Table 2.

Summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of PLGA-based particulate vaccine delivery systems. (Adapted from [66]).

Advantages

Disadvantages

PLGA polymers are biodegradable, widely available, and approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA PLGA particles for delivery of several different agents are on the market PLGA particles can be administered via various routes PLGA particles may decrease toxicity of vaccine components Particle size, surface, and/or release characteristics can be tailored PLGA particles allow controlled antigen release PLGA particles protect antigen from degradation and elimination PLGA particles enhance antigen uptake by APCs by mimicking size and shape of pathogens PLGA particles enhance and prolong antigen cross-presentation efficiency PLGA particles allow concomitant delivery of multiple vaccine components Large surface area and surface functional groups allow conjugating of targeting moieties PLGA particles may lead to antigen dose sparing

Negative charge of PLGA particles is disadvantageous for particle uptake PLGA particle preparation process must be tailored to the properties of the antigen PLGA particles cannot be sterile filtered Antigen degradation may occur during preparation, storage, and release Antigen release is often incomplete Particle aggregation may occur Particle size may limit crossing of biological barriers