title: Pectin/zein beads for potential colon-specific drug delivery: synthesis and in vitro evaluation.
abstract: Novel complex hydrogel beads were prepared from two edible polymers: pectin, a carbohydrate from citrus fruits, and zein, a protein from corn. The pectin/zein complex hydrogels did not swell in physiological environments, but hydrolyzed in the presence of pectinases. An in vitro study showed the capacity of the hydrogels to endure protease attack and residence time variation. The physical and biological properties of the new hydrogels were attributed to molecular entanglement of the two polymers. The pectin networks were stabilized by the bound zein molecules. In turn, the pectin networks shielded the bound zein from protease digestion.
authors.affiliation: Crop Conversion Science and Engineering Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA. lsliu@errc.ars.usda.gov
authors.forename: LinShu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Marshall L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Fishman
authors.forename: Kevin B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kende
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ruthel
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002122:Calcium Chloride / Q000737:chemistry; D003106:Colon / Q000502:physiology*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003911:Dextrans / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004339:Drug Compounding; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005079:Excipients; D020100:Hydrogels; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008863:Microspheres; D010368:Pectins / Q000737:chemistry*; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000737:chemistry; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015028:Zein / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003911:Dextrans; D005079:Excipients; D020100:Hydrogels; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D010368:Pectins; D015028:Zein; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D002122:Calcium Chloride; D007213:Indomethacin