Pectinate Beads Research Articles

Pectin-Chitosan Hydrogel Beads for Delivery of Functional Food Ingredients.

A common challenge in hydrogel-based delivery systems is the premature release of low molecular weight encapsulates through diffusion or swelling and reduced cell viability caused by the low pH in gastric conditions. A second biopolymer, such as chitosan, can be incorporated to overcome this. Chitosan is usually associated with colonic drug delivery systems. We intended to formulate chitosan-coated pectin beads for use in delaying premature release of the encapsulate under gastric conditions but allowing release through disintegration under intestinal conditions. The latter is of utmost importance in delivering most functional food ingredients. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of formulation and process conditions on the size, sphericity, and dissolution behavior of chitosan-coated hydrogel beads prepared by interfacial coacervation. The size and sphericity of the beads depend on the formulation and range from approximately 3 to 5 mm and 0.82 to 0.95, respectively. Process conditions during electro-dripping may be modulated to tailor bead size. Depending on the voltage, bead size ranged from 1.5 to 4 mm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed chitosan shell formation around the pectin bead. Chitosan-coated beads maintained their size and shape in simulated gastric fluid but experienced structural damage in simulated intestinal fluid. Therefore, they represent a novel delivery system for functional food ingredients.

Probiotics encapsulated by calcium pectin/chitosan-calcium pectin/sodium alginate-pectin-whey through biofilm-based microencapsulation strategy and their preventive effects on ulcerative colitis

Biofilm-based probiotics have emerged as a compelling approach for administering probiotics. Selecting appropriate wall materials for enclosing probiotics in biofilm structure is viewed as an advanced method of microencapsulation. In this study, Lactiplantibacillus paraplanturm LR-1 was enclosed in three different types of wall materials to create calcium pectin beads (CPB), chitosan-calcium pectin beads (C-CPB), and sodium alginate-pectin-whey beads (SPW). The biofilm cells of LR-1 were cultured externally and then encapsulated to create CPB-ex-LR-1, C-CPB-ex-LR-1 and SPW-ex-LR-1. In contrast, LR-1 was cultured within the microcapsules to form biofilms in situ, resulting in CPB-situ-LR-1, C-CPB-situ-LR-1 and SPW-situ-LR-1. The microcapsules displayed a relatively uniform morphology with the water contents below 10%. Nevertheless, there were noticeable edge effects in the distribution of strains within the in situ-type microcapsules. The detection of distinctive peaks unique to Lactiplantibacillus within the microcapsules confirmed the successful encapsulation. Additionally, a decrease in the intensity of the peaks linked to the wall materials indicated the formation of an amorphous structure within the microcapsules. The bacterial concentrations of situ-type microcapsules were found to surpass 10 lg CFU/g. The SPW-situ-LR-1 demonstrated superior tolerance performance, optimal release properties in simulated gastrointestinal fluids, and exceptional stability during the storage period. Additionally, SPW-situ-LR-1 showed similar effectiveness in alleviating colitis compared to fresh Biofilm-LR-1. Both Biofilm-LR-1 and SPW-situ-LR-1 pre-treatments exhibited positive effects on regulation, with SPW-situ-LR-1 administration significantly increasing the presence of Lactobacillus. This study provides valuable insights into the development of the next-generation probiotics.

Development of a functional dulce de leche (milk jam) with prebiotic carbohydrates and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG

A functional dulce de leche (DL) was developed by incorporating prebiotic carbohydrates (inulin and maltodextrin) and probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (LGG) (either as free cells, or encapsulated in pectin beads with or without prebiotics). Encapsulation improved the viability of LGG cells in DL during refrigerated storage, and its survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Final cell counts in all DL samples after 6 months were >106 CFU g−1. Incorporation of carbohydrates in DL and probiotic encapsulation state had no significant effect on colour (L∗a∗b∗), rheological and mechanical properties. Although encapsulation state caused a significant effect on acceptability of DL, all samples scored above the minimum acceptability level, with more than 80% of consumers acceptance. Storage time had a significant effect (only after 2–3 months) on DL properties (except b∗ and adhesiveness), causing an increase in rheological properties, a decrease in texture parameters, and a decrease in L∗ and a∗.

