Core-shell microspheres by dispersion polymerization as drug delivery systems

Poly(methyl methacrylate) core-shell particles in the submicron scale range were prepared by dispersion polymerization through an appropriate selection of the experimental parameters and in particular of the initiator and stabilizer amount and the medium solvency power. Low initiator concentration, high steric stabilizer amount and a low solvency power medium must be employed. In these conditions, monosized particles of about 300 nm can be obtained in which the outer layer is constituted by the steric stabilizer, a commercial poly(methacrylate)-marked Eudragit E 100, which affords amino groups able to interact with biologically active compounds via specific or non-specific interactions.