How PLGA Microspheres are Emerging as a Key Drug Delivery System

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.