Degradation of glutamate-based organogels for biodegradable implants: In vitro study and in vivo observation

•Degradation properties of injectable organogels were investigated.•A novel method was developed to predict in vivo degradation.•The investigation of organogel degradation provides a theoretical basis for in vivo performance.

Degradation properties play a vital role in long-term in situ drug delivery systems. In vitro degradation behaviours of organogels were investigated via two approaches in this study: a weight loss method and a drug release method. Through the two methods, parameters that affect the degradation of organogels (such as gelator type, gelator concentration and oil type) were systematically tested under a lipase solution to better mimic in vivo circumstances. The gelator structure had the greatest influence on degradation behaviour. By regulating the parameters that influence degradation, the drug release method can properly predict in vivo degradation. Our investigation of organogel degradation provides a theoretical basis for in vivo organogel use as a biodegradable in situ implant for drug delivery.

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