Novel alginate gel microspheres produced by impinging aerosols for oral delivery of proteins

Lysozyme and insulin were encapsulated in alginate gel microspheres using impinging aerosols method. High loadings of around 50% weight/dry microspheres weight were obtained with encapsulation efficiencies of at least 48%. Environmental scanning electron microscopy revealed smooth spherical hydrated microspheres (30-60 μm) in diameter. No lysozyme or insulin release was measured in simulated gastric fluid (HCl, pH 1.2, 37°C). Total insulin release occurred in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF; phosphate buffer saline, pH 7.4, 37°C) in 8 h following 2 h incubation in SGF and was found to retain 75% activity using the ARCHITECT? assay. Lysozyme was released completely in SIF in 10 h following 2 h incubation in SGF and was found to exhibit at least 80% bioactivity using the Micrococcus lysodeikticus assay. The absence of protein release in HCl and the retention of high levels of biological activity demonstrate the potential of alginate gel microspheres, for improving oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals.     

Diffusion loading and drug delivery characteristics of alginate gel microparticles produced by a novel impinging aerosols method

Microencapsulation of a hydrophilic active (gentamicin sulphate (GS)) and a hydrophobic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) in alginate gel microparticles was accomplished by molecular diffusion of the drug species into microparticles produced by impinging aerosols of alginate solution and CaCl₂ cross-linking solution. A mean particle size in the range of 30–50 µm was measured using laser light scattering and high drug loadings of around 35 and 29% weight/dry microparticle weight were obtained for GS and ibuprofen respectively. GS release was similar in simulated intestinal fluid (phosphate buffer saline (PBS), pH 7.4, 37°C) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF) (HCl, pH 1.2, 37°C) but was accelerated in PBS following incubation of microparticles in HCl. Ibuprofen release was restricted in SGF but occurred freely on transfer of microparticles into PBS with almost 100% efficiency. GS released in PBS over 7?h, following incubation of microparticles in HCl for 2?h was found to retain at least 80% activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis while Ibuprofen retained around 50% activity against Candida albicans. The impinging aerosols technique shows potential for producing alginate gel microparticles of utility for protection and controlled delivery of a range of therapeutic molecules.     

A novel impinging aerosols method for production of propranolol hydrochloride-loaded alginate gel microspheres for oral delivery

Propranolol hydrochloride was directly encapsulated in alginate gel microspheres (40-50?μm in diameter) using a novel method involving impinging aerosols of CaCl(2) cross-linking solution and sodium alginate solution containing the drug. Microspheres formulated using 0.1?M CaCl(2) exhibited the highest drug loading (14%, w/w of dry microspheres) with 66.5% encapsulation efficiency. Less than 4% and 35% propranolol release occurred from hydrated and dried microspheres, respectively, in 2?h in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The majority of the drug load (90%) was released in 5 and 7?h from hydrated and dried microspheres, respectively, in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Prior incubation of hydrated microspheres (cross-linked using 0.5?M CaCl(2)) in SGF prolonged the time of release in SIF to 10?h, which has implications for the design of protocols and correlation with in?vivo release behaviour. Restricted propranolol release in SGF and complete extraction in SIF demonstrate the potential of alginate gel microspheres for oral delivery of pharmaceuticals.     

Composite alginate microspheres as the next-generation egg-box carriers for biomacromolecules delivery

Introduction: Alginate microspheres are versatile tools for the delivery of a wide range of therapeutic biomacromolecules. This naturally occurring biopolymer has many unique properties making it an ideal candidate for tailoring with different composites of polymers leading to the formation of strong complexes for a broad range of applications.

Areas covered: This article overviews various types of composite alginate microspheres, methods of preparation, new technologies available, physico-chemical characteristics, controlled release profiles, applications and the future directions of composite alginate microsphere delivery system for biomacromolecules.

