Gum Microspheres Research Articles

Enhancing rheology and reducing lipid digestion of oil-in-water emulsions using controlled aggregation and heteroaggregation of soybean protein isolate-peach gum microspheres

There is a growing interest in developing highly viscous lipid foods using plant protein and polysaccharide gum-based emulsion technology. However, gaps remain in understanding the rheological, microstructural, and digestive properties of plant proteins like soybean protein isolate (SPI) in combination with various gums. This study investigates how combining SPI and peach gum (PG) affects rheology and lipolysis of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions containing 20 wt% soybean oil. Emulsions with varying SPI and PG compositions including SPI-PG single and SPI/PG mixed droplet systems were prepared. Heating induced alterations in viscosity (e.g., SPI-PG from 14.88 to 90.27 Pa·s and SPI/PG from 9.66 to 85.32 Pa·s) and microstructure revealing aggregate formation at oil-water interface. The viscosity decreased significantly from the oral to intestinal phase (SPI-PG: 28.10 to 0.19 Pa·s, SPI/PG: 21.27 to 0.10 Pa·s). These changes affected lipid digestion, notably in SPI-PG and SPI/PG emulsions where a compact interface hindered lipolysis during digestion. Interestingly, free fatty acid (FFA) release during small intestinal phase followed a different order: SPI (82.51 %) > SPI-PG (70.77 %) > SPI/PG (63.60 %) > PG (56.09 %). This study provides insights into creating highly viscous O/W spreads with improved rheology, stability, and delayed lipid digestion, offering potential benefits in food product formulation.

Madhuca indica oil-entrapped buoyant galactomannan hydrogel microspheres for controlling epileptic seizures

A stable Madhuca indica oil-in-water nanoemulsion (99–210 nm, zeta potential: > − 30 mV) was produced employing Tween 20 (surfactant) and Transcutol P (co-surfactant) (3:1). The nanoemulsion (oil: Smix = 3:7, 5:5, and 7:3) were subsequently incorporated into oxcarbazepine-loaded carboxymethylxanthan gum (DS = 1.23) dispersion. The hydrogel microspheres were formed using the ionic gelation process. Higher oil concentration had a considerable impact on particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and buoyancy. The maximum 92 % drug entrapment efficiency was achieved with the microspheres having oil: Smix ratio 5:5. FESEM study revealed that the microspheres were spherical in shape and had an orange peel-like surface roughness. FTIR analysis revealed a hydrogen bonding interaction between drug and polymer. Thermal and x-ray examinations revealed the transformation of crystalline oxcarbazepine into an amorphous form. The microspheres had a buoyancy period of 7.5 h with corresponding release of around 83 % drug in 8 h in simulated stomach fluid, governed by supercase-II transport mechanism. In vivo neurobehavioral studies on PTZ-induced rats demonstrated that the microspheres outperformed drug suspension in terms of rotarod retention, number of crossings, and rearing activity in open field. Thus, Madhuca indica oil-in-water nanoemulsion-entrapped carboxymethyl xanthan gum microspheres appeared to be useful for monitoring oxcarbazepine release and managing epileptic seizures.

Formulation and Evaluation of Xanthan Gum Microspheres for the Sustained Release of Metformin Hydrochloride.

This work aimed to formulate xanthan gum microspheres for the encapsulation of metformin hydrochloride, according to the process of ionotropic gelation. The obtained microparticles, based on various fractions of xanthan gum (0.5-1.25), were subjected to different physico-chemical tests and a drug release study. Microspheres with an average size varying between 110.96 μm and 208.27 μm were obtained. Encapsulation efficiency reached 93.11% at a 1.25% biopolymer concentration. The swelling study showed a swelling rate reaching 29.8% in the gastric medium (pH 1.2) and 360% in the intestinal medium (pH 6.8). The drug release studies showed complete metformin hydrochloride release from the beads, especially those prepared from xanthan gum at the concentration of 1.25%, in intestinal medium at 90.00% after 6 h. However, limited and insignificant drug release was observed within the gastric medium (32.50%). The dissolution profiles showed sustained release kinetics.

