Encapsulation and release of alpha-chymotrypsin from poly(glycerol adipate-co-omega-pentadecalactone) microparticles

Polymer-based microparticles are increasingly becoming of interest for a variety of applications including drug delivery. Recently poly(glycerol adipate) (PGA) and poly(glycol adipate-co-omega-pentadecalactone) have shown promise for delivery of dexamethasone phosphate and ibuprofen. In this paper the copolyester poly(glycol adipate-co-omega-pentadecalactone) was evaluated as a colloidal delivery system for encapsulated therapeutic proteins. Enzyme containing microparticles were prepared via the double water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsion-solvent evaporation methodology. alpha-Chymotrypsin was used as a model proteolytic enzyme and its transfer was monitored during the emulsification process, in addition to in vitro release from formed particles. On average, 22.1 microg protein per 1 mg polymer was encapsulated, although gradual loss of activity of the protein, once released, was recorded. The work presented shows the potential of this polyester as a delivery system for enzymes via microparticles, with improvements to the system achievable via polymer and process optimization. The pendant hydroxyl groups on the polymer backbone provide future capacity for tailored alteration of the physical and chemical properties of the polymer, in addition to covalent attachment of various compounds.