Expert opinion: Composite alginate microsphere systems are the ideal carriers for controlled delivery applications because of their ability to encapsulate a myriad of therapeutic drugs, proteins, enzymes, DNA, antisense oligonucleotides, vaccines, growth factors and chemokines as well as the ease of processing, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, high bioavailability, controlled release rates, stability, suitability for different administration modes, targeted/localized delivery of different agents and large-scale production with cost-effectiveness. This article presents updated information of applying microalginate-based technologies and tools in the biomedical field which will benefit research scientists and clinical physicians or biopharmaceutical industries keen in the development of application-based new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for various diseases. Furthermore, this technology will play more important roles in biosensors, vaccination, tissue engineering, cancer chemotherapeutics and stem cell research.     

海藻酸钙凝胶微丸作为口服缓释给药载体的研究

将海藻酸钠溶液滴入胶凝剂氯化钙溶液中制备了海藻酸钙凝胶微丸。以胶凝过程中凝胶微丸重量变化 (失水量 )研究了胶凝速率及不同浓度海藻酸钠溶液 ( 1 %～ 4 % )与氯化钙溶液 ( 0 0 5～0 2 0mol/L)对胶凝速率的影响 ,结果是 6h前胶凝速率快 ,随后减慢 ,约 70h胶凝完全 ,氯化钙溶液的浓度≥ 0 1mol/L对胶凝速率无明显影响。干燥的凝胶微丸在不同水性介质中溶胀试验结果表明 :在温度约 37℃时 ,微丸在蒸馏水和 0 1mol/L盐酸 ( pH1 0 )中几乎不溶胀 ,而在磷酸盐缓冲溶液( pH6 8)中1h溶胀 ,溶胀后的微丸直径是干燥前湿微丸直径的 1 80 %。海藻酸钙凝胶微丸这种溶胀的 pH敏感性 ,使它能成为口服药物缓释制剂的载体。以硝苯地平为模型药物制备的海藻酸钙凝胶微丸 ,其体外释放试验结果 ,2h累积释放量为 2 0 %～ 30 % ,6h为 6 0 %～ 80 % ,1 2h时大于85 %。药物从微丸中的释放是以扩散和骨架溶蚀相结合的方式。由此可见 ,硝苯地平的海藻酸钙凝胶微丸具有缓释作用     

α-细辛脑海藻酸钙微球的制备及体外释放药物考察

目的研究α-细辛脑海藻酸钙微球的制备工艺,测定微球中α-细辛脑的体外释放度。方法采用乳化-内部凝胶化法制备海藻酸钙微球,正交试验设计优化制备工艺,分光光度法测定α-细辛脑的含量。结果最优工艺微球球形圆整,载药量为1.17%,包封率为2.40%,微球的平均粒径为17.97μm,大部分微球粒径分布在7~30μm（93.67%）,体外释放符合双相动力学方程Q/100=0.8276-0.0506exp（-1909t）-0.777exp（-0.4405t）。结论以海藻酸钠为载体、乳化-内部凝胶化法制备了海藻酸钙微球,获得微球制备工艺。     

Microencapsulation of hemoglobin in chitosan-coated alginate microspheres prepared by emulsification/internal gelation

Chitosan-coated alginate microspheres prepared by emulsification/internal gelation were chosen as carriers for a model protein, hemoglobin (Hb), owing to nontoxicity of the polymers and mild conditions of the method. The influence of process variables related to the emulsification step and microsphere recovering and formulation variables, such as alginate gelation and chitosan coating, on the size distribution and encapsulation efficiency was studied. The effect of microsphere coating as well its drying procedure on the Hb release profile was also evaluated. Chitosan coating was applied by either a continuous microencapsulation procedure or a 2-stage coating process. Microspheres with a mean diameter of less than 30 microm and an encapsulation efficiency above 90% were obtained. Calcium alginate cross-linking was optimized by using an acid/CaCO(3) molar ratio of 2.5, and microsphere-recovery with acetate buffer led to higher encapsulation efficiency. Hb release in gastric fluid was minimal for air-dried microspheres. Coating effect revealed a total release of 27% for 2-stage coated wet microspheres, while other formulations showed an Hb release above 50%. Lyophilized microspheres behaved similar to wet microspheres, although a higher total protein release was obtained with 2-stage coating. At pH 6.8, uncoated microspheres dissolved in less than 1 hour; however, Hb release from air-dried microspheres was incomplete. Chitosan coating decreased the release rate of Hb, but an incomplete release was obtained. The 2-stage coated microspheres showed no burst effect, whereas the 1-stage coated microspheres permitted a higher protein release.     