Grafted calcium pectinate-whey protein isolate covalent immobilizers: Optimization, kinetics, thermodynamics, and application

Whey protein isolate (WPI) was incorporated within calcium pectinate (CPT) beads in order to boost their anionic qualities and meliorate their glutaraldehyde (GA)-polyethyleneimine (PEI) grafting process. The Box-Behnken Design (BBD) verified that WPI inclusion significantly raised the GA-PEI-CPT-WPI beads immobilized β-D-galactosidase (iβ-GLD) activity. The BBD also revealed the optimal settings for WPI concentration, PEI pH, PEI concentration, and GA concentration, which were 2.91 %, 10.8, 3.5 %, and 2.24 %, respectively. The GA-PEI-CPT-WPI beads grafting process was scrutinized via FTIR, EDX, and SEM. The optimal GA-PEI-CPT-WPI immobilizers provided fine β-GLD immobilization efficiencies, which reached up to 65.28 %. The free and GA-PEI-CPT-WPI iβ-GLDs pH and temperature profiles were scrutinized. It was also unveiled that the thermal stability of the iβ-GLD surpassed that of its free compeer as it provided lesser kd and ΔS values and larger t1/2, D-values, Ed, ΔH, and ΔG values. Furthermore, the iβ-GLD provided 92.00±3.39 % activity after 42 storage days, which denoted its fine storage stability. The iβ-GLD short duration (15 min) operational stability was also inspected, and 82.70±0.78 % activity was provided during the fifteenth degradation run. Moreover, the iβ-GLD long duration (24 h) operational stability was inspected while degrading the lactose of buffered lactose solution (BLS) and cheese whey (CW). It was unveiled that 81.86±0.96 % and 73.58±2.24 % of the initial glucose were detected during the sixth degradation runs, respectively.

Hexavalent chromium detoxification by haloalkaliphilic Nesterenkonia sp strain NRC-Y immobilized in different matrices

To develop a bioprocess for Cr(VI) detoxification in industrial effluents, a previously isolated potent Cr(VI) reducing haloalkaliphilic Nesterenkonia sp strain NRC-Y was immobilized and investigated for Cr(VI) detoxification. The immobilization matrices included; natural, modified natural, synthetic, and mixtures of natural and synthetic polymers. Among the tested matrices and immobilization approaches, strain NRC-Y cells encapsulated in 1.5% (w/v) amidated pectin beads exhibited the highest Cr(VI) reduction efficiency (47.02% of initial Cr(VI) concentration 150 mg/L after 20 h) followed by alginate (34.4%), alginate-PVA-chitosan (29.6%), alginate-PVA (25.1%), PVA-PVP (23.2%), and PVA (9.5%). Chromate reductase enzyme was poorly immobilized by covalent binding on the tested materials. Therefore, entrapment in amidated pectin was selected for further investigation and immobilization of both whole cells and partially purified chromate reductase. Operational stability study revealed that the immobilized cells were more efficient and stable than the immobilized chromate reductase, and the free cells. For instance, about 60%, 27.0% and 11.5% of these samples initial activities were retained after four successive batches, respectively. The temperature and pH optima for the immobilized cells were 35°C and 7.0, respectively. The pH and thermal stability of strain NRC-Y cells were significantly enhanced upon immobilization in amidated pectin beads by up to 2.3- and 1.4-fold, respectively. The developed immobilized biocatalyst was applied for Cr(VI) reduction in industrial effluent samples, and it completely reduced Cr(VI) within 4 and 8 h for effluents of initial Cr(VI) concentrations 10 and 30 mg/L, respectively. The developed immobilized biocatalyst is promising and has the potential for large-scale Cr(VI) detoxification application.

