Chitosan-reinforced alginate microspheres obtained through the emulsification/internal gelation technique.

Alginate microspheres prepared by emulsification/internal gelation were chosen as carriers for a model protein, hemoglobin (Hb). Reinforced chitosan-coated microspheres were obtained by an uninterrupted method, in order to simplify the coating process, minimize protein losses during production and to avoid Hb escape under acidic conditions. Microspheres recovery was evaluated as well as its morphology by determination of Hb encapsulation efficiency and microscopic observation, respectively. The formation of chitosan membrane made of it interaction with alginate was assessed by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry) studies. Spherical uncoated microspheres with a mean diameter of 20 microm and encapsulation efficiency above 89% were obtained. Coated microspheres provided similar encapsulation efficiency but a higher mean diameter was obtained due to microspheres clumping during the coating step. Protein loss occurred mainly during emulsification rather than recovery. FT-IR and DSC together indicated electrostatic interactions between alginate carboxylate and chitosan ammonium groups as the main forces for complex formation. Hb release from microspheres showed a pH-dependent profile and was affected by chitosan coating. Under simulated gastric conditions, a total Hb burst release from uncoated microspheres was decreased with one-stage and two-stage chitosan coatings (68% and 28%, respectively). At pH 6.8, the Hb release from coated microspheres was fast but incomplete. These results suggest an optimization of the coating method to protect Hb under acidic conditions and to permit a complete but sustained release of Hb.     

Alginate microspheres prepared by internal gelation: development and effect on insulin stability

Recombinant human insulin was encapsulated within alginate microspheres by the emulsification/internal gelation technique with the objective of preserving protein stability during encapsulation procedure. The influence of process and formulation parameters was evaluated on the morphology and encapsulation efficiency of insulin. The in vitro release of insulin from microspheres was studied under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and the in vivo activity of protein after processing was assessed by subcutaneous administration of extracted insulin from microspheres to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Microspheres mean diameter, ranging from 21 to 287 microm, decreased with the internal phase ratio, emulsifier concentration, mixer rotational speed and increased with alginate concentration. Insulin encapsulation efficiency, near 75%, was not affected by emulsifier concentration, mixer rotational speed and zinc/insulin hexamer molar ratio but decreased either by increasing internal phase ratio and calcium/alginate mass ratio or by decreasing acid/calcium molar ratio and alginate concentration. A high insulin release, above 75%, was obtained at pH 1.2 and under simulated intestinal pH a complete dissolution of microspheres occurred. Extracted insulin from microspheres decreased hyperglycemia of diabetic rats proving to be bioactive and showing that encapsulation in alginate microspheres using the emulsification/internal gelation is an appropriate method for protein encapsulation.     

Microencapsulation of lipophilic drugs in chitosan-coated alginate microspheres.

Chitosan-coated alginate microspheres containing a lipophilic marker dissolved in an edible oil, were prepared by emulsification/internal gelation and the potential use as an oral controlled release system investigated. Microsphere formation involved dispersing a lipophilic marker dissolved in soybean oil into an alginate solution containing insoluble calcium carbonate microcrystals. The dispersion was then emulsified in silicone oil to form an O/W/O multiple phase emulsion. Addition of an oil soluble acid released calcium from carbonate complex for gelation of the alginate. Chitosan was then applied as a membrane coat to increase the mechanical strength and stabilize the microspheres in simulated intestinal media. Parameters studied included encapsulation yield, alginate concentration, chitosan molecular weight and membrane formation time. Mean diameters ranging from 500 to 800 micron and encapsulation yields ranging from 60 to 80% were obtained. Minimal marker release was observed under simulated gastric conditions, and rapid release was triggered by transfer into simulated intestinal fluid. Higher overall levels of release were obtained with uncoated microspheres, possibly due to binding of marker to the chitosan membrane coat. However the slower rate of release from coated microspheres was felt better suited as a delivery vehicle for oil soluble drugs.     

