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β-galactosidase Encapsulated in Carrageenan, Pectin and Carrageenan/Pectin: Comparative Study, Stability and
Renata Cristina Silva1, Marcello G Trevisan1, Jerusa Simone Garcia1
1Laboratory of Analysis and Characterization of Pharmaceuticals - LACFar, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, 37130-001 Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias
|April 9, 2020
Summary
This study explored encapsulating beta-galactosidase enzyme within carrageenan and pectin hydrogels. Pectin hydrogels showed higher activity, while carrageenan hydrogels offered superior long-term stability for enzyme delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Enzyme Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Enzyme encapsulation is crucial for enhancing stability and controlled release.
- Hydrogels offer promising matrices for enzyme immobilization.
- Beta-galactosidase is a key enzyme with various industrial and therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the encapsulation of beta-galactosidase in carrageenan, pectin, and hybrid hydrogels.
- To evaluate the physicochemical properties and stability of the encapsulated enzyme.
- To assess the in vitro performance of the hydrogel formulations for enzyme delivery.
Main Methods:
- Ionotropic gelation method for hydrogel formation.
- Characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Evaluation of enzyme activity under varying pH, temperature, and storage conditions.
Main Results:
- Encapsulation efficiencies: Carrageenan (58%), Pectin (72%), Hybrid (77%).
- Pectin hydrogels exhibited superior beta-galactosidase activity across pH and temperature variations.
- Carrageenan hydrogels demonstrated enhanced stability over a three-month storage period.
- Carrageenan and pectin hydrogels showed significantly improved in vitro enzyme release compared to commercial tablets.
Conclusions:
- Pectin and carrageenan hydrogels are effective matrices for beta-galactosidase encapsulation.
- These hydrogels offer potential for developing advanced enzyme formulations with controlled release properties.
- The choice between pectin and carrageenan depends on desired characteristics like activity or long-term stability.