Stress tolerance and characterization of biofilm-like probiotic bacteria encapsulated in calcium pectin beads

Probiotics can regulate gut microbes to maintain human health. However, probiotics are sensitive to environmental conditions, which reduces their survival rates. There are two forms of bacterial cells: single (planktonic) cells and biofilms. Many investigations have verified that biofilm-formed probiotic strains are more resistant to adverse environments than their planktonic counterparts. This study successfully produced high-density probiotic microcapsules in a biofilm state by preparing probiotic cells in biofilm mode and combining them with microencapsulation techniques (>10 log CFU/g). Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum L-ZS9 was cultured within calcium pectin beads (CPB) to create CPB-Biofilm-situ. Subsequent tolerance experiments revealed that the CPB-Biofilm-situ was highly resistant to acid, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) environment, and freeze-drying. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the cells in CPB-Biofilm-situ displayed a marginalization tendency for the culture. The water content of the beads was approximately 10%, which was deemed acceptable, and the texture characteristics were also determined. The physicochemical properties and structure of the beads were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This work is a valuable reference for a new generation of probiotic agents in the biofilm state.

Load mechanism and release behaviour of synephrine-loaded calcium pectinate beads: Experiments characterizations, theoretical calculations and mathematical modeling

It is an appropriate strategy to construct the carrier material with polysaccharide pectin, which is the characteristics of good bio-compatible, safe and non-toxic, avoiding the functional loss of bioactive ingredients and achieve sustained release. However, the loading mechanism of the active ingredient and the release behaviour of the active ingredient from the carrier material is still at the stage of conjecture. In this study, a kind of synephrine-loaded calcium pectinate beads (SCPB) with high encapsulation efficiency (95.6 %), loading capacity (11.5 %) and excellent controlled release behaviour was constructed. The interaction between synephrine (SYN) and quaternary ammonium fructus aurantii immaturus pectin (QFAIP) was revealed by FTIR, NMR and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. An inter-molecular hydrogen bond and Van der Waals forces between 7-OH, 11-OH and 10-NH of SYN and -OH, -C=O and N + (CH3)3 of QFAIP were formed. The release experiment in vitro showed that the QFAIP could effectively avoid the release of SYN in gastric fluid, and also realized the slow and full release of SYN in intestinal tract. Moreover, the release mechanism of SCPB in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) was Fickian diffusion, while in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) was a non-Fickian diffusion controlled by both diffusion and skeleton dissolution.

Xylanase covalent binding onto amidated pectin beads: Optimization, thermal, operational and storage stability studies and application

Amidated pectin-polyethylene imine-glutaraldehyde (AP-PEI-GA) immobilizer was prepared. The ideal protocol that should be adopted during the immobilizer preparation was investigated via Box-Behnken design (BBD), and it comprised processing the AP beads with 3.4 % (w/w) PEI solution of pH 9.65 followed by 5.96 % (v/v) GA solution. The obtained AP-PEI-GA immobilizer was efficient, and it acquired 3.03 U.g−1 of immobilized xylanase (im-xylanase) activity. The computed Km and Vmax values for AP-PEI-GA im-xylanase were 16.67 mg.ml−1 and 20 g.ml−1.min−1, respectively. Through covalent coupling to AP-PEI-GA, Aspergillus niger xylanase thermodynamic properties T1/2 and D-values were increased by 2.05, 3.08, and 1.35 at 40, 50, and 60 °C, respectively. ΔHd and ΔGd for AP-PEI-GA im-xylanase at 40, 50, and 60 °C were higher than those for free form emphasizing more resistance to thermal denaturation. Im-xylanase showed 100 % activity for 20 successive cycles and hydrolyzed different agro-industrial wastes into reducing sugar and xylooligosaccharides (XOS) with more efficiency on pea peel (PP). AP-PEI-GA im-xylanase, PP weight, and hydrolysis time that should be adopted to obtain the highest reducing sugar and XOS yield were optimized through central composite design (CCD). Extracted XOS showed prebiotic and anti-oxidant activities.