Liquid phase coating to produce controlled-release alginate microspheres

This study explored a liquid phase coating technique to produce polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-coated alginate microspheres. Alginate microspheres with a mean diameter of 85.6?µm were prepared using an emulsification method. The alginate microspheres, as cores, were then coated with different types of PMMA by a liquid phase coating technique. The release characteristics of these coated microspheres in simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal (SIF) fluids and the influence of drug load on encapsulation efficiency were studied. The release of paracetamol, as a model hydrophilic drug, from the coated microspheres in SGF and SIF was greatly retarded. Release rates of Eudragit RS100-coated microspheres in SGF and SIF were similar as the rate-controlling polymer coat was insoluble in both media. Drug release from Eudragit S100-coated microspheres was more sustained in SGF than in SIF, due to the greater solubility of the coating polymer in media with pH greater than 7.0. The drug release rate was affected by the core:coat ratio. Drug release from the coated microspheres was best described by the Higuchi's square root model. The liquid phase coating technique developed offers an efficient method of coating small microspheres with markedly reduced drug loss and possible controlled drug release.     

Effect of preparation conditions on the nutrient release properties of alginate-whey protein granular microspheres.

The effect of preparation conditions on nutrient release from alginate (AL)-whey protein isolate (WPI) granular microspheres obtained by an emulsification/internal cold gelation method was studied by varying WPI/AL ratio, microsphere diameter, total polymer concentration and riboflavin loading. Microsphere size distribution and nutrient encapsulation efficiency (EE) were examined. Riboflavin release profiles were investigated in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Values for EE above 80% were obtained for most microspheres, with the notable exceptions of high AL or pure AL. Variations in WPI/AL ratio, granule size and nutrient loading have major impact on nutrient release. Microspheres prepared with a WPI/AL ratio of 8:2, a riboflavin concentration of 1% in the initial aqueous phase and diameters near 94 microm retained the vitamin in SGF and released it in SIF. By careful process design, granular microspheres with potential as oral delivery vehicles for bioactive compounds may be developed.     

Influence of viscosity and uronic acid composition of alginates on the properties of alginate films and microspheres produced by emulsification

This study investigated the influence of viscosity and uronic acid composition of alginates on the properties of alginate films and microspheres produced by emulsification. Tensile properties of films were determined while the yield, size, drug contents and release characteristics of the microspheres were examined. Tensile properties of calcium alginate matrix were significantly affected by the orientation and arrangement of the polymer chains. High viscosity alginates gave rise to higher yields and bigger microspheres. Generally, microspheres with high drug content and slower rate of drug release had high Ca2+ contents and were produced from alginates of higher viscosity. Within an alginate microsphere batch, small sized microsphere fractions had higher drug contents but showed faster drug release rates. Microspheres having a defined size range revealed great dependence of encapsulation efficiency and drug release rates on viscosity and extent of Ca2+-alginate interaction. Viscosity appeared to exert a predominant influence on the microsphere properties.     

Liquid phase coating to produce controlled-release alginate microspheres

This study explored a liquid phase coating technique to produce polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-coated alginate microspheres. Alginate microspheres with a mean diameter of 85.6 microm were prepared using an emulsification method. The alginate microspheres, as cores, were then coated with different types of PMMA by a liquid phase coating technique. The release characteristics of these coated microspheres in simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal (SIF) fluids and the influence of drug load on encapsulation efficiency were studied. The release of paracetamol, as a model hydrophilic drug, from the coated microspheres in SGF and SIF was greatly retarded. Release rates of Eudragit RS100-coated microspheres in SGF and SIF were similar as the rate-controlling polymer coat was insoluble in both media. Drug release from Eudragit S100-coated microspheres was more sustained in SGF than in SIF, due to the greater solubility of the coating polymer in media with pH greater than 7.0. The drug release rate was affected by the core:coat ratio. Drug release from the coated microspheres was best described by the Higuchi's square root model. The liquid phase coating technique developed offers an efficient method of coating small microspheres with markedly reduced drug loss and possible controlled drug release.     

Influence of viscosity and uronic acid composition of alginates on the properties of alginate films and microspheres produced by emulsification

This study investigated the influence of viscosity and uronic acid composition of alginates on the properties of alginate films and microspheres produced by emulsification. Tensile properties of films were determined while the yield, size, drug contents and release characteristics of the microspheres were examined. Tensile properties of calcium alginate matrix were significantly affected by the orientation and arrangement of the polymer chains. High viscosity alginates gave rise to higher yields and bigger microspheres. Generally, microspheres with high drug content and slower rate of drug release had high Ca²⁺ contents and were produced from alginates of higher viscosity. Within an alginate microsphere batch, small sized microsphere fractions had higher drug contents but showed faster drug release rates. Microspheres having a defined size range revealed great dependence of encapsulation efficiency and drug release rates on viscosity and extent of Ca²⁺-alginate interaction. Viscosity appeared to exert a predominant influence on the microsphere properties.     

