Chemically-modified polysaccharides for enzymatically-controlled oral drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Starch polysaccharides offer potential as bioerodible matrices for controlled drug release.
• Enzymatically-triggered drug delivery systems are desirable for targeted therapeutic effects.
• Developing oral delivery systems that leverage physiological conditions is a key research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of ionically cross-linked starch as a matrix for controlled oral drug delivery.
• To evaluate the influence of amylase activity on the release kinetics of entrapped molecules.
• To explore the feasibility of targeting drug release to specific gastrointestinal regions.

Main Methods:

• Corn starch was ionically cross-linked using calcium chloride.
• Bioactive molecules (large and small) were entrapped within the cross-linked starch matrices.
• In vitro release studies were conducted to assess drug release profiles.
• The role of amylase in modulating release rates was investigated.

Main Results:

• Cross-linked starch matrices successfully entrapped bioactive molecules.
• The release rate of large molecules was dependent on amylase-induced degradation.
• Small molecules, like salicylic acid, were primarily released via diffusion.
• Amylase activity suggests potential for targeted intestinal drug release.

Conclusions:

• Ionically cross-linked starch is a viable bioerodible matrix for controlled oral drug delivery.
• Enzymatic degradation by amylase can modulate the release of entrapped large molecules.
• The diffusion mechanism governs the release of small molecules from these matrices.
• This approach holds promise for developing targeted intestinal drug delivery systems.