Specific Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate 1 Capture with Gellan Gum Microspheres: Design, Optimization and Integration.

This work demonstrates the potential of calcium- and nickel-crosslinked Gellan Gum (GG) microspheres to capture the Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate 1 (STEAP1) directly from complex Komagataella pastoris mini-bioreactor lysates in a batch method. Calcium-crosslinked microspheres were applied in an ionic exchange strategy, by manipulation of pH and ionic strength, whereas nickel-crosslinked microspheres were applied in an affinity strategy, mirroring a standard immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Both formulations presented small diameters, with appreciable crosslinker content, but calcium-crosslinked microspheres were far smoother. The most promising results were obtained for the ionic strategy, wherein calcium-crosslinked GG microspheres were able to completely bind 0.1% (v/v) DM solubilized STEAP1 in lysate samples (~7 mg/mL). The target protein was eluted in a complexed state at pH 11 with 500 mM NaCl in 10 mM Tris buffer, in a single step with minimal losses. Coupling the batch clarified sample with a co-immunoprecipitation polishing step yields a sample of monomeric STEAP1 with a high degree of purity. For the first time, we demonstrate the potential of a gellan batch method to function as a clarification and primary capture method towards STEAP1, a membrane protein, simplifying and reducing the costs of standard purification workflows.

Development and in vitro study of Metronidazole loaded cross linked sodium alginate and gellan gum microspheres

Formulation of metronidazole loaded trivalent ion Al+3 cross-linked and gellan gum microspheres was developed. The Metronidazole loaded microspheres were prepared taking sodium alginate, gellan gum as excipients along with maleic anhydride, aluminium chloride as cross-linking agents. The evaluation processes of prepared metronidazole microspheres were done by in-vitro release study, microscopic analysis and swelling index. Each of the formulations shows good entrapment efficiency with the maximum entrapment 85.8±5.63% was governed by the F1 formulation while F2 formulation confirms 82.3±4.72% drug entrapment. The formulations provided the controlled release delivery pattern of Metronidazole.
 Keywords: Microspheres, Metronidazole, Gellan gum, Aluminium chloride, Maleic anhydride

Prednisolone Loaded Tamarind Gum Microspheres for Colonic Delivery

The aim of this work was to formulate a novel multiparticulate system having pH sensitive property and specific enzyme biodegradability for colon specific drug delivery of Prednisolone (PD). Natural polysaccharide, Tamarind gum is used for microsphere preparation and Eudratit S- 100 for coating to provide pH controlled drug release. The formulation aims at minimal degradation and optimum delivery of the drug with relatively higher local concentration, which may provide more effective therapy for inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Tamarind gum microspheres were prepared by emulsion dehydration technique using polymer in ratio of 1:1 to 1: 9. These microspheres were coated with Eudragit S-100 by oil in oil solvent evaporation method using core: coat ration (5:1). Tamarind gum microspheres and Eudragit coated tamarind gum microspheres were evaluated for surface morphology, particle size and size distribution, percentage drug entrapment, surface accumulation studies, in vitro drug release in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The effect of various formulation variables were studied the prepared microspheres were spherical in shape in the size range of 64 µm to 113 µm, the encapsulation efficiency was in range of 30-72% depending upon the concentration of gum. The drug release was about 14-20% in first four hours of study gradually rises in 5th hour and 85% drug release occurs in 10-12% hr thus showing desirable drug release in the colonic simulated environment. PD tamarind gum microspheres are thought to have the potential to maintain drug concentration within target ranges for a long time, decreasing the side effects caused by concentration fluctuation, ensuring the efficiency of treatment and improving patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency. The animal study done using acetic acid induced colitis model on rats also suggest the anti inflammatory activity of the formulation.

