Key words: polymer microparticles, encapsulation of bioactive components, supercritical carbon dioxide
The results of supercritical fluid synthesis of bioresorbable polymer microparticles
filled with bioactive plantain and calendula extracts are presented and discussed. The
process is based on spraying of the mixture of amorphous aliphatic polyester (D,Llactide)
plasticized by supercritical carbon dioxide with fine-dispersed plant extract
powder into low-pressure receiver through specific nozzle. Kinetics of extract release
from microparticles produced under different CO2 pressures is analyzed. The rate of
extract release into physiological solution depends on both carbon dioxide pressure
and initial polymer/extract ratio.