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.     

Characteristics of vitamin C encapsulated tripolyphosphate-chitosan microspheres as affected by chitosan molecular weight

In this paper, the effect of chitosan molecular weight on the characteristics (size, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, surface morphology and release rate) of vitamin C encapsulated tripolyphosphate cross-linked chitosan (TPP-chitosan) microspheres. The molecular weight of chitosan had a noticeable influence on the size, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, surface morphology and controlled release behaviour of the vitamin C encapsulated TPP-chitosan microspheres. The mean particle size and encapsulation efficiencies of TPP-chitosan microspheres were 3.1, 4.9 and 6.7 microm and 67.25, 60.43 and 52.74% for the microspheres prepared using low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan, respectively. All the TPP-chitosan microspheres (low, medium and high molecular weight) had positive charge on their surface. The zeta potential of the TPP-chitosan microspheres prepared using low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan was 41.25, 40.84 and 39.13 mV, respectively. The particle sizes of TPP-chitosan microspheres increased with increases in chitosan molecular weight. Molecular weight of chitosan did not affect significantly the % yield of TPP-chitosan microspheres prepared by spray-drying. The influence of chitosan molecular weight on the surface morphology of vitamin C encapsulated TPP-chitosan microspheres was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that, as the molecular weight of chitosan increases, TPP-chitosan microspheres with uniform spherical shape could be obtained. The physical state of vitamin C (amorphous or crystalline) in TPP-chitosan matrix was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and it was found that vitamin C is dispersed at the molecular level (amorphous) in the TPP-chitosan matrix. Release rate of the vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres was significantly affected by the chitosan molecular weight. The release rate decreased with increase in the chitosan molecular weight. The release of vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres followed Fick's law of diffusion.     

Characteristics of vitamin C encapsulated tripolyphosphate-chitosan microspheres as affected by chitosan molecular weight

In this paper, the effect of chitosan molecular weight on the characteristics (size, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, surface morphology and release rate) of vitamin C encapsulated tripolyphosphate cross-linked chitosan (TPP-chitosan) microspheres. The molecular weight of chitosan had a noticeable influence on the size, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, surface morphology and controlled release behaviour of the vitamin C encapsulated TPP-chitosan microspheres. The mean particle size and encapsulation efficiencies of TPP-chitosan microspheres were 3.1, 4.9 and 6.7?µm and 67.25, 60.43 and 52.74% for the microspheres prepared using low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan, respectively. All the TPP-chitosan microspheres (low, medium and high molecular weight) had positive charge on their surface. The zeta potential of the TPP-chitosan microspheres prepared using low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan was 41.25, 40.84 and 39.13?mV, respectively. The particle sizes of TPP-chitosan microspheres increased with increases in chitosan molecular weight. Molecular weight of chitosan did not affect significantly the % yield of TPP-chitosan microspheres prepared by spray-drying. The influence of chitosan molecular weight on the surface morphology of vitamin C encapsulated TPP-chitosan microspheres was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that, as the molecular weight of chitosan increases, TPP-chitosan microspheres with uniform spherical shape could be obtained. The physical state of vitamin C (amorphous or crystalline) in TPP-chitosan matrix was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and it was found that vitamin C is dispersed at the molecular level (amorphous) in the TPP-chitosan matrix. Release rate of the vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres was significantly affected by the chitosan molecular weight. The release rate decreased with increase in the chitosan molecular weight. The release of vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres followed Fick's law of diffusion.     

海藻酸钙凝胶微球中模型药物的pH值依赖性释放

目的:考察海藻酸钙凝胶微球中模型药物的pH值依赖性释放.方法:以硝苯地平为模型药,采用滴制法制备了含药微球;考察了含药微球在不同pH值介质中的释放特性.结果:含药微球在水及pH 1.0的介质中几乎不溶胀,12 h累积释放百分率为23.1%和23.4%;在pH6.8的介质中微球溶胀至完全溶蚀,且呈现缓慢释放的趋势,12 h药物的累积释放百分率为92.5%;换介质的释放中,0～2 h微球几乎不溶胀,2 h累积释放8.4%,介质pH改变后微球很快崩解,3 h累积释放82.4%.结论:海藻酸钙凝胶微球中硝苯地平的释放具有pH值依赖性,在pH 6.8的介质中缓释.     

