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.     

Oral delivery of insulin using pH-responsive complexation gels.

The goal of oral insulin delivery devices is to protect the sensitive drug from proteolytic degradation in the stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. In this work, we investigate the use of pH-responsive, poly(methacrylic-g-ethylene glycol) hydrogels as oral delivery vehicles for insulin. Insulin was loaded into polymeric microspheres and administered orally to healthy and diabetic Wistar rats. In the acidic environment of the stomach, the gels were unswollen due to the formation of intermolecular polymer complexes. The insulin remained in the gel and was protected from proteolytic degradation. In the basic and neutral environments of the intestine, the complexes dissociated which resulted in rapid gel swelling and insulin release. Within 2 h of administration of the insulin-containing polymers, strong dose-dependent hypoglycemic effects were observed in both healthy and diabetic rats. These effects lasted for up to 8 h following administration.     

Tricalcium phosphate delayed release formulation for oral delivery of insulin: a proof-of-concept study

Several attempts have been made for delivering insulin orally utilizing several polymers with varying degrees of effectiveness. A major obstacle associated with polymeric delivery system for protein or polypeptide drugs is the poor retention of the structure and its biological activity of encapsulated proteins particularly for the unstable insulin. Calcium phosphate ceramic is considered highly compatible to protein or peptide drugs, particularly insulin. Therefore, an attempt has been made to load insulin in tricalcium phosphate (TCP) microspheres and coat with pH sensitive polymer of methacrylate derivative, and to study the stability and conformational variations of loaded insulin, and finally the biological activity of the formulation in diabetic rats. TCP microspheres were prepared by a standard procedure. Human insulin was loaded in to these porous microspheres by diffusion filling and coated with Eudragit S100. This was subjected to in vitro release studies in simulated fluids and the stability and conformational variations of the released insulin were studied using photon correlation spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD). Biological activity of the formulation was studied on induced diabetic rats. Insulin released in the intestinal fluid (SIF) maintained the native conformation without showing any aggregation. A dose dependent reduction of blood glucose level (BGL) was achieved in streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats, demonstrating its biological activity. It has been established from this preliminary study that insulin loaded in to TCP microspheres is highly compatible with no degradation or loss of biological activity of loaded insulin. The TCP microsphere based delayed release formulation of insulin has effected a decrease in elevated glucose level in induced diabetic rats, establishing its feasibility towards the development of a noninvasive delivery device.     

Coating polymers for colon specific drug delivery: a comparative in vitro evaluation

Colon is being extensively investigated as a drug delivery site. This study presents a comparison of the usual enteric coating polymers viz. Eudragit, cellulose acetate phathalate with shellac and ethyl cellulose, as carriers for colon specific drug delivery. Lactose based indomethacin tablets were prepared. These were coated with one of the coating polymers to a varying coat thickness. The coated formulations were evaluated for dissolution rates under simulated stomach and small intestine conditions. From the dissolution data obtained, it was found that the dissolution rate varied with the type and concentration of the polymer applied. Comparative dissolution data revealed that, of all the polymers and coat thicknesses used, a 3% (m/m) coat of shellac was most suitable for colonic drug delivery. It retarded drug release by 3-4 h (the usual small intestinal transit time) in simulated small intestinal fluid, whereafter a rapid drug release was observed.     

Development and in-vivo evaluation of insulin-loaded chitosan phthalate microspheres for oral delivery

Novel chitosan phthalate microspheres containing insulin were prepared by emulsion cross-linking technique. The feasibility of these microspheres as oral insulin delivery carriers was evaluated. The pH-responsive release behaviour of insulin from microspheres was analysed. The ability of chitosan phthalate-insulin microspheres to enhance intestinal absorption and improve the relative pharmacological availability of insulin was investigated by monitoring the plasma glucose and insulin level of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after oral administration of microspheres at insulin dose of 20 IU kg(-1). In simulated gastric fluid (pH 2.0), insulin release from the microspheres was very slow. However, as the pH of the medium was changed to simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4), a rapid release of insulin occurred. The relative pharmacological efficacy for chitosan phthalate microspheres (18.66 +/- 3.84%) was almost four-fold higher than the efficacy of the chitosan phthalate-insulin solution administration (4.08 +/- 1.52%). Chitosan phthalate microspheres sustained the plasma glucose at pre-diabetic level for at least 16 h. These findings suggest that the microsphere is a promising carrier as oral insulin delivery system.     

