Exploring a new jellyfish collagen in the production of microparticles for protein delivery.
A microparticulate protein delivery system was developed using collagen, from the medusa Catostylus tagi, as a polymeric matrix. Collagen microparticles (CMPs) were produced by an emulsification-gelation-solvent extraction method and a high loading efficiency was found for the entrapment of lysozyme and α-lactalbumin. CMPs were cross-linked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC). The uncross-linked CMPs were spherical, rough-surfaced, presenting an estimated median size of 28 µm by laser diffraction. Upon cross-linking, particle size (9.5 µm) and size distribution were reduced. CMPs showed a moderate hydrophobic behaviour and a positive surface charge. Cross-linking also resulted in greater stability in water, allowing a slow release, as shown by in vitro experiments. The assessment of lysozyme's biological activity showed that the protein remained active throughout the encapsulation and cross-linking processes. In summary, the work herein described shows the potential use of a marine collagen in the production of microparticles for the controlled release of therapeutic proteins.
CiiEM, Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja , Monte de Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal.
M Teresa
MT
Calejo
António J
AJ
Almeida
Ana I
AI
Fernandes
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D005022:Ethyldimethylaminopropyl Carbodiimide / Q000737:chemistry; D007768:Lactalbumin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009113:Muramidase / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D037401:Scyphozoa / Q000737:chemistry*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003094:Collagen; D007768:Lactalbumin; D009113:Muramidase; D005022:Ethyldimethylaminopropyl Carbodiimide