We report a novel soft lithography based technique to microfabricate non-spherical biodegradable polymeric microparticles of different sizes and shapes as drug delivery systems. Geometrical control over the shape and size of these microparticles renders them different aerodynamic and fluidic dynamic properties when compared to conventional spherical microparticles and may prove to be beneficial in certain drug delivery strategies, such as pulmonary and intravenous routes. Microparticles may also be used in the delivery of vaccines and molecules such as DNA for use in gene therapy. Various techniques are described as fabrication methods for micro/ nanoparticles are solvent evaporation and extraction based processes like single emulsion process and double emulsion process, phase separation method, spray drying method. Particle size is a critical parameter for several aspects of controlled drug delivery including control of drug-release kinetics, passive targeting to specific cell or tissue types, biodistribution upon administration and available routes of administration. In conclusion, the uniform, biodegradable polymeric microparticles produced have potential to be used in a variety of drug delivery applications and polymer-based microfabrication technology holds promise to produce sophisticated, multi-functional drug delivery devices. Many disease states, that are currently incurable, can potentially be cured using these new therapies if the barriers to their delivery are overcome.
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