Muco-adhesive multivesicular liposomes as an effective carrier for transmucosal insulin delivery

Considering limitations of conventional insulin therapies, the present study characterizes usefulness of novel mucoadhesive multivesicular liposomes as a mucoadhesive sustained release carrier of insulin via nasal and ocular routes, thus attempts to develop non-invasive carrier system for the controlled release of bioactives. Multivesicular liposomes (MVLs) of 26-34 microm were prepared with a high protein loading (58-62%) and were coated with chitosan and carbopol. These mucoadhesive carriers were characterized by zeta potential studies, in vitro mucoadhesion test and insulin protective ability against nasal aminopeptidase. In vitro, mucoadhesive carriers released insulin for a period of 7-9 days compared to 24 h of conventional liposomes. After intranasal administration to STZ induced diabetic rats, the mucoadhesive MVLs (chitosan coated MVLs) effectively reduced plasma glucose level up to 2 days (35% reduction), compared to non-coated MVLs (32% at 12 h) and conventional liposomes (34% at 8 h). Although the differences are statistically insignificant, chitosan coated formulation has shown a better hypoglycemic profile as the effects were prolonged compared to carbopol coated formulation. When compared to ocular route, chitosan formulation after nasal administration has shown better therapeutic profile as the hypoglycemic effects were prolonged until 72 h. The effectiveness of this chitosan coated MVLs was further demonstrated by the significant quantities of ELISA detectable insulin levels after nasal (334.6 microIu/ml) and ocular (186.3 microIu/ml) administration. These results demonstrate that mucoadhesive carrier is a viable option for a sustained release transmucosal insulin carrier, and open an avenue to develop a non-invasive carrier platform for the controlled release of bioactives.     

A comparative study on hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of high and low molecular weight chitosan in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of high and low molecular weight chitosan were evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into three groups of normal rats (Experiment I) and three groups of diabetic rats (Experiment II). The first group received a cellulose (control) diet, the second group received a low MW (1.4 x 10(4)Da) chitosan diet and the third group received a high MW (1.0 x 10(6)Da) chitosan diet. All three diets were containing 0.5% cholesterol. Experiment I: rats fed with high MW or low MW chitosan diet had increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. However, chitosan did not affect plasma glucose in normal rats. Experiment II: significantly decreased plasma glucose and total cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol and fecal cholesterol excretion were observed in diabetic rats fed with high MW chitosan diet than animals fed with cellulose diet. However, no statistical significant difference in plasma glucose and total cholesterol was observed in diabetic rats fed with low MW chitosan. The total content of SCFAs in cecum was significantly increased and the ratio of acetate to propionate was slight but significantly decreased in diabetic rats after consuming high MW chitosan diet. The activities of hepatic hexokinase were significantly increased and the intestinal disaccharidases including sucrase and maltase were significantly decreased in normal and diabetic rats fed with high MW chitosan diet. Results obtained from the present study demonstrated the potential of high MW chitosan in reducing hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in STZ-induced diabetic rats.     

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.     

壳聚糖及其衍生物包覆脂质体对胰岛素肠道吸收的影响

目的考察壳聚糖及其衍生物包覆脂质体对胰岛素肠道吸收的影响。方法采用逆相蒸发制备胰岛素脂质体；采用在体肠灌流法研究壳聚糖及其衍生物包覆胰岛素脂质体的肠道吸收；用酶-苯酚法测定血糖值；用放射免疫法测定血清和肠组织中胰岛素含量。结果壳聚糖(CH)、壳聚糖-EDTA轭合物(CEC)包覆胰岛素脂质体和CH-CEC双层包覆胰岛素脂质体的最佳吸收部位均集中在十二指肠，胰岛素溶液的最佳吸收部位在结肠，而未包覆胰岛素脂质体和N-三甲基壳聚糖盐酸盐(TMC)包覆胰岛素脂质体的最佳吸收部位尚不能确定。在各肠段中，以CH-CEC双层包覆胰岛素脂质体的吸收最佳。结论壳聚糖及其衍生物包覆脂质体能促进胰岛素经肠道吸收，并可提高其在肠道中的稳定性。     

Muco-adhesive multivesicular liposomes as an effective carrier for transmucosal insulin delivery

