Morphology and buoyancy of oil-entrapped calcium pectinate gel beads

A new emulsion-gelation method to prepare oil-entrapped calcium pectinate gel (CaPG) beads capable of floating in the gastric condition was designed and tested. The gel beads containing edible oil were prepared by either being gently mixed or homogenized an oil phase and a water phase containing pectin, and then extruded into calcium chloride solution with gentle agitation at room temperature. The gel beads formed were then separated, washed with distilled water, and dried at 37 degrees C for 12 hours. A model of the emulsion-gelation process to illustrate the formation of oil-entrapped CaPG beads was proposed. The effect of selected factors, such as type of oil, percentage of oil, and type of pectin on morphology and floating properties was investigated. The oil-entrapped calcium pectinate gel beads floated if a sufficient amount of oil was used. Scanning electron photomicrographs demonstrated very small pores, ranging between 5 and 40 microm, dispersed all over the beads. The type and percentage of oil play an important role in controlling the floating of oil-entrapped CaPG beads. The results suggested that oil-entrapped CaPG beads were promising as a carrier for intragastric floating drug delivery.