Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
07:24
Preparation of Cross-Linked Sodium Alginate Microspheres with Different Metal Ions Using the Microfluidic Electrospray Technology
Published on: June 7, 2024
Protein micro and nanoencapsulation within glycol-chitosan/Ca²+/alginate matrix by spray drying
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy
|April 1, 2011
Summary
Spray drying efficiently produces micro/nanoparticles for oral protein delivery. This single-step method encapsulates proteins, enhancing stability and enabling controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Oral administration of therapeutic peptides and proteins is challenging due to degradation.
- Polymeric micro/nanoparticles offer a potential solution for oral protein delivery.
- Current methods for particle formulation are often complex and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spray drying as a single-step method for producing protein-loaded micro/nanoparticles.
- To optimize operational parameters for desired particle characteristics and protein stability.
- To evaluate the release profiles of encapsulated proteins under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Spray drying of alginate/protein feed solutions to produce micro/nanoparticles.
- Systematic study of operational parameters (inlet temperature, feed rate, alginate concentration) on particle properties.
- Incorporation of trehalose to enhance protein residual activity.
- Characterization of particle size, morphology, and protein entrapment.
- In vitro release studies under simulated gastric and gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Results:
- Spherical, smooth micro/nanoparticles (2.2–4.5 µm) were successfully produced.
- Particle recovery was influenced by inlet air temperature; particle size by feed rate and alginate concentration.
- Increased alginate:protein ratio enhanced protein stability; trehalose addition improved residual activity to 90%.
- Glycol-chitosan-Ca(2+)alginate particles (3.5 µm) showed surface-concentrated protein entrapment.
- Proteins exhibited limited release in simulated gastric conditions and complete release in simulated gastrointestinal conditions.
Conclusions:
- Spray drying is a viable single-step technique for producing protein-loaded micro/nanoparticles for oral delivery.
- Formulation parameters significantly influence particle characteristics and protein stability.
- The developed particles demonstrate potential for protecting proteins during gastric transit and facilitating release in the intestine.
