Crystallized carbohydrate spheres as a slow release matrix for biologically active substances

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Protein Chemistry

Background:

• Controlled release of therapeutic proteins is crucial for effective treatment.
• Existing drug delivery systems face challenges in maintaining protein stability and activity.
• Biodegradable and biocompatible carbohydrate matrices offer potential for protein encapsulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for fabricating crystallized carbohydrate spheres for entrapping and controlled release of bioactive substances.
• To evaluate the biological activity and release kinetics of entrapped peptide hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.
• To assess the suitability of carbohydrate polymers as biodegradable matrices for protein delivery.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of crystallized carbohydrate spheres using polymers like dextran and low molecular weight carbohydrates (glucose, maltose).
• Entrapment of various biomolecules including peptide hormones (insulin, interferon), enzymes (plasmin, beta-galactosidase), and monoclonal antibodies.
• In vitro assessment of slow protein release over several weeks via matrix erosion.
• Evaluation of the biological activity of released proteins.

Main Results:

• Entrapped peptide hormones, enzymes, and monoclonal antibodies retained their biological activity post-release.
• Achieved in vitro slow release of proteins over several weeks from the carbohydrate matrix.
• Demonstrated the biocompatibility and biodegradability of the matrix materials (dextran, dextrins, glucose, maltose).

Conclusions:

• The novel carbohydrate sphere fabrication method enables sustained and controlled release of bioactive proteins.
• The carbohydrate matrix effectively preserves the biological activity of sensitive biomolecules.
• This technology presents a promising platform for advanced protein-based therapeutics and drug delivery.