Immunoadjuvant potential of cross-linked dextran microspheres mixed with chitosan nanospheres encapsulated with tetanus toxoid

Context: Nasal mucosa is a desirable route for mucosal vaccine delivery. Mucosal co-administration of chitosan nanoparticles with absorption enhancers such as cross-linked dextran microspheres (CDM, Sephadex^®) is a promising antigen delivery system.

Objective: In the current study, the chitosan nanospheres loaded with tetanus toxoid (CHT:TT NPs) was prepared and characterized. The immune responses against tetanus toxoid after nasal administration of CHT:TT NPs alone or mixed with CDM were also determined.

Materials and methods: Chitosan nanospheres were prepared by ionic gelation method. Particle size, releasing profile and antigen stability were evaluated by dynamic light scattering, diffusion chamber and SDS-PAGE methods, respectively. Rabbits were nasally immunized with different formulations loaded with 40 Lf TT. After three times immunizations with 2 weeks intervals, sera IgG titres and nasal lavage sIgA titres were determined.

Results: Mean size of CHT NPs and CHT:TT NPs were 205?±?42?nm and 432?±?85?nm, respectively. The release profile showed that 42.4?±?10.5% of TT was released after 30?min and reached to a steady state after 1.5?h. Stability of encapsulated TT in nanospheres was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The antibody titres showed that CHT:TT NPs-induced antibody titres were higher than TT solution. CHT NPs mixed with CDM induced the systemic IgG and nasal lavage sIgA titres higher than intranasal administration of TT solution (p?Discussion and conclusion: As the results indicated, these CHT:TT NPs when co-administered with CDM were able to induce more immune responses and have the potential to be used in mucosal immunization.     

Preparation of regular sized Ca-alginate microspheres using membrane emulsification method

Abstract

Terbutaline sulphate microcapsules were prepared by coacervation-phase separation induced by solvent evaporation technique. The cellulose acetate phthalate was employed as coating material alone and in combination with ethyl cellulose. The prepared microcapsules were evaluated for their drug content, particle size distribution (microscopic method), flow properties, bulk density and in vitro dissolution.     

Preparation of regular sized Ca-alginate microspheres using membrane emulsification method.

Monodisperse Ca-alginate microspheres were prepared using the membrane emulsification method. Three ionic types of drugs (anionic, cationic and non-ionic) were incorporated into the microspheres, and the effects of sodium alginate concentration and the pressure applied during the dispersing process on the properties of the microspheres were examined. Monodisperse microspheres were obtained when the concentration of alginate solution was 2 wt% and the pressure applied was 0.4 x 10(5) Pa. The mean size of microspheres was approximately 4 microm. Lidocaine x HCl (cationic), sodium salicylate (anionic) and 4-acetamidophenol (non-ionic) were selected as ionic model drugs and included in the alginate microspheres. Lidocaine x HCl (cationic drug) release was more retarded than that of the anionic drug, because of the electrostatic attraction between the negative charge of the ionized carboxyl group in the alginate chain and the positive charge of the cationic drug. In acidic release medium, a slow release was observed due to the low swelling characteristic and the increased viscosity of alginate, regardless of ionic type of drug.     

乳酸羟乙醇酸共聚物微球中蛋白包封率的测定

目的:寻求一种合适的方法测定蛋白在乳酸羟乙醇酸共聚物(PLGA)微球中的包封率。方法:采用复乳 溶剂挥发法制备 BSA的PLGA微球,应用考马斯亮蓝法测定总蛋白浓度,根据文献报道的7种不同方法进行包封率测定。结果:不同的测定方法对 PLGA微球中真实的药物包封率的反映程度不同,相互间差异很大。结论:以水解法测定BSA在PLGA微球中包封率的方法提取 最完全。水解法中,又以乙腈作溶剂、再用氢氧化钠水解两步提取法最为简便、快速、准确。     

Stabilization of tetanus toxoid encapsulated in PLGA microspheres

Delivery of vaccine antigens from controlled-release poly(lactic/glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres is a novel approach to reduce the number of antigen doses required for protection against infection. A major impediment to developing single-shot vaccines is encapsulated antigen instability during months of exposure to physiological conditions. For example, efforts to control neonatal tetanus in developing countries with a single-dose TT vaccine based on PLGA microspheres have been plagued by poor stability of the 150 kDa formaldehyde-detoxified protein antigen, tetanus toxoid (TT), in the polymer. We examined the denatured states of PLGA-encapsulated TT, revealing two primary TT instability mechanisms: (1) protein aggregation mediated by formaldehyde and (2) acid-induced protein unfolding and epitope damage. Further, we systematically identified excipients, which can efficiently inhibit TT aggregation and retain TT antigenicity under simulated deleterious conditions, i.e., elevated temperature and humidity. By employing these novel additives in the PLGA system, we report the slow and continuous release of high doses of TT for one month with retained antigen stability during bioerosion of PLGA.     

