title: Preparation and in vitro characteristics of lactoferrin-loaded chitosan microparticles.
abstract: In order to achieve the delivery and controlled release of lactoferrin (LF), a biologically multifunctional protein, chitosan microparticles loaded with LF were prepared. Several types of chitosan microparticles containing LF were prepared by the w/o emulsification-solvent evaporation method, and the particle characteristics and release properties in JP 2nd fluid, pH 6.8, were examined. All kinds of microparticles were obtained at a yield of more than 75% (w/w). LF-loaded microparticles prepared by nonsonication and nonaddition of sulfate, named Ch-LF(N), showed high drug content, small particle size and spherical particle shape. Also, for release properties, Ch-LF(N) exhibited gradual drug release over 7 hr with less remaining in the microparticles. Considering the mucoadhesive properties of chitosan microparticles, Ch-LF(N) are suggested to be useful for gradual supply to topical diseased sites or for effective delivery to intestinal areas with abundant LF receptors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Delivery Research, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan. onishi@hoshi.ac.jp
authors.forename: Hiraku
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Onishi
authors.forename: Yoshiharu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Machida
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koyama
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004339:Drug Compounding; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008863:Microspheres; D010316:Particle Size; D012995:Solubility; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D048271:Chitosan; D007781:Lactoferrin