A Four-Step Cascade Drug-Release Management Strategy for Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Therapeutic Applications.

The purpose of this study was to develop a four-step cascade drug-release system for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) therapeutic applications according to disease-driven and patient-focused design theories. The four steps underlying these strategies involve the blockage of nutrient supply, nanoparticles, codelivery and the cell cytotoxic effect. Calibrated spherical gellan gum (GG) and nanoparticle-containing gellan gum microspheres were prepared using a water-in-oil emulsification method. Self-assembled nanoparticles featuring amine-functionalized graphene oxide (AFGO) as the doxorubicin (Dox) carrier were prepared. The results confirm that, as a drug carrier, AFGO–Dox nanoparticles can facilitate the transport of doxorubicin into HepG2 liver cancer cells. Subsequently, AFGO–Dox was introduced into gellan gum (GG) microspheres, thus forming GG/AFGO–Dox microspheres with a mean size of 200–700 μm. After a drug release experiment lasting 28 days, the amount of doxorubicin released from 674 and 226 μm GG/AFGO–Dox microspheres was 2.31 and 1.18 μg/mg, respectively. GG/AFGO–Dox microspheres were applied in a rabbit ear embolization model, where ischemic necrosis was visible on the ear after 12 days. Our aim for the future is to provide better embolization agents for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using this device.

Formulation and Characterization of Modified Release Microspheres of Lornoxicam Using Okra Gum as Natural Polymer and Ethyl Cellulose as Synthetic Polymer

Objective: The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used medications in the world because of their demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain and inflammation. The arthritis, pain and inflammation are effectively treated with Lornoxicam, an effective NSAIDs. Because the drug is weakly acidic, it is absorbed easily in the GI tract, and has a short biological half-life of 3 to 5 hours. To meet the objectives of this investigation, we developed a modified release dosage form to provide the delivery of lornoxicam at sustained rate which was designed to prolong its efficacy, reduce dosage frequency, and enhance patient compliance. The present research work was focused on the development of lornoxicam microspheres using natural polymer like okra gum extracted from the pods of Abelmoschus esculentus Linn. and synthetic polymer like ethyl cellulose along with sodium alginate prepared by Ca2+ induced ionic-gelation cross-linking in a complete aqueous environment were successfully formulated.
 Materials and Method: The microspheres were prepared by using sodium alginate with natural polymer (okra gum) and synthetic polymer (ethyl cellulose) in different ratios by Ca2+ induced ionic-gelation cross-linking. The formulations were optimized on the basis of drug release up to 12 hrs. The physicochemical characteristics of Lornoxicam microspheres such as drug polymer interaction study by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and further confirmation by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The formulated microspheres were characterized for particle size, percentage drug entrapment efficiency, micromeritic properties, surface morphology, percentage swelling index, in-vitro drug release study and mechanism of drug release.
 Results and Discussion: The FTIR Spectra revealed that there was no interaction between polymer and Lornoxicam which was further confirmed by DSC and XRD. All the formulated Lornoxicam microspheres were spherical in shape confirmed by SEM. The microspheres exhibited good flow properties and also showed high percentage drug entrapment efficiency. All the batches have excellent flow properties with angle of repose in the range of 25.38° ± 0.04 to 30.41° ± 0.07, carr’s index and hausner’s ratios in the range of 10.40% ± 0.018 to 16.66% ± 0.012 and 1.128 ± 0.09 to 2.225 ± 0.01, respectively. The optical microscopic studies revealed that the mean particle size of all the formulations were found in the range of 819.46 ± 0.07 to 959.88 ± 0.02 μm and percentage of drug entrapment were found to be between 72.35 ± 0.02 to 90.00 ± 0.05. Swelling index of prepared microspheres revealed that with increasing the polymer ratios, there were increase in the swelling of prepared microspheres, showing in the range of 600.76 ± 0.42 to 690.11 ± 0.03% for okra gum microspheres at the end of 9 hr in comparison with ethyl cellulose microspheres which ranges between 179.71 ± 0.07 to 227.73 ± 0.05% at the end of 7 hr. In-vitro drug release of prepared microspheres formulation code LSO4 and LSE4 were found to be 88.654 ± 0.25% and 93.971 ± 0.20% respectively at the end of 12 hr. It was suggested that increase in polymer concentration, the drug release from the prepared microspheres got retarded producing sustained release of lornoxicam. In-vitro drug release data obtained were fitted to various release kinetic models to access the suitable mechanism of drug release. Drug release from lornoxicam-loaded alginate-okra gum microspheres followed a pattern that resembled sustained release (Korsemeyer-Peppas model) (R2 = 0.9925 to 0.9951), and n ≤ 1 indicated anomalous diffusion (non-Fickian), supercase-II transport mechanism LSO4 (n = 1.039) over a period of 12 hour underlying in-vitro drug release. Moreover, zero order model (R2 = 0.9720 to 0.9949) were found closer to the best-fit Korsemeyer - Peppas model.
 In addition, the drug release from lornoxicam-loaded alginate-ethyl cellulose microspheres also follow Korsemeyer-Peppas model (R2 = 0.9741 to 0.9973) with near to Hixson-Crowell model (R2 = 0.9953 to 0.9985) and n < 1 indicated non-Fickian diffusion or anomalous transport mechanism. Moreover, first order model with non-Fickian diffusion mechanism (R2 = 0.9788 to 0.9918) were found closer to the best-fit Korsemeyer-Peppas model/ Hixson-Crowell model.
 Conclusion: The present study conclusively demonstrates the feasibility of effectively encapsulating Lornoxicam into natural polymer (okra gum) and synthetic polymer (ethyl cellulose) to form potential sustained drug delivery system. In conclusion, drug release over a period of 12 hrs, could be achieved from these prepared microspheres. A pH-dependent swelling and degradation of the optimized microspheres were also observed, which indicates that these microspheres could potentially be used for intestinal drug delivery.

