Chitosan-Alginate Microparticles as a Protein Carrier

The oral administration of peptidic drugs requires their protection from degradation in the gastric environment and the improvement of their absorption in the intestinal tract. For these requirements, a microsystem based on cross-linked alginate as the carrier of bovine serum albumin (BSA), used as a model protein, was proposed. A spray-drying technique was applied to BSA/sodium alginate solutions to obtain spherical particles having a mean diameter less than 10 μm. The microparticles were hardened using first a solution of calcium chloride and then a solution of chitosan (CS) to obtain stable microsystems. The cross-linking process was carried out at different CS concentrations and pH values of the cross-linking medium. The CS concentration affected the BSA loading in the microparticles prepared at a pH value less than the protein isoelectric point (pI). Moreover, the BSA loading at a pH value less than the pI was higher than that at a pH similar to the pI regardless of the CS concentration. This finding could be attributable to the formation of a BSA/alginate complex. The evaluation of the interaction between BSA and alginate at different pH values by means rheological measurements confirmed this hypothesis. This approach may represent a promising way to devise a microcarrier system with appropriate size for targeting the Peyer's patches, with appropriate immobilization capacity, and suitable for the oral administration of peptidic drugs.     

Preparation of Cross-Linked Sodium Alginate Microparticles Using Glutaraldehyde in Methanol

Polymeric sodium alginate microparticles were prepared by precipitating sodium alginate in methanol, followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The extent of cross-linking was controlled by the time of exposure to glutaraldehyde. The topology of microparticles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which indicated smooth surfaces. The equilibrium swelling experiments were carried out in water to observe the effect of cross-linking and drug loading for better utility of microparticles. It was found that swelling decreased, but drug loading increased, with an increase in cross-linking of the matrix.     

Preparation of cross-linked sodium alginate microparticles using glutaraldehyde in methanol

Polymeric sodium alginate microparticles were prepared by precipitating sodium alginate in methanol, followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The extent of cross-linking was controlled by the time of exposure to glutaraldehyde. The topology of microparticles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which indicated smooth surfaces. The equilibrium swelling experiments were carried out in water to observe the effect of cross-linking and drug loading for better utility of microparticles. It was found that swelling decreased, but drug loading increased, with an increase in cross-linking of the matrix.     

Preparation of N-trimethyl chitosan-protein nanoparticles intended for vaccine delivery

In this paper, various N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) of different molecular-weights (approximately 100 KD, approximately 200 KD, and approximately 400 KD, respectively) with the approximately degree of quartenization (DQ) of 40% were successfully synthesized. In vitro cytotoxicity of TMC solution showed the dependence of TMC concentration from 20 microg/ml to 500 microg/ml on the relative cell activity. Molecular weight of TMC did not greatly affect the cytotoxicity of TMC against HEK293 and L929 cells. TMC nanoparticles and alginate modified TMC nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method. Subsequently, we investigated the properties of TMC nanoparticles and alginate modified TMC nanoparticles intending for oral delivery of antigens. Molecular weight of TMC did not affect the loading capacity (LC) and in vitro release behavior of TMC nanoparticles. However, BSA concentration and alginate modification have strongly effect on properties of TMC nanoparticles (particle size; surface charge; loading efficiency and loading capacity). In vitro release behavior indicated that alginate modification could efficiently decrease initial burst release and extend release time in phosphate buffer (PBS, pH 7.4) and acidic solution (0.1 M HCl, pH = 1) at 37 degrees C. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) assay showed that alginate modification could effectively improve the stability of TMC nanoparticles and protect BSA from degradation or hydrolysis in acidic condition for at least 2 h.     

Development and in vitro evaluation of alginate gel-encapsulated, chitosan-coated ceramic nanocores for oral delivery of enzyme

The successful administration of protein and peptide drugs by oral route maintaining their active conformation remains a key challenge in the field of pharmaceutical technology. In the present study, we propose the use of a nanosize ceramic core-based system for effective oral delivery of acid-labile model enzyme, serratiopeptidase (STP). Ceramic core was prepared by colloidal precipitation and sonication of disodium hydrogen phosphate solution and calcium chloride solution at room temperature. The core was coated with chitosan under constant stirring and Fourier-Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed phosphoric groups of calcium phosphate linked with ammonium groups of chitosan in the nanoparticles; then the enzyme was adsorbed over the preformed nanocore. Protein-loaded nanocore was further encapsulated into alginate gel for enzyme protection. Prepared system was characterized for size, shape, loading efficiency, and in vitro release profile (pH 1.2 and pH 7.4). The effect of processing variables on the size of the core was evaluated to form small, uniform, and discrete nanocores. Stability and integrity of enzyme during processing steps was assessed by in vitro proteolytic activity. The prepared system was examined to be spherical in shape with diameter 925 ± 6.81 nm using TEM. The in vitro release data followed the Higuchi model, showing a low amount (26% ± 2.4%) of diffusion-controlled drug release (R² = 0.9429) in acidic buffer up to a period of 2 to 6 hours, signifying the integrity of alginate gel in acid. In the alkaline medium sustained and nearly complete first order release of protein was observed up to a 6 hours. It is inferred that the protein-loaded ceramic core acts as a reservoir of the adsorbed enzyme and alginate gel provides protection to STP for controlled release in intestinal pH when compared to the enzyme solution.     

