Entrapment of 5-fluorouracil into PLGA matrices using supercritical antisolvent processes.

Objectives: Two different supercritical antisolvent processes were performed to co-precipitate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) simultaneously. 5-FU is a hydrophilic antitumor agent, and is more effective when administered at a lower dose for a longer period of time.

Methods: Controlled-release polymeric systems of 5-FU were produced, and morphology, thermal behavior, in-vitro release and cytotoxicity of microparticles were analysed.

Preparation of 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles by supercritical antisolvents for pulmonary delivery.

This study concerns the supercritical antisolvent process which allows single-step production of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) nanoparticles. This process enhances the physical characteristics of 5-FU in order to deliver it directly to the respiratory tract. Several mixtures of methanol with dichloromethane, acetone, or ethanol were used for particle preparation, and their effects on the physical characteristics of the final products were studied.