Considering limitations of conventional insulin therapies, the present study characterizes usefulness of novel mucoadhesive multivesicular liposomes as a mucoadhesive sustained release carrier of insulin via nasal and ocular routes, thus attempts to develop non-invasive carrier system for the controlled release of bioactives. Multivesicular liposomes (MVLs) of 26–34 μm were prepared with a high protein loading (58–62%) and were coated with chitosan and carbopol. These mucoadhesive carriers were characterized by zeta potential studies, in vitro mucoadhesion test and insulin protective ability against nasal aminopeptidase. In vitro, mucoadhesive carriers released insulin for a period of 7–9 days compared to 24 h of conventional liposomes. After intranasal administration to STZ induced diabetic rats, the mucoadhesive MVLs (chitosan coated MVLs) effectively reduced plasma glucose level up to 2 days (35% reduction), compared to non-coated MVLs (32% at 12 h) and conventional liposomes (34% at 8 h). Although the differences are statistically insignificant, chitosan coated formulation has shown a better hypoglycemic profile as the effects were prolonged compared to carbopol coated formulation. When compared to ocular route, chitosan formulation after nasal administration has shown better therapeutic profile as the hypoglycemic effects were prolonged until 72 h. The effectiveness of this chitosan coated MVLs was further demonstrated by the significant quantities of ELISA detectable insulin levels after nasal (334.6 μIu/ml) and ocular (186.3 μIu/ml) administration. These results demonstrate that mucoadhesive carrier is a viable option for a sustained release transmucosal insulin carrier, and open an avenue to develop a non-invasive carrier platform for the controlled release of bioactives.     

Formulation and evaluation of novel tableted chitosan microparticles for the controlled release of clozapine

Controlled release formulations of clozapine microparticulated tablets were prepared by using chitosan. Microparticles were characterized for particle size and size distribution. Microparticles were compressed into tablets using the directly compressible excipients. SEM photographs of the fractured part of the tablet revealed the presence of discrete particles in the tablets, suggesting that the system chosen is ideal for tableting. Drug release from the tableted microparticles exhibited an initial burst effect, but the release decreased with increasing extent of cross-linking. Tablets were coated with chitosan or cellulose acetate, which significantly lowered the initial burst effect when compared to uncoated tablets. Drug release from chitosan-coated tablets was slightly higher than the tablets coated with cellulose acetate. Tablets prepared were effective in delivering clozapine over a period of 12 h.     

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.     

Use of enteric polymers for production of microspheres by extrusion-spheronization

To simplify the manufacture of enteric dosage forms, incorporation of enteric polymers into the matrix of phenylbutazone microspheres produced by extrusion-spheronization was compared to the coating of cores. The effect of different polymers, cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate (HPMCP) and Eudragit L100-55 and the amount of granulating liquid were evaluated for the effect of selected physical properties and drug release behavior. Using the enteric polymers in the microsphere cores showed a similar pattern of release to the coated spheres with no notable difference in drug release behavior being observed between the dosage forms. The microspheres with Eudragit L100-55 in the matrix were less friable and disintegration times were much closer to the coated microspheres than formulations including the other polymers. Variation of the amount of Eudragit L100-55 in the cores allowed optimization of disintegration and drug release profiles.     

Formulation and evaluation of novel tableted chitosan microparticles for the controlled release of clozapine

Controlled release formulations of clozapine microparticulated tablets were prepared by using chitosan. Microparticles were characterized for particle size and size distribution. Microparticles were compressed into tablets using the directly compressible excipients. SEM photographs of the fractured part of the tablet revealed the presence of discrete particles in the tablets, suggesting that the system chosen is ideal for tableting. Drug release from the tableted microparticles exhibited an initial burst effect, but the release decreased with increasing extent of cross-linking. Tablets were coated with chitosan or cellulose acetate, which significantly lowered the initial burst effect when compared to uncoated tablets. Drug release from chitosan-coated tablets was slightly higher than the tablets coated with cellulose acetate. Tablets prepared were effective in delivering clozapine over a period of 12?h.     

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.     