Colon targeting xanthan gum microspheres of mesalamine for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and its kinetics

Colon targeting xanthan gum microspheres of mesalamine for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and its kinetics

Doubly crosslinked biodegradable hydrogels based on gellan gum and chitosan for drug delivery and wound dressing

Biopolymer-based hydrogels with sustained drug release capability and antibacterial activity have exhibited great potential in clinical application in drug delivery and wound healing. In this study, a new type of composite wound dressing hydrogel aiming at avoiding wound infection was developed through embedding drug loaded gellan gum microspheres (GMs) into a doubly crosslinked hydrogel, which was constructed by Schiff-base crosslinking of oxidized gellan gum (OG) (pre-crosslinked by calcium ion) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). The gelation time, swelling index, degradation rate and mechanical properties of the blank hydrogel was optimized by varying the ratios of CMCS/OG (w/w) with fixed OG/calcium (w/w) ratio. The best overall performance of the hydrogel was obtained when CMCS/OG is 16/7 (w/w), with a 139 s gelation time, swelling index remained above 30 after swelling equilibrium, 100.5% degradation rate on the seventh day, and 8.8 KPa compressive modulus. After being embedded with cargo-loaded GMs, the aforementioned performance of the blank hydrogel was improved, and the sustained release of cargoes (antibacterial drugs, tetracycline hydrochloride and silver sulfadiazine) was observed. Moreover, the excellent antibacterial activity of the composite hydrogel was also demonstrated in vitro. These results support the bioactive composite hydrogel can be employed as a promising injectable scaffold for promoting wound regeneration and drug delivery.

