Abstract
The goal of this work is to compare the in vitro drug (Nimodipine) release rate from three different types (matrix, reservoir, and combination types) of intravitreal implants using a biodegradable polymer (PLGA). The matrix implants were prepared by a solvent cast method and the reservoir implants were fabricated by using a pellet press. The combination implants were a mixed type of matrix and reservoir implants. Each implant was placed in a vial with 7mL of Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) containing 0.4 g/L of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and 0.5 mL aliquots were removed for the drug assay for 25 days. The sample was analyzed to determine the concentration using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Over 20 days, the average steady state release rate in vitro is 13.05 +/- 6.17, 2.66 +/- 1.98, 8.85 +/- 6.36 mug/day for matrix, reservoir, and combination implants, respectively.