Pectin-Coated Baclofen-Layered Zinc Hydroxide Nanohybrid as a Bio-Based Nanocomposite Carrier for Oral Delivery.

pH-sensitive pectin beads were proposed as a protective capsule for layered zinc hydroxide-drug (LZH-Drug) nanohybrids in the gastrointestinal tract in this paper. Baclofen was intercalated between LZH layers using the co-precipitation method as a model drug. By combining LZH-baclofen with pectin, the resulting nanohybrid (LZH-baclofen) was used to make bio-nanocomposite hydrogel beads. FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses were used to characterize the produced products. Baclofen anions are vertical to the LZH layers in the shape of a monolayer, according to the interlayer space of 19.6Å. The presence of nanocomposites is demonstrated by FTIR, which exhibits a peak at 3489 cm-1 for the OH group, 1564 and 1384 cm-1 for the-COO- vibration mode, indicating that baclofen is intercalated between the layered structures. After intercalation, baclofen's thermal stability is greatly improved. The nanohybrid is more compact, with agglomerates and flat surfaces of the intercalated substance, shown by SEM. In vitro release behaviors of baclofen from LZH and bio-nanocomposites in buffer solution were examined under pH values (pH = 1.2, 6.8, 7.4) chosen from a model of the passing materials through the gastrointestinal tract. For pectin encapsulated LZH-baclofen nanohybrid, drug release studies indicated superior protection against stomach pH and regulated release under intestinal tract conditions. Furthermore, nanohybrid and nanocomposite treatment of a normal fibroblast cell line resulted in cell survival up to 12.5 g/mL for a 24-h period, with inhibition reducing dose-dependently at higher concentrations. A novel intercalation molecule with a sustained release mode and improved toxicity against normal fibroblast cell lines has been produced as a result of the strong host-guest contacts between the LZH lattice and the baclofen anion. Further study into the utilization of brucite-like host materials in drug delivery systems should be based on these findings.

Effect of Cross-Linking Cations on In Vitro Biocompatibility of Apple Pectin Gel Beads.

The study aimed to compare the in vitro biocompatibility of pectin gels formed by different cross-linking cations. Hydrogel beads named CaPG, ZnPG, FePG, and AlPG were prepared from 4% solutions of apple pectin using ionotropic gelling with CaCl2, ZnCl2, FeCl3, and AlCl3, respectively. Cations influenced the gel strength of the wet gel beads in the following order (least strong) Ca2+ < Zn2+ < Fe3+~Al3+ (most strong). The swelling degree of the CaPG beads after 24 h of incubation in the RPMI-1640 medium was 104%, whereas the ZnPG, FePG, and AlPG beads swelled by 76, 108, and 134%, respectively. The strength of the pectin gel decreased significantly after incubation in the RPMI-1640 medium for 24 h, regardless of the cross-linking cation, although the FePG beads remained the strongest. All the pectin beads adsorbed serum proteins to a low degree, however the serum protein adsorption by the ZnPG and FePG beads (1.46 ± 0.87 and 1.35 ± 0.19 µg/mm2) was more than the CaPG and AlPG beads (0.31 ± 0.36 and 0.44 ± 0.25 µg/mm2). All the pectin beads reduced the production of TNF-α and IL-10 by hPBMCs in response to LPS stimulation. The IL-1β response of cells to LPS was significantly reduced by the CaPG, ZnPG, and FePG beads, whereas the AlPG beads enhanced it twofold. The CaPG, FePG, and AlPG beads had no cytotoxicity. The viability of hPBMCs and human fibroblasts incubated with ZnPG beads was 5.3 and 7.2%, respectively. Thus, the use of different cross-linking cations changed the properties of the pectin gel, which is important for biocompatibility.

Efficacy of chitosan‐pectin beads encapsulated with combined garlic and holy basil essential oils on shelf life extension of ready to eat food

SummaryChitosan‐coated pectin beads containing mixed garlic and holy basil essential oils (GEO + HBEO) were prepared to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life of chilled stir‐fried pork with basil leaves on rice. The factors affecting release of GEO + HBEO were determined. Increasing environmental relative humidity, temperature and time enhanced a release rate of mixed oils from the beads. Antimicrobial activity of beads was evaluated by disc volatilisation method. Beads, at 2.20 and 4.40 g, could inhibit Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The beads were applied in packaging of chilled stir‐fried pork with basil leaves on rice. During storage, samples containing beads had Total Plate Count (TPC) less than that of the sample without beads. Furthermore, sample without beads had TPC over the limit on Day9, whereas sample with beads had TPC &lt;106 CFU/g until Day24. A sensory triangle test showed that the sample without beads was significant different in appearance, odour and off flavour attributes from the control (sample kept in freezer) on Day5, while the sample with beads was significant different from the control on Day8; therefore, the shelf life based on sensory differences could be extended by 3 days.