In vitro evaluation of sol-gel processed spray dried silica gel microspheres as carrier in controlled drug delivery

The objective of this study was to evaluate sol–gel-derived spray dried silica gel microspheres as carrier material for dexmedetomidine HCl and toremifene citrate. The drug was dissolved in sol–gel processed silica sol before spray drying with Büchi laboratory scale equipment. Microspheres with a low specific surface area were spherical by shape with a smooth surface without pores on the external surface. The particle size distribution was quite narrow. The in vitro release of toremifene citrate and dexmedetomidine HCl showed a dose-dependent burst followed by a slower release phase, that was proportional to the drug concentration in the concentration range between 3.9 and 15.4 wt.%. The release period for toremifene citrate was approximately 10 days and for dexmedetomidine HCl between 7 and 50 days depending on drug concentration. Spray drying is a promising way to produce spherical silica gel particles with a narrow particle size range for controlled delivery of toremifene citrate and dexmedetomidine HCl.     

口蹄疫DNA疫苗海藻酸钠微球的制备及体外释放的研究

目的：研制DNA疫苗海藻酸钠微球，并对其体外释药特性进行考察。方法：以口蹄疫DNA疫苗为DNA疫苗的模型药物，采用喷雾干燥一离子交联法制备DNA疫苗海藻酸钠微球；考察粒径大小、外观、载药量等理化特性；考察微球的体外释药特性及其影响因素。结果：微球球形圆整，分散性好，平均粒径为11．9μm，载药量为5％，产率为53．2％。微球的体外释放速率受载药量影响较小，而壳聚糖的交联固化度增高，微球的体外释放速率变慢。结论：以生物降解材料海藻酸钠、壳聚糖，用喷雾干燥法制备DNA疫苗微球，不需要超声和有机溶剂，因而有利于DNA疫苗结构和功能的稳定性；工艺简便，易于工业化生产。     

Adipic acid dihydrazide treated partially oxidized alginate beads for sustained oral delivery of flurbiprofen

In this study, periodate oxidation of sodium alginate was controlled such that the oxidized alginate could form isolatable beads with Ca⁺² ions. The beads of oxidized alginate having a degree of oxidation 1 mol%, entrapped 89% flurbiprofen and released almost all of its content within 1.5 h in pH 7.2 phosphate buffer solution. The beads were covalently crosslinked with adipic dihydrazide (ADH) in addition to ionic crosslinks and were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the beads were spherical having smooth surfaces. The drug entrapment efficiency decreased (90–86%) with increasing concentration of ADH (2–6% w/v) in the gelation medium. However, the beads prolonged the drug release in alkaline dissolution medium up to 8 h depending upon the concentration of ADH. The beads prepared with 2% ADH swelled more rapidly and led to faster drug release in either pH 1.2 HCl solution or pH 7.2 phosphate buffer solution. The swelling tendencies were reduced and the drug release became slower with higher concentrations in either fluid. The drug diffusion from the beads followed super case II transport mechanism. FTIR spectroscopy indicated stable nature of flurbiprofen in the beads and therefore had potential as sustained oral delivery system for the drug.     

