Effect of Experimental Parameters on Alginate/Chitosan Microparticles for BCG Encapsulation
Liliana A Caetano1,2, António J Almeida3, Lídia M D Gonçalves4
1ESTeSL-Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal. lacaetano@ff.ulisboa.pt.
Marine Drugs
|May 18, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed novel chitosan and alginate microparticles to deliver Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine intranasally. This optimized system enhances BCG delivery for potential tuberculosis pre-exposure vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
- Vaccine Development and Delivery Systems
- Microbiology and Immunology
Background:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection remains a significant global health challenge.
- Intranasal vaccination offers a promising alternative route for delivering vaccines like Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG).
- Development of stable and effective delivery systems for live attenuated vaccines is crucial for successful immunization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel BCG-loaded polymeric microparticles with optimized surface characteristics and biocompatibility.
- To evaluate the potential of these microparticles for intranasal vaccination against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- To investigate the impact of different formulation parameters on microparticle properties and BCG encapsulation.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of BCG into chitosan and alginate microparticles using polyionic complexation via high-speed stirring.
- Comparative formulation using high shear homogenization and sonication techniques.
- Optimization studies involving polymer quality, pH variations, and cryoprotectors; assessment of particle morphology, size, charge, encapsulation efficiency, and biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Spherical microparticles in the micrometer range were successfully produced.
- Low molecular weight chitosan significantly improved particle size distribution, stability, and BCG encapsulation efficiency.
- Optimal formulation consistency was achieved when alginate and chitosan functional groups were in near stoichiometric proportion, demonstrating good biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- The developed chitosan-alginate microparticulate system is a promising strategy for the intranasal delivery of BCG.
- Optimized microparticle formulation enhances BCG encapsulation and stability, paving the way for effective tuberculosis pre-exposure vaccination.
- Intranasal BCG delivery via these microparticles holds potential for improved tuberculosis prevention strategies.