海藻酸-壳聚糖-聚乳酸羟乙醇酸复合微球的制备及其对蛋白释放的调节

目的制备蛋白的海藻酸-壳聚糖-聚乳酸羟乙醇酸(PLGA)复合微球，以增加蛋白药物的包封率、减少突释和不完全释放。方法以牛血清白蛋白为模型药物采用修饰的乳化、醇洗法制备小粒径海藻酸微囊，再以壳聚糖孵育制得海藻酸-壳聚糖双层微囊，并进一步用PLGA包裹制得复合微球。采用微量BCA试剂盒测定蛋白浓度，考察其包封率及释放行为，改变各种制备因素调节微球的释放特性。结果复合微球粒径约30 μm，形态圆整。与单纯PLGA微球相比，包封率由60%-70%上升至80%以上。复合微球在磷酸盐缓冲液的1 h突释量由40%-50%下降至25%以下，在生理盐水中则进一步下降至5%以下。结论海藻酸-壳聚糖-PLGA复合微球提高了蛋白药物的包封率，减少了药物的突释，并可通过调节PLGA比例调节药物的释放。     

Preparation and characterization of alginate microspheres containing a model antigen

The goal of this study was to evaluate the technological feasibility of delivering antigen using alginate microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by an emulsification technique and fully characterized as antigen delivery system. Selection of appropriate parameters enabled the preparation of alginate microspheres with a mean diameter of 8 μm. The encapsulation efficiency of bovine serum albumin (BSA), chosen as model antigen, as well as the BSA loading were very high (>90% and 10% w/w, respectively). The process of encapsulation did not affect the molecular weight or the antigenicity of the entrapped antigen. The in vitro release profile showed a fast release rate of encapsulated BSA, particularly in phosphate buffered saline solution. However, a decrease of the release rate was observed when alginate microspheres were coated with poly(l-lysine) or prepared with higher alginate molecular weight. Therefore, alginate microspheres appear, technologically, a promising antigen delivery system.     

Insulin encapsulation in reinforced alginate microspheres prepared by internal gelation.

Insulin-loaded alginate microspheres prepared by emulsification/internal gelation were reinforced by blending with polyanionic additive polymers and/or chitosan-coating in order to increase the protection of insulin at simulated gastric pH and obtain a sustained release at simulated intestinal pH. Polyanionic additive polymers blended with alginate were cellulose acetate phtalate (CAP), Eudragit L100 (EL100), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyphosphate (PP), dextran sulfate (DS) and cellulose sulfate (CS). Chitosan-coating was applied by using a one-stage procedure. The influence of additive polymers and chitosan-coating on the size distribution of microspheres, encapsulation efficiency and release profile of insulin in simulated gastrointestinal pH conditions was studied. The mean diameter of blended microspheres ranged from 65 to 106 microm and encapsulation efficiency of insulin varied from 14 to 100%, reaching a maximum value when CS and DS were incorporated in the alginate matrix. Insulin release, at pH 1.2, was almost prevented by the incorporation of PP, DS and CS. When uncoated microspheres were transferred to pH 6.8, a fast dissolution occurred, independently of the additive polymer blended with alginate, and insulin was completely released. Increasing the additive polymer concentration in the alginate matrix and/or chitosan-coating the blended alginate microspheres did not promote a sustained release of insulin from microspheres at pH 6.8.     

Development and evaluation of new sustained-release floating microspheres

A type of multi-unit floating alginate (Alg) microspheres was prepared by the ionotropic gelation method with calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) being used as gas-forming agent. Attempts were made to enhance the drug encapsulation efficiency and delay the drug release by adding chitosan (Cs) into the gelation medium and by coating with Eudragit, respectively. The gastrointestinal transit of optimized floating sustained-release microspheres was compared with that of the non-floating system manufactured from identical material using the technique of gamma-scintigraphy in healthy human volunteers. It was found that the drug encapsulation efficiency of Cs-Alg microspheres was much higher than that of the Ca-Alg microspheres, and coating the microspheres with Eudragit RS could extend the drug release significantly. Both uncoating and coating microspheres were able to continuously float over the simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for 24h in vitro. Prolonged gastric-retention time (GRT) of over 5h was achieved in the volunteer for the optimized coating floating microspheres (FM). In contrast, non-floating system (NFM) could be emptied within 2.5h. In the present study, a multi-unit system with excellent floating ability, optimum drug entrapment efficiency and suitable drug release pattern has been developed.     

