The preparation of microparticles with an entrapped protein, ovalbumin (OVA), from blends of poly ( DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) and poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG) using a water-in oil-in oil (w/o/o) emulsion/solvent extraction technique is described. Significant increases in protein loading levels to over 50% (w/w) have been achieved in microparticles larger than 10 mu m mean diameter and to over 25% (w/w) in small 2 mu m microparticles. Linear protein release profiles are exhibited by certain blend formulations in vitro over 30 days. The w/o/o formulation approach in combination with PLG/PEG blends shows potential for improving vaccine formulations and the delivery of hydrophilic drugs, therapeutic proteins and peptides.