Multilayer alginate/protamine microsized capsules: encapsulation of alpha-chymotrypsin and controlled release study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Polyelectrolyte microcapsules offer versatile platforms for encapsulating active agents.
• Controlled release of therapeutic proteins is crucial for effective drug delivery.
• Alginate and protamine are biocompatible polyelectrolytes suitable for microcapsule fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop stable polyelectrolyte microcapsules for efficient protein encapsulation and controlled release.
• To investigate the loading efficacy and retention of alpha-chymotrypsin within alginate/protamine microcapsules.
• To explore the potential of these microcapsules as a drug delivery system with tunable release kinetics.

Main Methods:

• Layer-by-layer adsorption of sodium alginate and protamine onto melamine formaldehyde microparticles.
• Core decomposition using low pH to form hollow polyelectrolyte multilayered capsules.
• Encapsulation of alpha-chymotrypsin within the alginate gel matrix.
• Assessment of protein activity and release profiles under various pH and buffer conditions.

Main Results:

• Stable 6.5 micrometer polyelectrolyte microcapsules were successfully synthesized.
• High loading efficacy of alpha-chymotrypsin was achieved, with retained physiological activity of approximately 70%.
• The microcapsules demonstrated stability in water and acidic conditions, with controlled release observed in alkaline conditions and tunable release rates via additional polyelectrolyte adsorption.

Conclusions:

• Alginate/protamine microcapsules provide a robust system for high-efficacy protein encapsulation.
• The developed microcapsules exhibit controllable release kinetics, adaptable for specific drug delivery requirements.
• These protein-loaded microcapsules show significant potential as advanced drug delivery vehicles.