title: Development of enteric submicron particle formulation of papain for oral delivery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Particulate systems have received increasing attention for oral delivery of biomolecules. The objective of the present study was to prepare submicron particulate formulations of papain for pH-dependent site-specific release using pH-sensitive polymers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Enteric submicron particle formulations of papain were prepared by w/o/w emulsion solvent evaporation using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), Eudragit L100, and Eudragit S100, to avoid gastric inactivation of papain.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Smaller internal and external aqueous phase volumes provided maximum encapsulation efficiency (75.58%-82.35%), the smallest particle size (665.6-692.4 nm), and 25%-30% loss of enzyme activity. Release studies in 0.1 N HCl confirmed the gastroresistance of the formulations. The anionic submicron particles aggregated in 0.1 N HCl (ie, gastric pH 1.2) due to protonation of carboxylic groups in the enteric polymer. Aggregates < 500 μm size would not impede gastric emptying. However, at pH > 5.0 (duodenal pH), the submicron particles showed deaggregation due to restoration of surface charge. HPMCP submicron particles facilitated almost complete release of papain within 30 minutes at pH 6.0, while Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 particles released 88.82% and 53.00% of papain at pH 6.8 and pH 7.4, respectively, according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed that the structural integrity of the enzyme was maintained during encapsulation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed entrapment of the enzyme, with powder x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry indicating an amorphous character, and scanning electron microscopy showing that the submicron particles had a spherical shape.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In simulated gastrointestinal pH conditions, the HPMCP, Eudragit L100, and Eudragit S100 submicron particles showed good digestion of paneer and milk protein, and could serve as potential carriers for oral enzyme delivery. Stability studies indicated that formulations with approximately 6% overage would ensure a two-year shelf-life at room temperature.
authors: Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidhyapith, Banasthali, India.
authors: Manu
authors: M
authors: Sharma
authors: Vinay
authors: V
authors: Sharma
authors: Amulya K
authors: AK
authors: Panda
authors: Dipak K
authors: DK
authors: Majumdar
mesh_terms: D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000379:methods; D004795:Enzyme Stability; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D008422:Materials Testing; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D053769:Nanocapsules / Q000737:chemistry*; D010206:Papain / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D008894:Milk Proteins; D053769:Nanocapsules; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; C038300:methylmethacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymer; D008747:Methylcellulose; C053309:hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate; D010206:Papain