[Polyelectrolyte complexes of lactoferrin and pH-sensitive microparticles on their basis]

Area of Science:

• Biopolymer science
• Drug delivery systems

Context:

• Lactoferrin (LF) possesses therapeutic properties but requires effective delivery methods.
• Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) offer potential for encapsulating and protecting biomolecules.

Purpose:

• To fabricate and characterize insoluble polyelectrolyte complexes of dextran sulfate (DS) and LF.
• To assess the encapsulation efficiency, stability, and antioxidant activity of LF within these complexes.
• To develop pH-sensitive microparticles for oral administration of LF.

Summary:

• Insoluble polyelectrolyte complexes of dextran sulfate (DS) and lactoferrin (LF) were successfully fabricated and characterized at different pH levels.
• Complexes formed at pH 3.0 exhibited enhanced stability, with a twofold decrease in LF's antioxidant activity observed.
• Microencapsulation using protamine and chitosan yielded pH-sensitive polyelectrolyte microparticles capable of controlled LF release in simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Impact:

• This study presents a promising approach for creating pH-sensitive biopolyelectrolytes for oral LF delivery.
• The developed microparticles demonstrate potential for targeted delivery of LF to specific cells.
• The findings contribute to the advancement of oral drug delivery systems for therapeutic glycoproteins.