Microencapsulation of curcumin by ionotropic gelation with surfactants: Characterization, release profile and antioxidant activity

The purpose of this work was to encapsulate curcumin in pectin beads by ionotropic gelation method in order to improve its solubility and its bioavailability and to preserve its antioxidant activity in the presence of surfactants (Kolliphor® HS 15, TPGS® and BiPro® BLG). Different beads were successfully produced and characterized for physicochemical characteristics. Encapsulation efficiency was greater than 75% in all cases of beads produced. Curcumin was transformed from crystalline to an amorphous state during the manufacturing process with Kolliphor® and TPGS® beads, inducing a rapid release of curcumin in simulated intestinal fluids. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of curcumin seemed slightly changed after encapsulation and dissolution with these surfactants. On the contrary, with BLG and control beads without any surfactant, the release was lower and the antioxidant capacity decreased. This study showed that surfactants are significantly effective at enhancing the solubility and protecting the antioxidant capacity of curcumin and that their choices are essential.

Optimization and release characteristics of catechin-loaded calcium pectinate beads by internal gelation.

The aim of this study was to optimize the composition of catechin-loaded calcium pectinate gel (CPG) beads formed using internal gelation and to evaluate the sustained-release behavior of catechin. The pectin concentration, catechin-to-pectin ratio, and calcium carbonate-to-pectin ratio were optimized for the sustained catechin release (2.89, 28.92, and 32.79%, respectively). The catechin release profiles were analyzed using the simple enzyme kinetic-like semi empirical model newly proposed in this study. The actual release rate was found to be the fastest in the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), followed by the simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and the pH 4.5 buffer, whereas the thermodynamic equilibrium was achieved fastest in the pH 4.5 buffer, followed by SGF and SIF. Glutaraldehyde treatment suppressed catechin release in all tested media. These results suggest that internally gelled CPG beads are suitable for catechin delivery, and crosslinkers, such as glutaraldehyde, can effectively sustain their release.

The Effect of Pectin Branching on the Textural and Swelling Properties of Gel Beads Obtained during Continuous External Gelation Process

The aim of the study was to produce gel beads under continuous conditions. Pectins obtained from black and red currants and commercial apple pectin were used as the material. For the production of gel beads, a self-designed device was used. The designed device allows for the production of gel beads in a continuous process, the properties of which are similar to those obtained in the classic, batch process. Thanks to the device, it is possible to obtain a repeatable product while reducing the workload. The produced gel beads were tested for water absorption and textural properties. The water absorption of the obtained gel capsules is strongly influenced by the pectin chain structure. Pectin beads obtained from currant pectins have a less hard structure and are more sensitive to deformation than those from apple pectin. Shorter and more branched chains of currant pectin than apple pectin form gels with a delicate structure, which strongly absorbs water, and unlike apple pectin gel, it disintegrates. The results show that the use of raw material obtained from different sources allows for obtaining products with various properties, using the same method; moreover, the used device is fully scalable and can be used in large scale.

Development of alginate/pectin microcapsules by a dual process combining emulsification and ultrasonic gelation for encapsulation and controlled release of anthocyanins from grapes (Vitis labrusca L.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical, morphological, and gastrointestinal release properties of an anthocyanin-rich extract of grapes in alginate and pectin beads as carriers; the effects of ultrasonic gelation combined with emulsification were also investigated. In general, the alginate beads showed smaller size and more regular shape compared to pectin. The effect of emulsification combined with ionic gelation was more pronounced in the alginate beads and resulted in higher retention of anthocyanins, higher antioxidant capacity, and also allowed the best release profile during intestinal digestion. Thus, the simultaneous strategy could be an interesting delivery system and enhance the release of anthocyanins, providing an opportunity for the development of ingredients with different bioactive properties.