Effect of PLGA hydrophilia on the drug release and the hypoglucemic activity of different insulin-loaded PLGA microspheres

The effects of viscosity and hydrophilic characteristics of different PLGA polymers on the microencapsulation of insulin have been studied in?vitro and in?vivo after subcutaneous administration to hyperglycemic rats. Hydrophilic PLGA polymers produced a higher burst effect than the hydrophobic ones. Moreover, an incomplete insulin release was observed with the hydrophilic PLGA polymers in comparison with the hydrophobic ones. An explanation for that incomplete release can be the development of polymer-insulin interactions associated to the polymer hydrophilic/hydrophobic character, as detected by DSC analysis. Differences in the release rate of microsphere formulations lead to differences in the hypoglycemic action and the weight of animals. Hydrophobic PLGA was able to prolong the hypoglycemic action up to 4 weeks which is at least double than that obtained with hydrophilic PLGA of a similar viscosity. Comparing insulin microspheres with an immediate release formulation, microspheres can increase insulin relative bioavailability up to four times.     

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.     

壳聚糖和壳聚糖-EDTA轭合物双层包覆脂质体对胰岛素口服吸收的影响

目的研究壳聚糖和CEC双层包覆胰岛素脂质体的吸收状况,并验证其有效性。方法采用逆相蒸发制备胰岛素脂质体;用酶-苯酚法测定血糖值;用放射免疫法测定血清胰岛素含量,并采用Pkanalyst程序进行拟合。结果 Ch-CEC双层包覆的胰岛素脂质体对负载葡萄糖的正常大鼠的血糖升高具有抑制作用;以皮下注射胰岛素(Ins)为对照,Ch-CEC双层包覆的胰岛素脂质体经糖尿病模型大鼠和beagle犬给药后的相对药理生物利用度均大于9%,具有较好的降血糖作用。另外,在beagle犬降血糖实验中,根据血清胰岛素浓度-时间曲线的曲线下面积(AUC)计算Ch-CEC双层包覆的胰岛素脂质体灌胃给药的相对生物利度为12.67%。结论壳聚糖-CEC双层包覆胰岛素脂质体有利于改善胰岛素口服生物利用度。     

Multiunit Controlled-Release Diclofenac Sodium Capsules Using Complex of Chitosan with Sodium Alginate or Pectin

This study explored the application of chitosan–alginate (CA) and chitosan–pectin (CP) complex films as drug release regulator for the preparation of multiunit controlled-release diclofenac sodium capsules. Pellets containing drug and microcrystalline cellulose, in a ratio of 3:5, were prepared in a fluidized rotary granulator. The pellets were coated with CA, CP, sodium alginate, pectin, and chitosan solutions. The pellets, equivalent to 75 mg drug, were filled into capsules. After 2 h of dissolution test in acidic medium, the amount of the drug released from any preparation was negligible. The pellets were further subject to pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. More than 80% drug release at 12 h was observed with the uncoated pellets and those coated with sodium alginate, pectin or chitosan. Both 1% CA and 3% CP coated pellets exhibited drug release profiles similar to that of Voltaren SR75. It was found that approximately 60% and 85% of the drug were released at 12 and 24 h, respectively. Both Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed complex formation between chitosan and these anionic polymers. It could be concluded that CA and CP complex film could be easily applied to diclofenac sodium pellets to control the release of the drug.     

肠溶包衣胰岛素-壳聚糖复合物纳米粒的制备及体内外性质

目的制备肠溶包衣的胰岛素壳聚糖复合物纳米粒,并对其理化性质、体外释药以及在糖尿病模型大鼠体内的降血糖效果进行研究。方法采用离子交联法制备胰岛素壳聚糖复合物纳米粒,使用羟丙基甲基纤维素酞酸酯(HP55)对其进行肠溶包衣;通过扫描电子显微镜观察其表观形态,用激光粒度测定仪测定其粒径大小,用Zeta电势测定仪测定其Zeta电势,使用HPLC法测定离心上清夜中胰岛素浓度,计算包封率。结果制备得到的纳米粒均匀、圆整,包衣前后粒径分别为(281±10)nm和(328±13)nm,Zeta电势分别为(30.4±6.97)mV和(33.7±6.69)mV,包封率分别为78.5%和74.3%;肠溶包衣纳米粒在人工胃液和肠液中的释药速率均明显低于未包衣纳米粒,突释效应显著减小;未包衣复合物纳米粒能够显著降低糖尿病模型大鼠的血糖浓度,其降糖效果能持续20 h以上,肠溶包衣后,降糖效果明显增强;肠溶包衣前后在模型大鼠体内24 h相对生物利用度分别为11.12%和16.29%。结论肠溶包衣胰岛素壳聚糖复合物纳米粒可以有效抑制胰岛素的突释,促进其吸收,显著降低模型大鼠的血糖浓度,能够作为胰岛素口服给药的有效载体。