Intestinal unidirectional sustained-release hydrogel patch designed for stable oral delivery of active nutrient...

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Oral delivery of macromolecules like proteins is challenging due to conformational instability.
• Existing carriers often fail to protect sensitive molecules in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Developing effective oral delivery systems for nutrients and pharmaceuticals remains a key food science objective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cellulose-based hydrogel patch for stable oral delivery of macromolecules.
• To investigate the pH-responsive and unidirectional release properties of the developed system.
• To evaluate the loading capacity, thermal stability, and bioavailability enhancement of the novel carrier.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a cellulose-based hydrogel patch (IUSRHP) incorporating sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC).
• Stability testing in simulated gastric fluid (pH 3.0) and release studies in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.2).
• Assessment of loading capacity, thermal stability (Tg), and protein release kinetics.

Main Results:

• IUSRHP demonstrated stability in simulated gastric fluid for over 3 hours.
• Unidirectional macromolecule release was achieved in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.2).
• Loading capacity and thermal stability increased with higher NaCMC content, with Tg ranging from 219°C to 302°C.

Conclusions:

• The developed cellulose-based IUSRHP is a promising carrier for stable oral delivery of macromolecules.
• The pH-responsive hydrogel enhances local concentration, stability, and bioavailability of oral nutrient macromolecules and pharmaceutical proteins.
• Release rates are tunable, offering potential for controlled delivery applications.