Protein-loaded microspheres prepared by sequential adsorption of dextran sulphate and protamine on melamine...

Polyelectrolyte multilayer microspheres were fabricated by layer-by-layer self-assembly of a dextran sulphate and a protamine on melamine formaldehyde cores, followed by the partial decomposition of the core. Effects of pH on the encapsulation of proteins and enzymes with different physico-chemical properties (insulin, aprotinin, peroxidase, glucose oxidase (GOD), catalase (Cat)) in the prepared microspheres were then studied. This method of protein encapsulation demonstrated a high loading capacity and efficiency. The protein incorporation and release was regulated by the pH of the solution. Encapsulated enzymes retained a high specific activity depending on the amount of protein incorporated. Bienzyme system GOD/Cat immobilized in the microspheres was suitable for the glucose content assay.