Chitosan microparticles as oral delivery system for tetanus toxoid

Systemic and local immune response against Chitosan encapsulated tetanus toxoid (CS-TT) microparticles is studied, prepared by ionic cross-linking using Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP). Final formulation was evaluated in terms of release of TT in 0.1 N HCl and PBS (pH 7.4), sedimentation profile and stability. CS-TT microparticles, TT in PBS and plain CS microparticles were orally administered to mice and TT (adsorbed) was administered through intramuscular route. Sera were analyzed for anti-TT IgG and intestinal lavage, faeces, intestinal washings for anti-TT IgA levels using an ELISA. Entrapment efficiency of about 100% was obtained. A dose dependent immune response was observed in mice vaccinated with Chitosan-TT microparticles. A strong enhancement of the systemic and local immune response against TT were found when compared with oral feeding of TT in PBS. The study shows the efficacy of chitosan microparticle suspension system, containing a high molecular protein (TT), in inducing the IgA in intestine and IgG in systemic circulation. This demonstrates that chitosan microparticles can prove to be a promising oral vaccine delivery system for mucosal and systemic immunity.     

Chitosan Microparticles as Oral Delivery System for Tetanus Toxoid

Systemic and local immune response against Chitosan encapsulated tetanus toxoid (CS-TT) microparticles is studied, prepared by ionic cross-linking using Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP). Final formulation was evaluated in terms of release of TT in 0.1 N HCl and PBS (pH 7.4), sedimentation profile and stability. CS-TT microparticles, TT in PBS and plain CS microparticles were orally administered to mice and TT (adsorbed) was administered through intramuscular route. Sera were analyzed for anti-TT IgG and intestinal lavage, faeces, intestinal washings for anti-TT IgA levels using an ELISA. Entrapment efficiency of about 100% was obtained. A dose dependent immune response was observed in mice vaccinated with Chitosan-TT microparticles. A strong enhancement of the systemic and local immune response against TT were found when compared with oral feeding of TT in PBS. The study shows the efficacy of chitosan microparticle suspension system, containing a high molecular protein (TT), in inducing the IgA in intestine and IgG in systemic circulation. This demonstrates that chitosan microparticles can prove to be a promising oral vaccine delivery system for mucosal and systemic immunity.     

Oral controlled release formulation for highly water-soluble drugs: drug--sodium alginate--xanthan gum--zinc acetate matrix

An oral controlled release formulation matrix for highly water-soluble drugs was designed and developed to achieve a 24-hour release profile. Using ranitidine HCl as a model drug, sodium alginate formulation matrices containing xanthan gum or zinc acetate or both were investigated. The caplets for these formulations were prepared by direct compression and the in vitro release tests were carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH7.5) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH1.2). The release of the drug in the sodium alginate formulation containing only xanthan gum completed within 12 hours in the SIF, while the drug release in the sodium alginate formulation containing only zinc acetate finished almost within 2 hours in the same medium. Only the sodium alginate formulation containing both xanthan gum and zinc acetate achieved a 24-hour release profile, either in the SIF or in the pH change medium. In the latter case, the caplet released in the SGF for 2 hours was immediately transferred into the SIF to continue the release test. The results showed that the presence of both xanthan gum and zinc acetate in sodium alginate matrix played a key role in controlling the drug release for 24 hours. The helical structure and high viscosity of xanthan gum might prevent zinc ions from diffusing out of the ranitidine HCl-sodium alginate-xanthan gum-zinc acetate matrix so that zinc ions could react with sodium alginate to form zinc alginate precipitate with a cross-linking structure. The cross-linking structure might control a highly water-soluble drug to release for 24 hours. Evaluation of the release data showed the release mechanism for the novel formulation might be attributed to the diffusion of the drug.     

