Development and characterization of coated-microparticles based on whey protein/alginate using the Encapsulator...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Whey protein (WP) microparticles (MP) are being explored for drug delivery.
• Developing stable and effective oral delivery systems for WP-based MP is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize whey protein-based microparticles using an Encapsulator device.
• To investigate the impact of alginate (ALG) coating on the stability and release properties of WP/ALG MP.
• To evaluate the potential of these coated microparticles as an oral controlled-release drug delivery system.

Main Methods:

• Microparticle preparation using Encapsulator device with optimized WP/ALG ratio (62/38).
• Non-traumatic, solvent-free coating of MP with WP or ALG.
• Analysis of particle size, morphology, swelling, and degradation in various pH buffers and simulated fluids (SGF, SIF).

Main Results:

• Mixed WP/ALG MP exhibited stable size at pH 1.2, unlike pure ALG or WP.
• WP/ALG MP showed resistance to pepsin degradation in simulated gastric fluid (SGF).
• WP coating limited swelling and degradation at pH 7.5, while ALG coating provided robustness in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF).

Conclusions:

• Coated whey protein-based microparticles are feasible and demonstrate improved stability.
• These microparticles show potential as an orally controlled drug delivery system due to their tailored release characteristics.