磁性壳聚糖微球的释药和靶向研究

目的：利用改变pH值法制备磁性壳聚糖微球,并对微球的载药量、缓释特性和磁靶向特性进行测试.方法：采用紫外光谱吸收法测定载药量,渗透袋扩散技术测试微球的释药速度,体外模拟法测定微球的磁靶向性.结果：载药量为37%,包封率62%.微球10h内药物释放约为75%,连续释放78h.外加磁场应在2000～3000Gs左右,施加时间在2h为宜.结论：使用改变pH值法制备的壳聚糖微球,具有较高的载药量和包封率,微球缓释效果明显,并实验测出了适合微球靶向控制的磁场施加方式.     

A freeze-dried formulation of bacteriophage encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres

With the emergence of widespread antibiotic resistance, there has been renewed interest in the use of bacteriophages. While their potency, safety and specificity have underpinned their clinical potential, to date, little work has been focussed on their formulation with respect to controlled release and/or passive targeting. Here, we show that bacteriophages selective for Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be encapsulated into biodegradable polyester microspheres via a modified w/o/w double emulsion-solvent extraction protocol with only a partial loss of lytic activity. Loss of lytic activity could be attributed to the exposure of the bacteriophages to the water-dichloromethane interface, with the lyophilization process itself having little effect. The microspheres were engineered to have an appropriate size and density to facilitate inhalation via a dry-powder inhaler and fluorescently labeled bacteriophages were distributed entirely within the internal porous matrix. The release profile showed a burst release phase (55-63% release within 30 min), followed by a sustained release till around 6 h, as appropriate for pulmonary delivery. Despite the poor shelf-life of the formulation, the work is proof-of-concept for the formulation and controlled delivery of bacteriophages, as suitable for the treatment of bacterial lung infections.     

壳聚糖珠固定化乳糖酶的条件及特性研究

目的研究乳糖酶的固定化。方法以壳聚糖珠(2.0 g)为载体,0.02%戊二醛为交联剂,考察固定化乳糖酶的条件及其特性。结果固定化条件:室温状态下,在pH 6.0、酶量0.2 mg/mL的酶液中固定12 h,固定化乳糖酶活力回收率为31.5%。乳糖酶、固定化乳糖酶的最适pH值分别为5.0~5.5,5.5~6.5;最适温度分别为40℃,50℃。结论固定化乳糖酶最适温度和pH值比溶乳糖高。     

Colon-specific delivery of mesalazine chitosan microspheres

Mesalazine (5-ASA) is a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and anti-inflammatory drug effective in Crohn's disease and ulcerative-colitis. As 5-ASA is rapidly absorbed from the small intestine and it is necessary to develop a colon-specific delivery system for it. Coated chitosan microspheres were used for this purpose by an emulsion-solvent evaporation technique based on a multiple w/o/w emulsion. Four hundred milligrams of chitosan solution (3%) in dilute acetic acid (0.5 M) containing 12% 5-ASA was dispersed into 2 ml solution of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) in methylene chloride. The primary induced w/o emulsion was dispersed into a 1% PVA aqueous solution to produce a w/o/w multiple emulsion and was stirred for approximately 2.5 h. The produced microspheres were separated, washed and dried. Release of 5-ASA from microspheres was studied in different pHs 1.2, 7.4, 6.8 and 6.8 in the presence of caecal contents of rat. The average size of microspheres was 200 microm. The highest yield efficiency (80%) was seen in medium molecular weight (MW) chitosan with a 1 : 2 core/coat ratio and the greatest loading efficiency (85%) related to the microspheres of the same type of chitosan but with a 1 : 1 core/coat ratio. Decreasing the coat content and increasing chitosan Mw increased the bioadhesion significantly (p < 0.05). Microspheres of chitosan with medium Mw and 1 : 1 core/coat that showed the greatest release of drug (near 80%) in the presence of caecal secretions with a zero-order mechanism, near zero per cent in pH 1.2 after 2 h, max 20% in pH 7.4 after 3 h and near 60% in pH 6.8 after 8 h seem suitable for site-specific delivery of 5-ASA in vitro.     

