The mechanisms of drug release in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based drug delivery systems—A review

Poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is the most frequently used biodegradable polymer in the controlled release of encapsulated drugs. Understanding the release mechanisms, as well as which factors that affect drug release, is important in order to be able to modify drug release. Drug release from PLGA-based drug delivery systems is however complex. This review focuses on release mechanisms, and provides a survey and analysis of the processes determining the release rate, which may be helpful in elucidating this complex picture. The term release mechanism and the various techniques that have been used to study release mechanisms are discussed. The physico-chemical processes that influence the rate of drug release and the various mechanisms of drug release that have been reported in the literature are analyzed in this review, and practical examples are given. The complexity of drug release from PLGA-based drug delivery systems can make the generalization of results and predictions of drug release difficult. However, this complexity also provides many possible ways of solving problems and modifying drug release. Basic, generally applicable and mechanistic research provides pieces of the puzzle, which is useful in the development of controlled-release pharmaceuticals.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We analyze the complex picture of drug release from PLGA drug delivery systems. ► We focus on release mechanisms, discuss ways to study it and review the literature. ► Four true release mechanisms were identified. ► The release rate are affected by many interacting factors, for example polymer erosion. ► The complexity provides many possible ways of modifying drug release.