Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) or PLGA is a kind of a synthetic polymer that has
been approved by USFDA for its use in humans. PLGA nano/microparticles have
proved to offer controlled as well as the sustained release of several medicinal
moieties. PLGA is chemically synthesized by direct polycondensation of glycolic acid
(GA) with lactic acid (LA) and different factors like LA: GA ratio, storage temperature,
the initial molecular weight of the monomers, and exposure time to water influences
the physical properties of PLGA. Similarly, various factors like morphology,
crystallinity, molecular weight, shape, size molecular, hydrophobicity, chemical
structure, physicochemical properties, glass transition temperature are some of the
crucial factors responsible for the biodegradation of PLGA. PLGA based
micro/nanoparticles are generally prepared by the oil-in-water emulsification process.
On the other hand, spray drying is one of the industrial methods for the production of
PLGA particles. In this chapter, we have summarized the extensive applications,
laboratory, and industrial-scale methods for the production of PLGA
nano/microparticles, preclinical, and clinical status PLGA based drug delivery systems.
Keywords: Industrial scale-up, Microparticles, Nanoparticles, Physicochemical
properties, Poly(lactide-co-glycolide), Preclinical and clinical status, Scaffolds,
Vaccine adjuvant.