Preparation of porous yttrium oxide microparticles by gelation of ammonium alginate in aqueous solution containing yttrium ions

Porous Y₂O₃ microparticles 500 μm in size were obtained, when 1 wt%-ammonium alginate aqueous solution was dropped into 0.5 M-YCl₃ aqueous solution by a Pasteur pipette and the resultant gel microparticles were heat-treated at 1100°C. Small pores less than 1 μm were formed in the microparticles by the heat treatment. The bulk density of the heat-treated microparticle was as low as 0.66 g cm^?3. The chemical durability of the heat-treated microparticles in simulated body fluid at pH = 6 and 7 was high enough for clinical application of in situ radiotherapy. Although the size of the microparticles should be decreased to around 25 μm using atomizing device such as spray gun for clinical application, we found that the porous Y₂O₃ microparticles with high chemical durability and low density can be obtained by utilizing gelation of ammonium alginate in YCl₃ aqueous solution in this study.     

氧化海藻酸钠交联壳聚糖载药复合体系的制备及其药物缓释初步研究

为获得一种新型的药物释放复合体系,本实验首先通过乳化交联法制备壳聚糖(CS)包载四环素(TC)微球,然后利用氧化海藻酸钠交联聚磷酸钙/壳聚糖(CPP/CS)复合材料,用冷冻干燥法制备了载药微球复合体系.并用傅立叶红外光谱仪(IR)、扫描电镜(SEM)及药物的体外释放等方法对该载药微球复合体系进行分析和表征.结果显示,经...     

Protein micro and nanoencapsulation within glycol-chitosan/Ca²+/alginate matrix by spray drying

Encapsulation of therapeutic peptides and proteins into polymeric micro and nanoparticulates has been proposed as a strategy to overcome limitations to oral protein administration. Particles having diameter less than 5 μm are able to be taken up by the M cells of Peyer's patches found in intestinal mucosa. Current formulation methodologies involve organic solvents and several time consuming steps. In this study, spray drying was investigated to produce protein loaded micro/nanoparticles, as it offers the potential for single step operation, producing dry active-loaded particles within the micro to nano-range. Spherical, smooth surfaced particles were produced from alginate/protein feed solutions. The effect of operational parameters on particle properties such as recovery, residual activity and particle size was studied using subtilisin as model protein. Particle recovery depended on the inlet temperature of the drying air, and mean particle size ranged from 2.2 to 4.5 μm, affected by the feed rate and the alginate concentration in the feed solution. Increase in alginate:protein ratio increased protein stability. Presence of 0.2?g trehalose/g particle increased the residual activity up to 90%. Glycol-chitosan-Ca(2+)alginate particles were produced in a single step operation, with resulting mean diameter of 3.5 μm. Particles showed fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA)-protein entrapment with increasing concentration toward the particle surface. Similar, limited release profiles of BSA, subtilisin and lysozyme were observed in gastric simulation, with ultimate full release of the proteins in gastrointestinal simulation.     

Oral liquid in situ gelling methylcellulose/alginate formulations for sustained drug delivery to dysphagic patients

Background: Elderly patients with swallowing dysfunction may benefit from the oral administration of liquid dosage forms with in situ gelling properties.

Aim: We have designed in situ gelling liquid dosage formulations composed of mixtures of methylcellulose, which has thermally reversible gelation properties and sodium alginate, the gelation of which is ion-responsive, with suitable rheological characteristics for ease of administration to dysphagic patients and suitable integrity in the stomach to achieve a sustained release of drug.

Method: The rheological and gelation characteristics of solutions containing methylcellulose (2.0%) and sodium alginate (0.25–1.0%) were assessed for their suitability for administration to dysphagic patients. The gel strength and in vitro and in vivo release characteristics of gels formed by selected formulations were compared using paracetamol as a model drug.

Results: Mixtures of 2.0% methylcellulose and 0.5% alginate containing 20% d-sorbitol were of suitable viscosity for ease of swallowing by dysphagic patients and formed gels at temperatures between ambient and body temperature allowing administration in liquid form and in situ gelation in the stomach. In vitro release of paracetamol from 2.0% methylcellulose/0.5% alginate gels was diffusion-controlled at pH 1.2 and 6.8. Measurement of plasma levels of paracetamol after oral administration to rats of a 2.0% methylcellulose/0.5% alginate formulation showed improved sustained release compared to that from 2.0% methylcellulose and 0.5% alginate solutions and from an aqueous solution of paracetamol.

Conclusions: Solutions of mixtures of methylcellulose and alginate in appropriate proportions are of suitable consistency for administration to dysphagic patients and form gels in situ with sustained release characteristics.     

