A Twin-Fluid Atomization Method for Fabricating Ovalbumin-Loaded Gelatin Microcapsules

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Protein Therapeutics

Background:

• Gelatin is a preferred material for microcapsule fabrication due to its solvent-free processing capabilities.
• Traditional gelatin microcapsules often rely on chemical crosslinkers, posing safety risks and potentially impacting the bioactivity of encapsulated substances.
• There is a need for safer, crosslinker-free methods to maintain the integrity and function of sensitive biomolecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a crosslinker-free method for fabricating gelatin microcapsules.
• To assess the structural integrity and bioactivity of encapsulated model antigens using this novel method.
• To provide a safer alternative for microencapsulation of protein therapeutics and antigens.

Main Methods:

• Utilized twin-fluid spray-droplet atomization with a full-cone nozzle for microcapsule fabrication.
• Employed gelatin as the wall material without chemical crosslinking agents.
• Loaded ovalbumin (OVA), a model protein antigen, into the microcapsules.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated stable gelatin microcapsules without the use of chemical crosslinkers.
• Encapsulated ovalbumin (OVA) demonstrated preserved in vivo antigenicity.
• The biological function of the model antigen was maintained post-encapsulation.

Conclusions:

• The developed crosslinker-free method using spray-droplet atomization is effective for gelatin microcapsule fabrication.
• This approach successfully preserves the bioactivity of encapsulated antigens, crucial for therapeutic applications.
• This technique offers a promising, safer alternative for the development of protein-based therapeutics and vaccines.