TRIVALENT ION CROSS-LINKED AND ACETALATED GELLAN GUM MICROSPHERES OF GLIMEPIRIDE

Objectives: A novel formulation was developed with glimepiride loaded trivalent ion Al+3 cross-linked and acetalated gellan gum microspheres.
 Methods: The glimepiride loaded microspheres were formulated using sodium alginate and gellan gum. Cross-linking agents used for the microspheres were aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and glutaraldehyde (GA). The evaluation processes of prepared microspheres were carried out by in-vitro release study, swelling index, microscopic analysis, and entrapment efficiency.
 Results: All the formulations show good entrapment efficiency and the maximum entrapment 84.6% was governed by the formulation (F3) cross-linked by AlCl3 and GA and their obtained mean particle size were 12.46±3.21 μm. Release profile of the formulations revealed the sustained design of the drug, particularly this formulation (F3), releasing approximately 40% over 4 h.
 Conclusions: From this experiment, it can be accustomed that F3 possesses higher standard formulation than the rest due to good release profile and entrapment efficiency. Therefore, the long term stability study is required for future development of this formulation.

Fabrication of Gelatin/Karaya gum blend microspheres for the controlled release of Distigmine bromide

This paper reports the fabrication of gelatin/karaya gum microspheres by emulsion crosslinking method for controlled release of distigmine bromide. The microspheres were crosslinked with the help of glutaraldehyde and used for controlled oral delivery of distigmine bromide. The obtained microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Drug release kinetics of the microspheres is investigated in simulated intestinal fluid pH 7.4 at 37oC. Results illustrated that microspheres was influenced by the pH of test mediums, which might be suitable for intestinal drug delivery. The drug release kinetics was analyzed by evaluating the release data using different kinetic models. Keywords: Karaya Gum, Gelatin, microspheres, drug delivery.

Mineralized calcium carbonate/xanthan gum microspheres for lysozyme adsorption

Calcium carbonate/xanthan gum (Ca2CO3/XG) microspheres were prepared using biomimetic mineralization method for lysozyme (Ly) adsorption. The morphology of Ca2CO3/XG microspheres was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The Ly adsorption behavior was verified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and in situ fluorescence microscope images. The effects of pHs on lysozyme adsorption were investigated as well. It was revealed that CaCO3/XG microspheres could immobilize lysozyme efficiently via electrostatic interactions with adsorption rate and adsorption quantity of 58.55 ± 0.56% and 18.7 ± 1.2 μg/mg as the pH was 7.0. Comparatively, the values markedly improved to 80.97 ± 0.15% and 24.3 ± 0.1 μg/mg respectively as the pH was 9.0 (p < 0.05). Additionally, UV and fluorescence spectrum showed that Ly maintained its original secondary structure during the adsorption/desorption process. The study therefore demonstrated that CaCO3/XG microspheres can be used as a practical and efficient support for Ly adsorption and desorption.

Hyaluronic acid-based nano-sized drug carrier-containing Gellan gum microspheres as potential multifunctional embolic agent

The purpose of this study was to develop a gellan gum-based multifunctional embolic agent. Calibrated spherical gellan gum and nanoparticle-containing gellan gum microspheres were prepared via water-in oil emulsification method. Self-assembled nanoparticles composed of short-chain hyaluronic acid and polyethylenimine as the doxorubicin carrier were prepared. The short-chain hyaluronic acid/polyethylenimine/ doxorubicin (sHH/PH/Dox) with the mean size was 140 ± 8 nm. To examine sHH/PH/Dox nanoparticle uptake into cells, the results confirmed that sHH/PH nanoparticles as drug carrier can facilitate the transport of doxorubicin into HepG2 liver cancer cells. Subsequently, sHH/PH/Dox merged into the gellan gum (GG) microspheres forming GG/sHH/PH/Dox microsphere. After a drug release experiment lasting 45 days, the amount of released doxorubicin from 285, 388, and 481 μm GG/sHH/PH/Dox microspheres were approximately 4.8, 1.8 and 1.1-fold above the IC50 value of the HepG2 cell. GG/sHH/PH/Dox microspheres were performed in rabbit ear embolization model and ischemic necrosis on ear was visible due to the vascular after 8 days. Regarding the application of this device in the future, we aim to provide better embolization agents for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of pH-sensitive Polyacrylamide- g-acacia Gum Microspheres for Colon Targeted Drug Delivery Application

Objective: To formulate pH-sensitive spray dried microspheres loaded with an anti-cancer drug, capecitabine, using hydrolyzed polyacrylamide-grafted-acacia gum (PAAm-g-AG) for colon targeted delivery. Keywords: Spray drying, pH-sensitive, gum acacia, capecitabine, drug targeting.

