title: Calcium alginate/dextran methacrylate IPN beads as protecting carriers for protein delivery.
abstract: In the present study, mechanical and protein delivery properties of a system based on the interpenetration of calcium-alginate (Ca-Alg) and dextran-methacrylate (Dex-MA) networks are shown. Interpenetrated hydrogels beads were prepared by means of the alginate chains crosslinking with calcium ions, followed by the exposure to UV light that allows the Dex-MA network formation. Optical microscope analysis showed an average diameter of the IPN beads (Ca-Alg/Dex-MA) of 2 mm. This dimension was smaller than that of Ca-Alg beads because of the Dex-MA presence. Moreover, the strength of the IPN beads, and of their corresponding hydrogels, was influenced by the Dex-MA concentration and the crosslinking time. Model proteins (BSA and HRP) were successfully entrapped into the beads and released at a controlled rate, modulated by changing the Dex-MA concentration. The enzymatic activity of HRP released from the beads was maintained. These novel IPN beads have great potential as protein delivery system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: D'Arrigo
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Meo
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pescosolido
authors.forename: Tommasina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Coviello
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alhaique
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matricardi
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry*; D003911:Dextrans / Q000737:chemistry*; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000737:chemistry*; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012212:Rheology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D003911:Dextrans; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D008689:Methacrylates; D011506:Proteins; C514458:methacrylated dextran; D020723:Glucuronic Acid