Mucoadhesive alginate/poly (L-lysine)/thiolated alginate microcapsules for oral delivery of Lactobacillus salivarius 29

In this study, thiolated alginate was synthesized by introduction of cysteine to alginate to prepare mucoadhesive alginate/poly (L-lysine)/thiolated alginate (APTA) microcapsules for efficient oral delivery of Lactobacillus salivarius 29 (LS29), a novel therapeutic Lactobacillus strain, in vitro and in vivo. About 759 +/- 32.4 microM of cysteine per gram of alginate was introduced by estimation of Ellman's reagent reaction. LS29-loaded APTA microcapsules provided suitable morphology, size, and a high loading content and efficiency. LS29 in LS29-loaded APTA microcapsules were effectively protected from simulated gastric condition (pH 2.0) than that of unprotected LS29. LS29 were released from APTA microcapsules in simulated intestinal condition (pH 7.2) with a time-dependent manner. The in vitro and in vivo mucoadhesion study suggested that APTA microcapsules had remarkably stronger mucoadhesive property and provided a promising delivery system for oral administration of LS29.     

温度/pH敏感性壳聚糖-聚乙烯吡咯烷酮水凝胶的制备

以壳聚糖（CS）和聚乙烯基吡咯烷酮（PVP）为原料,戊二醛为交联剂,硝酸铈铵为引发剂,制备了具有温度和pH双重敏感性的CS/PVP水凝胶。考察了制备条件对水凝胶溶胀率的影响,结果表明,在PVP∶CS（质量比）=10∶1,0.3%（质量分数,下同）交联剂（相对于PVP）,2.5%引发剂,60℃反应10 h的条件下,获得的...     

Nanoelectrospray ionization of protein mixtures: solution pH and protein pI

Solutions consisting of single proteins and mixtures of proteins at different pH values have been subjected to both positive ion and negative ion nanoelectrospray ionization to study the influence of solvent pH and protein pI on the ionization responses of proteins. As has been noted previously, it is possible to form protein ions of one polarity despite the fact that the proteins are present as the opposite polarity in solution. However, total response under this condition tends to be at least an order of magnitude less than the condition in which the nanoelectrospray ionization polarity is the same as the net charge of the proteins in solution. Furthermore, maximum signals in positive ion mode were noted when the pH value of the solution was 4-5 units lower than the protein pI. In the negative ion mode, maximum protein anion signals were observed when the pH was roughly 5 units higher than the protein pI. While only small changes in the abundance-weighted average charge were noted as a function of solution conditions, the extent of sodium ion incorporation was seen to depend strongly on the relationship between net protein charge in solution and gas-phase ion polarity. Sodium ion incorporation was minimized under conditions of maximum signal (i.e., low pH positive ion mode and high pH negative ion mode). Sodium ion incorporation was highest when the protein ion polarities in solution and the gas phase were opposite. These observations are consistent with the charged residue model for electrospray ionization and suggest that a degree of selectivity for electrospray ionization applied to protein mixtures can be realized via judicious selection of solution pH and ionization polarity. Furthermore, the relative extent of sodium ion incorporation under a given set of conditions appears to correlate, at least qualitatively, with protein pI.     

聚氨基酸复合微胶囊对Hb的控制释放

以生物相容性好、价格低廉的海藻酸钠(ALG)为聚阴离子芯材,通过静电液滴装置制备了平均粒径在290 μm左右、球形度好、表面光洁的海藻酸钙胶珠;再将生物可降解、具有介入治疗作用的聚精氨酸(PLA)与聚组氨酸(PLH)的混合物作为聚阳离子壁材,在海藻酸钙胶珠表面覆上一层高分子聚合膜以制备聚氨基酸复合微胶囊;并以牛血红蛋白Hb为药物模型,对微胶囊的控制释放性能进行了考察并将其初步应用于体外模拟口服给药。结果表明:聚氨基酸复合微胶囊在前0.5 h的累积释放量均低于40％,溶出结束时累积释放量均达到80%以上;ALG/(PLA-PLH)复合微胶囊和ALG/PLH微胶囊的药物释放速率均低于ALG/PLA微胶囊;于10 min成膜时间内制备的微胶囊具有较高的载药量、包封率和缓释性能;以pH 4.6 HAc-NaAc缓冲液为成膜溶媒制备的微胶囊,Hb持续释放时间和残留量均高于蒸馏水组;前2 h在模拟胃液的pH 1.2 HCl溶媒中累计释放的Hb不超过10％且绝大部分是在模拟肠液环境即pH 6.8 PBS 溶媒中释放的;壳聚糖的引入能在一定程度上延长药物释放时间。聚氨基酸复合微胶囊具备一定的缓释性、pH响应性和生理黏附性,有望成为一种口服给药系统用药物载体。      