Colon-specific delivery of mesalazine chitosan microspheres

Mesalazine (5-ASA) is a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and anti-inflammatory drug effective in Crohn's disease and ulcerative-colitis. As 5-ASA is rapidly absorbed from the small intestine and it is necessary to develop a colon-specific delivery system for it. Coated chitosan microspheres were used for this purpose by an emulsion-solvent evaporation technique based on a multiple w/o/w emulsion. Four hundred milligrams of chitosan solution (3%) in dilute acetic acid (0.5?M) containing 12% 5-ASA was dispersed into 2?ml solution of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) in methylene chloride. The primary induced w/o emulsion was dispersed into a 1% PVA aqueous solution to produce a w/o/w multiple emulsion and was stirred for ～2.5?h. The produced microspheres were separated, washed and dried. Release of 5-ASA from microspheres was studied in different pHs 1.2, 7.4, 6.8 and 6.8 in the presence of caecal contents of rat. The average size of microspheres was 200?µm. The highest yield efficiency (80%) was seen in medium molecular weight (MW) chitosan with a 1?:?2 core/coat ratio and the greatest loading efficiency (85%) related to the microspheres of the same type of chitosan but with a 1?:?1 core/coat ratio. Decreasing the coat content and increasing chitosan Mw increased the bioadhesion significantly (p?<?0.05). Microspheres of chitosan with medium Mw and 1?:?1 core/coat that showed the greatest release of drug (near 80%) in the presence of caecal secretions with a zero-order mechanism, near zero per cent in pH 1.2 after 2?h, max 20% in pH 7.4 after 3?h and near 60% in pH 6.8 after 8?h seem suitable for site-specific delivery of 5-ASA in vitro.     

Retained integrity of protein encapsulated in spray-dried chitosan microparticles

Chitosan microparticles for delivery of proteins were prepared by spray-drying technique. The effects of formulation (molecular weight and concentration of chitosan) and process variables (inlet drying air temperature and spray rate) on size and morphology of microparticles were characterized. Size of microparticles was mainly controlled by formulation variables, while particle morphology was influenced by both formulation and process variables investigated in this study. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), as a model protein, was loaded into microparticles at different levels. BSA-loaded chitosan microparticles were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties and integrity of encapsulated protein, which was studied by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and circular dichroism. Size of microparticles ranged between 3.760-8.681 microm, of which BSA-loaded microparticles were larger in size than their corresponding blank microparticles. All microparticles showed dented or distorted surface, especially when BSA was incorporated, with positive surface charge exposed. Burst release of protein was observed. The effect was more pronounced as BSA loading level was increased. Integrity of entrapped protein could be retained when BSA was incorporated at high loading level. In conclusion, chitosan microparticles for delivery of protein could be efficiently prepared by spray-drying technique. The encapsulated protein was capable of retaining its integrity after the preparation process.     

5-氟尿嘧啶结肠定位壳聚糖微球在大鼠体内的药物动力学及生物利用度考察

目的对结肠定位壳聚糖微球的体内药物动力学及生物利用度进行考察,为壳聚糖微球在结肠肿瘤治疗领域的应用提供理论依据。方法用HPLC法测定大鼠口服5-氟尿嘧啶壳聚糖微球(受试制剂)和5-氟尿嘧啶溶液(参比制剂)后不同时间点血浆中5-氟尿嘧啶的质量浓度,计算药物动力学参数和相对生物利用度。结果微球和溶液的ρmax分别为(30.16±2.870)mg.L-1和(13.23±2.817)mg.L-1,tmax分别为(8.333±1.505)h和(1.042±0.400)h,相对生物利用度为215.42%。结论5-氟尿嘧啶壳聚糖微球与溶液剂相比,具有一定的结肠定位性和缓释性,且相对生物利用度高。     

Immunogenicity of meningococcal PorA formulations encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres.