Controlled release of interleukin-2 from chitosan microspheres

Chitosan microspheres were evaluated for sustained-release of recombinant human interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in this study. In addition, the effects of different formulation factors, such as chitosan and protein concentrations, the volume of sodium sulfate solution, addition technique of rIL-2, and presence of glutaraldehyde during the encapsulation process, on microsphere characteristics were investigated. Chitosan microspheres containing rIL-2 were prepared by using the precipitation technique. The average diameter of microspheres was between 1.11-1.59 microm. Recombinant IL-2 encapsulation efficiency in these microspheres was high (75-98%). Formulation factors had no effect on the microsphere size. Recombinant IL-2 had been released from chitosan microspheres over a period of 3 months. The encapsulated rIL-2 remained biologically active and could be completely recovered from the release medium. Briefly, rIL-2 was released from chitosan microspheres in a sustained manner. The efficacy of rIL-2 loaded chitosan microspheres was studied using two model cells, HeLa and L-strain cell lines. Chitosan microspheres were added to the cells at different concentrations, and the amount of rIL-2 was assayed using the ELISA kit. Cell culture studies indicated that microspheres were uptaken by cells, and rIL-2 was released from the microspheres. Cellular uptake of rIL-2-loaded microspheres was dose dependent. It can be said that chitosan microsphere is a suitable carrier for rIL-2 delivery.     

Study on biodegradable microspheres containing recombinant interferon-alpha-2a

In this work, a new microsphere delivery system comprising calcium alginate microcores surrounded by a biodegradable poly-DL-lactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PELA) coat was designed to improve the loading efficiency and stability of peptide drugs. Recombinant interferon (IFN)-alpha-2a, used as a model peptide drug, was efficiently entrapped within the alginate microcores using a high-speed stirrer and then microencapsulated into PELA copolymer using a water-in-oil-in-water solvent extraction method. Microspheres were characterized in terms of morphology, size and distribution, encapsulation efficiency, IFN biological activity retention and in-vitro peptide release. The IFN potency test showed that IFN entrapped in the core-coated microspheres could retain its biological activity during the encapsulation and release procedure. The release profiles were determined by the measurement of peptide presenting in the release medium at various intervals. The IFN potency, calculated by the Wish cells/vesicular stomatitis virus system, was used to determine IFN biological activity. The results showed that the core-coated microspheres could stabilize IFN in the PELA matrix. We compared the new deliverysystem with conventional microsphere delivery systems based on biodegradable poly-DL-lactide and poly-DL-lactide-poly(ethylene glycol). The core-coated microspheres had the highest amount of entrapment, encapsulation efficiency and biological activity retention. The extent of burst release (14%) from the core-coated microspheres in the initial protein release was much lower than the 31% burst release from the conventional microspheres. In conclusion, this work presents a new approach for water-soluble macromolecular drugs delivery (e.g. protein, peptide drugs, vaccines).     

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。     

Immobilization and bioactivity of glucose oxidase in hydrogel microspheres formulated by an emulsification-internal gelation-adsorption-polyelectrolyte coating method

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel microsphere formulation of glucose oxidase (GOX) with high drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and bioactivity. GOX was encapsulated in alginate/chitosan microspheres (ACMS) using an emulsification-internal gelation, followed by GOX adsorption and polyelectrolyte coating method. The factors influencing GOX loading, encapsulation efficiency and activity of the loaded GOX were investigated. The resultant ACMS in wet state were spherical with a mean diameter of about 138 microm. GOX loading was found to be pH dependent. High GOX loading and encapsulation efficiency were achieved when the pH of the adsorption medium was lower than the isoelectric point (pI) of GOX. GOX loading and encapsulation efficiency increased with increasing GOX concentration in the loading solution, but decreased with increasing chitosan concentration in the coating solution. The activity of loaded GOX increased and then decreased with increasing chitosan concentration. The activity of GOX in ACMS was maintained and showed sustained production of H(2)O(2) as compared to free GOX. Around 90% of the original activity of immobilized GOX remained after lyophilization and storage at -20 degrees C for a month. These results suggest that the ACMS and the fabrication method are suitable for microencapsulation of proteins like GOX.     