Synthesis and characterization of cross-linked chitosan microspheres for drug delivery applications

The present study deals with the synthesis and characterization of cross-linked chitosan microspheres containing an hydrophilic drug, hydroquinone. The microspheres were prepared by the suspension cross-linking method using glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent of the polymer matrix. Perfectly spherical cross-linked hydrogel microspheres loaded with hydroquinone were obtained in the size range of 20–100 μm. The effect of the degree of polymer cross-linking, chitosan molecular weight, chitosan concentration and amount of the encapsulated drug on the hydroquinone release kinetics was extensively investigated. It was found that slower drug release rates were obtained from microspheres prepared by using a higher initial concentration of chitosan, a higher molecular weight of chitosan or/and a lower drug concentration. Most importantly, it was shown that the release rate of hydroquinone was mainly controlled by the polymer cross-linking density and, thus, by the degree of swelling of the hydrogel matrix.     

Preparation and evaluation of mucinated sodium alginate microparticles for oral delivery of insulin

Effective oral insulin delivery remains a challenge to the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, insulin-loaded microparticles for oral delivery were prepared with mucin and sodium alginate combined at different ratios using a novel method based on polymer coacervation and diffusion filling. Some physical characteristics of the various insulin-loaded microparticles such as particle size, morphology and compressibility indices were determined. The microparticles were filled into hard gelatin capsules and the in vitro insulin release as well as the blood glucose reduction after oral administration to diabetic rabbits were determined. The microparticles formed were generally multi-particulate, discrete and free flowing. Before insulin loading, microparticles were round and smooth, becoming fluffier, less spherical and larger with rough and pitted surface after insulin loading. The insulin content of the microparticles increased with increase in their sodium alginate content. The various insulin-loaded microparticles prepared with the mucinated sodium alginate when encapsulated exhibited lag time before insulin release. The time taken to reach maximum insulin release from the various formulations varied with the mucin–sodium alginate ratio mix. The mean dissolution time of insulin from the microparticles prepared with sodium alginate, mucin, sodium alginate: mucin ratios of 1:1, 3:1 and 1:3 was 11.21 ± 0.75, 3.3 ± 0.42, 6.69 ± 023, 8.52 ± 0.95 and 3.48 ± 0.65 (min.), respectively. The percentage blood glucose reduction for the subcutaneously administered insulin was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than for the formulations. The blood glucose reduction effect produced by the orally administered insulin-loaded microparticles prepared with three parts of sodium alginate and one part of mucin after 5 h was, however, equal to that produced by the subcutaneously administered insulin solution, an indication that it is an effective alternative for the delivery of insulin.     

Preparation and evaluation of alginate-chitosan microspheres for oral delivery of insulin

The alginate-chitosan microspheres with narrow size distribution were prepared by membrane emulsification technique in combination with ion (Ca²⁺) and polymer (chitosan) solidification. The preparation procedure was observed, and the physical properties (particle size distribution, surface morphology, chitosan distribution, zeta potential) of the microspheres were characterized. Subsequently, the microspheres were employed to load model peptide of insulin. The effect of loading ways on the loading efficiency and immunological activity of insulin were investigated. It was shown that the higher loading efficiency (56.7%) and remarkable activity maintenance (99.4%) were obtained when the insulin was loaded during the chitosan solidification process (Method B). Afterward, the release profile in vitro for the optimal insulin-loaded microspheres was investigated. Under the pH conditions of gastrointestinal environment, only 32% of insulin released during the simulated transit time of drug (2 h in the stomach and 4 h in the intestinal). While under the pH condition of blood environment, insulin release was stable and sustained for a long time (14 days). Furthermore, the chemical stability of insulin released from the microspheres was well preserved after they were treated with the simulated gastric fluid containing pepsin for 2 h. Finally, the blood glucose level of diabetic rats could be effectively reduced and stably kept for a long time (∼60 h) after oral administration of the insulin-loaded alginate-chitosan microspheres. Therefore, the alginate-chitosan microspheres were found to be promising vectors showing a good efficiency in oral administration of protein or peptide drugs.     

