Development and characterization of different low methoxy pectin microcapsules by an emulsion-interface reaction...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biodegradable microcapsules are crucial for effective, prolonged, and safe material delivery.
• Developing novel microencapsulation systems is key for advanced drug delivery applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a new charged film microcapsular carrier system using three different pectins.
• To develop a method for drug encapsulation based on pectin type, surfactants, and emulsification technique.
• To investigate the correlation between physicochemical properties and drug release kinetics.

Main Methods:

• Pectin microcapsules were prepared via interfacial reactions involving charged droplets and surfactants (anionic sodium dodecyl sulphate or cationic benzalkonium chloride) with pectin.
• Microcapsules with pectin shells and oil cores were characterized for particle size, surface area, and encapsulation efficiency.
• Drug release kinetics were studied by manipulating pectin structure and counterions.

Main Results:

• The developed microcapsules were small (d<3 microm) with high particle number and surface area.
• High drug encapsulation efficiency and good stability with minimal aggregation were observed.
• The release rate of prednisolone was controllable by adjusting pectin flexibility and counterions.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable pectin microcapsules provide a novel system for sustained drug delivery.
• The system demonstrates potential for targeted colonic drug delivery.
• Controlling pectin macromolecular structure and surfactant type influences drug release profiles.