2019.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2019 - Savremeni Materijali