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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NCInternational Journal of Nanomedicine

How PLGA Microspheres are Emerging as a Key Drug Delivery System

  • Sai Qian1,2,3
  • Lan Ma1,3
  • Chenlu Liu1,3
  • Yuxi Lin1,3
  • Jianmin Wu1,3
  • Xiaolian Wang1,3
  1. 1College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443000, People's Republic of China
  2. 2College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443000, People's Republic of China
  3. 3Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443000, People's Republic of China
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Abstract

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres are a clinically established platform for sustained and controlled drug delivery, offering tunable degradation and reduced dosing frequency. This review critically appraises PLGA microsphere technology, linking materials science with clinical translation. We examine how molecular parameters-molecular weight, lactide-to-glycolide ratio, and terminal group chemistry-affect degradation and release kinetics. Key fabrication methods (emulsion-solvent evaporation, spray drying, membrane emulsification, and microfluidics) are compared for their control over encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and scalability. Release mechanisms, including diffusion, swelling, and erosion, are discussed alongside strategies to mitigate burst release. The review also addresses in vivo pharmacokinetics, recent clinical progress in oncology and vaccine delivery, regulatory challenges, manufacturing hurdles, and future directions such as stimuli-responsive microspheres and AI-guided formulation design.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{qian2026plga,
  title = {{How PLGA Microspheres are Emerging as a Key Drug Delivery System}},
  author = {Sai Qian and Lan Ma and Chenlu Liu and Yuxi Lin and Jianmin Wu and Xiaolian Wang},
  journal = {International Journal of Nanomedicine},
  year = {2026},
  month = jun,
  doi = {10.2147/ijn.s600160},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.2147/ijn.s600160},
  note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - How PLGA Microspheres are Emerging as a Key Drug Delivery System
AU  - Sai Qian
AU  - Lan Ma
AU  - Chenlu Liu
AU  - Yuxi Lin
AU  - Jianmin Wu
AU  - Xiaolian Wang
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/06/01
JO  - International Journal of Nanomedicine
DO  - 10.2147/ijn.s600160
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2147/ijn.s600160
AB  - Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres are a clinically established platform for sustained and controlled drug delivery, offering tunable degradation and reduced dosing frequency. This review critically appraises PLGA microsphere technology, linking materials science with clinical translation. We examine how molecular parameters-molecular weight, lactide-to-glycolide ratio, and terminal group chemistry-affect degradation and release kinetics. Key fabrication methods (emulsion-solvent evaporation, spray drying, membrane emulsification, and microfluidics) are compared for their control over encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and scalability. Release mechanisms, including diffusion, swelling, and erosion, are discussed alongside strategies to mitigate burst release. The review also addresses in vivo pharmacokinetics, recent clinical progress in oncology and vaccine delivery, regulatory challenges, manufacturing hurdles, and future directions such as stimuli-responsive microspheres and AI-guided formulation design.
SN  - 1176-9114
SN  - 1178-2013
ER  -