A Novel in Vitro Delivery System for Assessing the Biological Integrity of Protein upon Release from PLGA Microspheres

Purpose. The development of a novel in vitro system is required to assess the stability and release kinetics of a protein microsphere formulation used for drug delivery to the brain. Methods. Microspheres containing lysozyme as model protein were prepared using a (w/o/w) emulsion-solvent evaporation process. Both the active and total (active + inactive) encapsulation efficiencies and release profiles were determined. The biologic activity of lysozyme was measured using bacterial cell lysis; total protein content was measured using a ¹²⁵I-radiolabel. A novel in vitro apparatus was developed to determine kinetics over a sustained time period (>30 days). Results. The microencapsulation technique allowed an entrapment of active lysozyme at 80 ± 4% and a sustained (>42 days) in vitro release. The kinetics study showed that the novel in vitro system was able to detect the release of low amounts (ng) of protein. To improve the stability of the protein within microspheres and allow the release of biologically active lysozyme, a basic additive ( Mg(OH)₂ ) was successfully encapsulated. Conclusions. This novel in vitro system was appropriate to study protein microsphere release kinetics. In addition, the model is cost-effective and mimes brain physiological conditions more closely than previous models.     

Design and characterization of chitosan-alginate microspheres for ocular delivery of azelastine

Abstract

The use of mucoadhesive biopolymers is one of the best approaches to prolong the drug residence inside the cul-de-sac, consequently increasing the bioavailability. Thus, the focus of this work was to develop mucoadhesive microspheres to overcome the limitations of ocular drug delivery. The chitosan-sodium alginate microspheres of azelastine hydrochloride were fabricated using modified ionotropic gelation technique. The particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and drug release kinetics were evaluated and characterized by SEM, FT-IR, DSC, in vitro mucoadhesion and in vivo study. The microspheres had average particle size in the range of 3.55 to 6.70?µm and zeta potential +24.55 to +49.56?mV. The fabricated microspheres possess maximum drug entrapment of 73.05% with 65% mucin binding efficiency and revealed a controlled release over the 8-h period following a non-Fickian diffusion. SEM showed that microspheres were distinct solid with irregular shape. FT-IR and DSC results concluded the drug entrapment into microspheres. In vivo studies on ocular rat model revealed that azelastine microspheres had better efficacy. Chitosan sodium alginate microspheres prepared were in particle size range suitable for ocular purpose. In vitro release and in vivo efficacy studies revealed that the microspheres were effective in prolonging the drug’s presence in cul de sac with improved therapeutic efficacy.     

Coated whey protein/alginate microparticles as oral controlled delivery systems for probiotic yeast

Viable Saccharomyces boulardii, used as a biotherapeutic agent, was encapsulated in food-grade whey protein isolate (WP) and alginate (ALG) microparticles, in order to protect and vehicle them in gastrointestinal environment. Yeast-loaded microparticles with a WP/ALG ratio of 62/38 were produced with high encapsulation efficiency (95%) using an extrusion/cold gelation method and coated with ALG or WP by a simple immersion method. Swelling, yeast survival, WP loss and yeast release in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF and SIF, pH 1.2 and 7.5) with and without their respective digestive enzymes (pepsin and pancreatin) were investigated. In SGF, ALG network shrinkage limited enzyme diffusion into the WP/ALG matrix. Coated and uncoated WP/ALG microparticles were resistant in SGF even with pepsin. Survival of yeast cells in microparticles was 40% compared to 10% for free yeast cells and was improved to 60% by coating. In SIF, yeast cell release followed coated microparticle swelling with a desirable delay. Coated WP/ALG microparticles appear to have potential as oral delivery systems for Saccharomyces boulardii or as encapsulation means for probiotic cells in pharmaceutical or food processing applications.     