Preparation of N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan coated alginate microcapsules and their application to Bifidobacterium longum BIOMA 5920

In order to greatly improve vitality of probiotic bacteria within the application, a novel biocompatible vehicle, N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCs) with appropriate degrees of substitution coat alginate (ALg) microparticles, was prepared by electrostatic droplet generation. The amount of chitosan (Cs) and N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCs) coated on the ALg microparticles was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The surface morphology of ALg microparticles, Cs coated ALg microparticles and NOCs coated ALg microparticles was determined using scanning electron microscopy. The coating thickness of Cs coated ALg microparticles and that of NOCs coated ALg microparticles was directly observed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In order to assess pH sensitivity of microparticles, the bovine serum albumin release from the microspheres was tested in acid solution (pH 2.0) for 2 h and subsequently in alkaline solution (pH 7.0) for 2 h. The survival of Bifidobacterium longum BIOMA 5920 loaded in NOCs coated with ALg microparticle was improved in simulated gastric juice (pH 2.0, for 2 h) compared to that of B. longum BIOMA 5920 loaded in ALg microparticles and Cs coated ALg microparticles. After incubation in simulated intestinal juices (pH 7.0, 2 h), the release of microencapsulated B. longum BIOMA 5920 was investigated.     

Insulin-loaded nanoparticles are prepared by alginate ionotropic pre-gelation followed by chitosan polyelectrolyte complexation

Alginate nanoparticles were prepared from dilute alginate sol by inducing a pre-gel with calcium counter ions, followed by polyelectrolyte complex coating with chitosan. Particles in the nanometer size range were obtained with 0.05% alginate and 0.9 mM Ca2+. The mean particle size was influenced by time and stirring speed of nanoparticle preparation, by alginate guluronic acid content and chitosan molecular weight and by the initial alginate:chitosan mass ratio. The association efficiency of insulin into alginate nanoparticles, as well as loading capacity were mainly influenced by the alginate:chitosan mass ratio. Under optimized size conditions, the association efficiency and loading capacities were as high as 92% and 14.3%, respectively. Approximately 50% of the protein was partially retained by the nanoparticles in gastric pH environment up to 24 hours while a more extensive release close to 75% was observed under intestinal pH conditions. Mild formulation conditions, optimum particle size range obtained, high insulin entrapment efficiency, and resistance to gastrointestinal release seem to be synergic and promising factors toward development of an oral insulin delivery form.     

温敏性三元共聚水凝胶溶胀及消溶胀行为

采用自由基溶液聚合法,室温下制备了聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺-co-壳聚糖-co-甲基丙烯酸)[P(NIPAM-co-CS-co-MAA)]三元共聚水凝胶,以红外光谱及质量法对凝胶结构和溶胀性进行了表征。结果表明,高交联凝胶溶胀符合non-Fickian扩散;温度高于35℃时溶胀的共聚凝胶均发生明显收缩;相同甲基丙烯酸(MAA)和壳聚糖(CS)单体用量,MAA对凝胶溶胀和消溶胀影响大于CS。不同pH溶液中的溶胀碱性时比酸性条件下更大,pH=5.0左右较差,显示与传统甲基丙烯酸系水凝胶不同的pH敏感性,其消溶胀动力学满足一级动力学方程。     

A chitosan lactate/poloxamer 407-based matrix containing Eudragit RS microparticles for vaginal delivery of econazole: design and in vitro evaluation

A matrix based on chitosan lactate and poloxamer 407 was evaluated as a delivery system for the vaginal administration of the antifungal drug econazole. The matrix was investigated both containing the pure drug and after introducing microparticles of Eudragit RS 100 containing econazole. Eudragit RS 100 microparticles were prepared using an emulsion-extraction method and dispersed in a solution containing chitosan lactate (2% w/w) and poloxamer 407 (1.7% w/w). The microparticles, obtained with a yield of 64% w/w and an encapsulation efficiency of 42% w/w, had a diameter of less than 2 μm and a drug loading of 13% w/w. The compressed matrices, characterized by DSC, swelling, erosion, release and mucoadhesion studies, had behaviours dependent on the relative amounts of the contained microparticles. The matrix without microparticles (MECN) showed zero-order release kinetics, with a maximum drug-release of 60% w/w, while those containing 50 or 75% w/w microparticles showed a diffusion controlled release up to 8 and 16 h, respectively, and a linear trend after those time intervals, caused by the erosion process, which allowed reaching a drug-release of approximately 100% w/w at 22 h. In in vitro experiments, the matrices were mucoadhesive and active in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans 796.