title: Characterization of methacrylated inulin hydrogels designed for colon targeting: in vitro release of BSA.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorium voor Farmacotechnologie en Biofarmacie, Campus Gasthuisberg O+N, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. guy.vandenmooter@pharm.kuleuven.ac.be
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van den Mooter
authors.forename: Lies
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vervoort
authors.forename: Renaat
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kinget
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D007444:Inulin