Development and characterization of Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres loaded with Flutamide, an anticancer drug for controlled drug delivery

Poly (Lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres were prepared through Oil in Water (O/W) emulsion-solvent evaporation method using dichloromethane as solvent. Flutamide (FLT), an anti Cancer drug, was used for encapsulation within PLGA microspheres. Morphology, size, encapsulation efficiency and drug release from these microspheres were evaluated. The Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the molecular level dispersion of Flutamide in the microspheres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies confirmed the spherical nature and smooth surface of the microspheres produced. X-ray diffraction studies (X-RD) was performed to understand the crystalline nature of drug after encapsulation into the microspheres. In-vitro release studies indicated a dependence of release rate on the concentration of polymer, the amount of drug loading, but slow release rates was extended up to 14 h.