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Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules

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Emulsan, a tailorable biopolymer for controlled release.

Guillermo R Castro¹, Bruce Panilaitis, David L Kaplan

¹Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering and Biotechnology Center, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, United States.

Bioresource Technology

|October 17, 2007

Summary

Emulsan enhances alginate microsphere stability and protein adsorption for potential drug delivery applications. These findings suggest improved carrier systems for medical proteins.

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Drug Delivery Systems
Surface Chemistry

Background:

Alginate microspheres are widely used for encapsulation.
Improving their stability and protein adsorption is crucial for effective drug delivery.
Emulsan, a natural polymer, has potential as a stabilizing and functionalizing agent.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of emulsan on alginate microsphere stability.
To quantify the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) onto emulsan-alginate microspheres.
To explore the potential of these microspheres as a depot for medical proteins.

Main Methods:

Microencapsulation of blue dextran using emulsan-alginate hydrogels.
Blue dextran release studies to assess microsphere stability.
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption experiments.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) for surface analysis.
Adsorption modeling (Freundlich, Lagergren, intraparticle diffusion).
Enzymatic release studies of azo-BSA.

Main Results:

Emulsan significantly increased the stability of alginate microspheres.
BSA adsorption was enhanced by 40% on emulsan-alginate microspheres compared to alginate alone.
XPS confirmed BSA adsorption on the microsphere surfaces.
Adsorption mechanisms involve chemisorption and intraparticle diffusion.
Enzymatic release of BSA suggests potential for protein depot applications.

Conclusions:

Emulsan acts as an effective coating agent, enhancing alginate microsphere stability and BSA adsorption.
The adsorption process is complex, involving multiple mechanisms.
Emulsan-alginate microspheres show promise as carriers for protein-based therapeutics.