Application of chitosan/alginate nanoparticle in oral drug delivery systems: prospects and challenges

Oral drug delivery systems (ODDSs) have various advantages of simple operation and few side effects. ODDSs are highly desirable for colon-targeted therapy (e.g. ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer), as they improve therapeutic efficiency and reduce systemic toxicity. Chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (CANPs) show strong electrostatic interaction between the carboxyl group of alginates and the amino group of chitosan which leads to shrinkage and gel formation at low pH, thereby protecting the drugs from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and aggressive gastric environment. Meanwhile, CANPs as biocompatible polymer, show intestinal mucosal adhesion, which could extend the retention time of drugs on inflammatory sites. Recently, CANPs have attracted increasing interest as colon-targeted oral drug delivery system for intestinal diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize the application and treatment of CANPs in intestinal diseases and insulin delivery. And then provide a future perspective of the potential and development direction of CANPs as colon-targeted ODDSs.     

Effects of alginate coated on PLGA microspheres for delivery tetracycline hydrochloride to periodontal pockets

The effects of alginate coated on tetracycline (Tc) loaded poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres fabricated by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique for local delivery to periodontal pocket were investigated. Alginate coated PLGA microspheres showed smoother surface but enlarged their particle sizes compared with those of uncoated ones. In addition, alginate coated microspheres enhanced Tc encapsulation efficiency (E.E.) from 11.5?±?0.5% of uncoated ones to 17.9?±?0.5%. Moreover, all of the coated PLGA microspheres even fabricated at different conditions could prolong Tc release from 9–12 days with 50% or higher in cumulative release of Tc compared with those of uncoated ones. The swelling ratios of PLGA microspheres for alginate coated or uncoated ones, one of the possible mechanisms for enhancing Tc release for the coated ones, were measured. The results showed that 20% or higher in swelling ratio for the coated microspheres at the earlier stage of hydration (e.g.?≤?24?h) could be an important factor to result in high Tc release compared to the uncoated ones. In conclusion, alginate coated Tc loaded PLGA microspheres could enhance Tc delivery to periodontal pocket by enhancing drug encapsulated efficiency, released quantities and sustained release period compared with uncoated ones.     

Improvement of protein loading and modulation of protein release from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres by complexation of proteins with polyanions

A novel method was proposed to incorporate and modulate protein release from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres by a modified w/o/w emulsion solvent evaporation technique with poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)/insulin complex suspension as the inner aqueous phase instead of the neat protein solution. It was found that a reversible, water-insoluble complex could be formed between PMAA and insulin by electrostatic interactions. A great increase in insulin entrapment efficiency was observed as the PMAA/insulin complex was adopted to prepare PLGA microspheres. A large number of the complex particles adsorbed at the surface of the microspheres, resulting in the more rapid insulin release. The complexation and microencapsulation processes have little effect on insulin bioactivity, which was revealed by examination of the plasma glucose levels of the diabetic rats administrated with the microspheres.     

Development,optimization and in vitro evaluation of alginate mucoadhesive microspheres of carvedilol for nasal delivery

Abstract

The present research work was aimed at development and optimization of alginate mucoadhesive microspheres of carvedilol for nasal delivery to avoid first pass metabolism and to improve the therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. The microspheres were prepared by a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsification technique. A 2³ factorial design was employed with drug : polymer ratio, calcium chloride concentration and cross-linking time as independent variables while particle size of the microspheres and in vitro mucoadhesion were the dependent variables. Regression analysis was performed to identify the best formulation conditions. Particle size was analysed by dynamic laser light diffraction technique and found to be in the range of 26.36–54.32 µm, which is favourable for intranasal absorption. The shape and surface characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depicted the spherical nature and nearly smooth surfaces of the microspheres. The percentage encapsulation efficiency was found to be in the range between 36.62–56.18. In vitro mucoadhesion was performed by adhesion number using sheep nasal mucosa and was observed in a range from 69.25–85.28. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction results indicated a molecular level dispersion of carvedilol in the microspheres. In vitro release studies in pH 6.2 phosphate buffer indicated non-Fickian or anomalous type of transport for the release of carvedilol from the microspheres.