Characterization of novel lactoferrin loaded capsules prepared with polyelectrolyte complexes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Developing effective carriers for colon drug delivery is crucial for treating colonic diseases.
• Lactoferrin (LF) is a protein with therapeutic potential, but requires suitable delivery systems.
• Polyelectrolyte complexes offer versatile platforms for encapsulating sensitive biomolecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize novel lactoferrin-loaded capsules using water-soluble chitosan (WSC) polyelectrolyte complexes.
• To evaluate the encapsulation efficiency, stability, and in vitro release profile of LF from these capsules.
• To assess the suitability of WSC-based capsules as a colon-targeted protein drug carrier.

Main Methods:

• Capsules were formulated using WSC, sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS), and sodium polyphosphate (PPS).
• Characterization involved (1)H NMR, FTIR, SEM, and TGA analyses.
• Drug loading (LE%), encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and in vitro release studies were performed.

Main Results:

• WSC-based capsules exhibited a regular spherical structure (1.97 mm diameter) and enhanced thermal stability.
• High LE% (45.6%) and EE% (70.7%) were achieved, surpassing the control.
• LF's primary structure remained intact, and sustained release was observed in simulated colonic fluid.

Conclusions:

• WSC-based polyelectrolyte complex capsules are effective carriers for lactoferrin.
• These capsules demonstrate excellent loading capacity and stability for colon drug delivery.
• The developed system shows promise as a candidate protein drug carrier for targeted colonic administration.