Simple coacervates of zein to encapsulate Gitoxin

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Protein Chemistry

Background:

• Zein, a hydrophobic protein, is explored for its potential in encapsulating pharmaceutical compounds.
• Cardiotonic glycosides like Gitoxin require effective delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
• Microsphere formulations offer advantages in controlled drug release and targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize zein coacervate microspheres for encapsulating Gitoxin.
• To investigate the in vitro release kinetics and potential applications of these Gitoxin-loaded zein microspheres.
• To evaluate the efficacy of zein microspheres in drug targeting and anti-platelet adhesion properties.

Main Methods:

• Formation of zein coacervates using various alcohols (ethanol, methanol, iso-propyl alcohol).
• Characterization of microspheres using viscosity index, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser light scattering.
• In vitro drug release studies to determine release mechanisms and kinetics.
• Assessment of microsphere diameter for phagocytosis suitability and platelet adhesion inhibition.

Main Results:

• Zein microspheres with controlled diameters (1-1.5 microm) were successfully fabricated.
• Ethanol-derived zein microspheres demonstrated optimal sustained-release properties for Gitoxin.
• Microsphere size remained stable post-drug release due to conglutination.
• Zein microspheres exhibited potential for drug targeting via macrophage phagocytosis and suppressed platelet adhesion.

Conclusions:

• Simple zein coacervates are effective for encapsulating Gitoxin into microspheres.
• Zein microspheres, particularly those prepared with ethanol, are promising for sustained Gitoxin delivery.
• The developed microspheres hold potential for drug targeting systems and possess anti-thrombotic properties.