Preparation and characterization of gellan gum microspheres containing a cold-adapted β-galactosidase from Rahnella sp. R3

R-β-Gal is a cold-adapted β-galactosidase that is able to hydrolyze lactose and has the potential to produce low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products at low temperatures (4°C). Cold-adapted enzymes unfold at moderate temperatures due to the lower intramolecular stabilizing interactions necessary for flexibility at low temperatures. To increase stability and usage-performance, R-β-Gal was encapsulated in gellan gum by injecting an aqueous solution into two different hardening solutions (10mM CaCl2 or 10mM MgCl2). Enzyme characteristics of both free and encapsulated R-β-Gal were carried out, and the different effects of two cations were investigated. R-β-Gal showed better thermal and pH stability after encapsulation. Ca2+ gels had higher encapsulation efficiency (71.4%) than Mg2+ (66.7%) gels, and Ca2+ formed larger inner and surface pores. R-β-Gal was released from the Ca2+ hydrogel beads more rapidly than the Mg2+ hydrogels during storage in aqueous solution due to the larger inner/surface pores of the matrix.

Engineered chitosan–xanthan gum biopolymers effectively adhere to cells and readily release incorporated antiseptic molecules in a sustained manner

Abstract The polyelectrolyte complexes that contain anionic xanthan gum and cationic chitosan formed or coalesced into biopolymeric scaffolds. To increase the viscosity and adherent properties of the prepared scaffolds, chitosan–xanthan gum microspheres were prepared by coacervation. The coalesced biopolymer was mixed with CHX to form injectable antibacterial hydrogels. We successfully prepared a biocompatible, antiseptic, chitosan–xanthan gum-based biopolymer with a potential to be used as an effective local antiseptic for acute or chronic periodontitis.

Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethylated Locust Bean Gum Microspheres Loaded with Disopyramide Phosphate for Sustained Delivery

Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethylated Locust Bean Gum Microspheres Loaded with Disopyramide Phosphate for Sustained Delivery

Gellan gum microspheres crosslinked with trivalent ion: effect of polymer and crosslinker concentrations on drug release and mucoadhesive properties

Gellan gum microspheres were obtained by ionotropic gelation technique, using the trivalent ion Al3+. The percentage of entrapment efficiency ranged from 48.76 to 87.52% and 22 randomized full factorial design demonstrated that both the increase of polymer concentration and the decrease of crosslinker concentration presented a positive effect in the amount of encapsulated drug. Microspheres size and circularity ranged from 700.17 to 938.32 μm and from 0.641 to 0.796 μm, respectively. The increase of polymer concentration (1–2%) and crosslinker concentration (3–5%) led to the enlargement of particle size and circularity. However, the association of increased crosslinker concentration and reduced polymer content made the particles more irregular. In vitro and ex vivo tests evidenced the high mucoadhesiveness of microspheres. The high liquid uptake ability of the microspheres was demonstrated and the pH variation did not affect this parameter. Drug release was pH dependent, with low release rates in acid pH (42.40% and 44.93%) and a burst effect in phosphate buffer pH (7.4). The Weibull model had the best correlation with the drug release data, demonstrating that the release process was driven by a complex mechanism involving the erosion and swelling of the matrix or by non-Fickian diffusion.

β- Galactosidase mediated release characteristics of lornoxicam loaded guar gum microspheres: evaluation and product development

β- Galactosidase mediated release characteristics of lornoxicam loaded guar gum microspheres: evaluation and product development