Characterization of methacrylated inulin hydrogels designed for colon targeting: in vitro release of BSA.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize methacrylated inulin hydrogels with respect to their release properties.


METHODS
Proteins (bovine serum albumin or lysozyme) were used as model drugs and were loaded during or after hydrogel formation. Parameters such as the drug loading method, the molecular weight of the proteins, the initial drug loading concentration, the hydrogel feed composition, degree of substitution, and size of the hydrogel were investigated by determining the release of the model proteins from the hydrogels in a phosphate buffer solution. The biodegradable properties were investigated by studying the release of bovine serum albumin in a solution of inulinase.


RESULTS
In vitro protein release from methacrylated hydrogels was influenced by factors such as the drug loading procedure and the molecular weight and loading concentration of the proteins. The feed composition and degree of substitution of inulin seem to be crucial in controlling both the extent and the rate of release. Protein release was clearly enhanced in the presence of inulinase, indicating the biodegradable properties of methacrylated inulin hydrogels.


CONCLUSIONS
Several hydrogels show interesting properties with respect to the development of a colon-specific drug delivery system.
Van den Mooter
Guy
G
Laboratorium voor Farmacotechnologie en Biofarmacie, Campus Gasthuisberg O+N, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. guy.vandenmooter@pharm.kuleuven.ac.be
Vervoort
Lies
L
Kinget
Renaat
R
D003106:Colon / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007444:Inulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D020100:Hydrogels; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D007444:Inulin