Influence of partially cross-linked alginate used in the production of alginate microspheres by emulsification

Spherical and discrete calcium alginate microspheres had been produced by the emulsification technique. The microencapsulation process was highly efficient, but drug release from microspheres was rapid. A more orderly chain arrangement of the polymeric chains would give rise to a stronger and less permeable matrix capable of sustaining drug release. Therefore, the potential of using partially cross-linked alginate in the production of microspheres by emulsification was explored. The size and roundness of the microspheres, its drug content and drug release property were determined. The more viscous alginate solutions when reacted with more calcium salt added resulted in larger microspheres produced. Microspheres made from partially cross-linked alginate exhibited lower drug content and higher T75% values in drug release studies. This was due to decreased flexibility of the polymer chains which were partially held together by calcium ions, reducing subsequent interaction with the calcium ions resulting in lower drug entrapment efficiency and a more permeable microsphere matrix.     

Evaluation of furosemide-loaded alginate microspheres prepared by ionotropic external gelation technique

Alginate microspheres containing furosemide were prepared by the ionotropic external gelation technique using Ca2+, Al3+ and Ba2+ ions. The incorporation efficiency of the prepared microspheres ranged between 65% and 93%. The effect of sodium alginate concentration, cross-linking ions and drying conditions was evaluated with respect to entrapment efficiency, particle size, surface characteristics and in vitro release behavior. Infrared spectroscopic study confirmed the drug-polymer compatibility. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis revealed that the drug was molecularly dispersed in the alginate microsphere matrices. Scanning electron microscopic study of microspheres showed the rough surface due to higher concentration of drug molecules dispersed at molecular level in the alginate matrices. The mean particle size and entrapment efficiency were found to be varied by changing various formulation parameters. The in vitro release profile could be altered significantly by changing various formulation parameters to give a sustained release of drug from the microspheres. The kinetic modeling of the release data indicate that furosemide release from the alginate microspheres follow anomalous transport mechanism after an initial lag period when the drug release mechanism was found to be Fickian diffusion controlled.     

Ca-alginate microspheres encapsulated in chitosan beads

Chitosan beads (CBs) incorporating Ca-alginate microspheres (CAMs), containing a drug, were prepared as an oral sustained delivery system. Stable and monodisperse Ca-alginate microspheres loaded with drug were obtained by a membrane emulsification method. The Ca-alginate microspheres were encapsulated in chitosan beads by the ionotropic gelation method with a polyelectrolyte complex reaction between two oppositely charged polyions. The surface and internal characteristics of the beads were improved by ionic cross-linking in tripolyphosphate (TPP) solution adjusted to pH 5.0. The release experiments were performed using lidocaine.HCl (cationic drug) and sodium salicylate (anionic drug) as model drugs. Initial release of drugs depended on the degree of swelling. Ca-alginate microspheres encapsulated in chitosan beads were superior to both drug-loaded CBs and CAMs beads for sustained release because they had a three-layer composition; a calcium alginate core bounded by an inter-phasic chitosan-alginate membrane, which itself was surrounded by a layer of chitosan-TPP.     

Preparation and in vitro in vivo evaluation of aceclofenac loaded alginate microspheres: An investigation of effects of polymer using multiple comparison analysis

The aim of this present research work was to prepare and evaluate alginate microspheres of aceclofenac by ionic gelation method for targeting the drug release in intestinal region and decrease distinct tissue protection in the stomach. This method offers to prepare microspheres which are important in controlling the release rate and the absorption of aceclofenac from the intestinal region. Variation in polymer concentration was studied systemically for their influence on the encapsulation efficacy, particle size and in vitro drug release. The enteric nature of the microspheres showed very less amount of drug released in acidic medium. The mucoadhesion property was strongly dependent on the pH of the medium and the polymer concentration in the formulations. In vitro drug release study proposed a mixed drug release mechanism, partially involving the sphere matrix disintegration and drug diffusion of the microspheres. Holm-Sidak multiple comparison analysis suggested a significant difference in measured t50% values among all the microsphere formulations. In vivo studies revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect induced by the aceclofenac loaded alginate microspheres was significantly high and prolonged than that induced by the pure aceclofenac. So, this aceclofenac loaded alginate microspheres exhibited promising properties to improve the patient compliance by controlling and prolonging the systemic absorption of aceclofenac along with a distinct tissue protection in the stomach.