The methods disclosed herein are of use for the production of controlled release compositions. In particular, the methods provide the contacting of an organic phase containing a bioactive agent and a polymer with an aqueous phase containing an organic ion to create controlled release compositions containing bioactive agents. The present invention also includes controlled release compositions including a polymer, an organic ion and a bioactive agent. The present invention also includes methods of using such controlled release compositions. The usefulness of the present invention is that the methods result in the production of controlled release compositions containing bioactive agent capable of administration in a concentrated low-dose form, having low burst and reduced production of degraded bioactive agent.