The purpose of our study was to investigate the possibility to microencapsulate liposomes and meningococcal outer membrane vesicles (OMV), both containing neisserial pore protein A (PorA), in biodegradable dextran- and mannan-based microspheres and to study the immunogenicity of the encapsulated PorA formulations. PorA-liposomes and OMV were encapsulated in dextran- or mannan-based microspheres by using an aqueous two-phase system consisting of a polyethylene glycol solution and a methacrylated dextran or mannan solution. The formulations were characterized for size distribution, PorA structure and antigen recovery after release. Calcein-containing model liposomes were used to establish the encapsulation efficiency and release profiles from both types of microspheres. The immunogenicity of the PorA-containing formulations was determined in mice after subcutaneous immunization. Liposomes were encapsulated in dextran and mannan microspheres with a high efficiency (70-90%). Calcein liposomes, after a 5-day lag period, exhibited apparent zero-order release kinetics from both types of microspheres between Days 5 and 10 of incubation in vitro. The total release was 80 and 100% from mannan and dextran microspheres, respectively. The trimeric PorA conformation was preserved in the released liposomes and OMV and the antigen was partly recovered. The immunogenicity of PorA-liposomes and OMV encapsulated in dextran or mannan microspheres was preserved. In conclusion, PorA-liposomes and OMV could be encapsulated in dextran- and mannan-based microspheres with high efficiency. The immunogenicity of encapsulated antigen was preserved.     

Alternative approach to the preparation of chitosan beads

A controlled-release protein delivery system was investigated by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model drug. Chitosan was reacted with sodium alginate in the presence of tripolyphosphate for bead formation. Spherical beads were produced with diameter in the range 0.78–0.92 mm and 13–90% encapsulation efficiency. It appeared that encapsulation of BSA was affected by the initial protein and sodium alginate concentrations and the presence of pectin (1%) in the external phase. Bead sizes changed with alginate concentration and pectin addition. Release properties of the beads were affected by their BSA content. Addition of pectin to the external phase decreased the percentage release of BSA from the beads. It can be concluded that alginate-reinforced chitosan beads might be a potential delivery system for protein encapsulation.     

Nasal delivery of insulin using chitosan microspheres

Nasal delivery of insulin is an alternative route for administration of this drug. The objective of this study was preparation of chitosan microspheres for insulin nasal delivery. After preparation of insulin chitosan microspheres by emulsification-cross linking process, the effect of chitosan quantity (200–400?mg), cross-linker type (ascorbic acid or ascorbyl palmitate) and amount (70–140?mg) were studied on the morphology, particle size, loading efficiency, flow and release of insulin from the microspheres by a factorial design. Optimized formulation was administered nasally in four groups of diabetic rats and their serum insulin levels were analysed by the insulin enzyme immunoassay kit and the serum glucose by the glucose oxidase kits. Insulin loading in microspheres was between 4.7–6.4% w/w, preparation efficiency more than 65% and mean particle size was 20–45?µm. In most cases, drug released followed a Higuchi model. Ascorbic acid caused an increase in stability, particle size and T_50% while decreased the loading efficiency and production efficiency. Increasing the chitosan content, increased particle size, flow and insulin release rate form the microspheres. The increase of cross-linking percentage decreased the flow and size of the microspheres while increase of cross-linking percentage promoted the stability and decreased DE₈% of insulin. Microspheres containing 400?mg of chitosan and 70?mg ascorbyl palmitate caused a 67% reduction of blood glucose compared to i.v. route and absolute bioavaliability of insulin was 44%. The results showed that chitosan microspheres of insulin are absorbable from nasal route.     

骨形成蛋白2壳聚糖微球的制备

目的 探讨壳聚糖微球包裹人重组骨形成蛋白2(rhBMP-2)的制备方法 .方法 采用Berthold的沉淀/凝聚法制备壳聚糖微球,用此微球包裹rhBMP-2,对rhBMP-2壳聚糖微球的大小、形态、含量和体外释药进行研究.结果 空白壳聚糖微球表面光滑,粒径范围1.2～3.8 μm.载药量约为4.68X104 U/mg,包封率为91.8%.体外释放试验显示,壳聚糖微球释放rhBMP-2初期释药较快,尤其第1天有突释现象(累计释药度约占19.6%),随后释放速度逐渐变缓,第10天累计释放度约54.5%,第20天约64.4%.结论 rhBMP-2壳聚糖微球具有较高的包封率和显著的缓释rhBMP-2作用.