Synthesis and Characterization of Pectin Beads for the Smart Delivery of Agrochemicals

Aim: The study was conducted to design pectin beads for achieving slow release of agrochemicals in wetlands via ion gelation method.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: The laboratory experiment was carried out at the Department of Nano Science &amp; Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu during March-July 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Pectin beads were synthesized varying the concentrations of pectin (4, 6, 8, and 10 per cent) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 per cent). Calcium pectinate beads of different combinations were synthesized via ion gelation method. Calcium pectinate beads were characterized based on the recovery yield of beads, while surface characterization was done through Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope to understand the topography of beads and assess the size of the beads respectively. Pore volume and surface area were also studied using BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analyzer.&#x0D; Results: The yield of calcium pectinate beads were higher while using the concentration of pectin @ 4 per cent and CaCl2 @ 2 per cent as cross-linking agent. The spherical and smooth surface of beads was achieved with the concentrations of 6 and 2 per cent pectin and CaCl2 respectively, while beads were flat and smooth with concentration of pectin @ 4 per cent. Similarly, complete solubility of pectin was not achieved with concentrations of 8 and 10 per cent. BET results of beads showed that beads are non-porous in nature.&#x0D; Conclusion: Pectin and CaCl2 concentrations @ 6 and 2 per cent respectively were found to be ideal for the delivery of agrochemical based on the yield and surface morphology.

Double cross-linked pectin beads stable in physiological environment as potential support for biomedical applications

Double cross-linked pectin beads stable in physiological environment as potential support for biomedical applications

Upcycling of steel slag for manufacture of Prussian-blue-encapsulated pectin beads and its use for efficient removal of aqueous cesium

Development of innovative technology for solid waste disposal, particularly the synthesis of novel energy and environmental materials via upcycling of solid wastes, is essential for boosting sustainable development in urban areas. In this study, we developed a novel synthesis method for Prussian-blue-encapsulated pectin beads (PB@PD) using Fe and Ca sources in steel slag (SS) and demonstrated its feasibility for the removal of Cs+ via batch and fixed-bed column reactors. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) was used for Fe and Ca dissolution in the SS suspension, and the extracted Fe and Ca were then used for the synthesis of Prussian blue and pectin polymer beads, respectively. The surface characteristics of PB@PD were determined through advanced microscopy and surface analyses, which confirmed the successful formation of a PB crystal structure and well-distributed PB particles in the cross-linked pectin structure. Batch isotherm adsorption experiments conducted using PB@PD revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity of Cs+ was 54.34 mg/g. PB@PD could be recycled up to four times and was very effective for Cs+ adsorption in artificial seawater. Furthermore, we successfully applied PB@PD as a filling material in a fixed-bed column reactor and obtained an effective adsorption capacity (41.75–43.9 mg/g) without any clogging problem during the continuous Cs+ treatment.

Carrageenan stabilized calcium pectinate beads and their utilization as immobilization matrices

Carrageenan (Car) was merged with pectin in order to concoct mechanically stable Car-calcium pectinate (CPT) beads that could be easily handled. The Car-CPT beads were utilized as immobilization matrices for β-d-galactosidase (βgal) following a polyethyleneimine and glutaraldehyde treatment. The treated Car-CPT beads were characterized via SEM and EDX. These treated beads were superior to the formerly concocted CPT based carriers with respect to their mechanical stability. They also acquired a loftier βgal activity recovery percent of 47.13%, and they shifted the βgal optimal temperature to a higher range (55–65 °C). Furthermore, βgal experienced a loftier increment in its thermal denaturation activation energy (Ed) following its immobilization via the treated Car-CPT beads where its Ed reached 284.77 kJmol-1. The immobilized βgal (im-βgal) storage stability was also superior as it kept 90.43 ± 0.71% of its inceptive activity following 43 storage days. Finally, the im-βgal was utilized to concoct galacto-oligosaccharides and to hydrolyze lactose in whey permeate.

The Influence of the Hydrophobic Polymeric Coating on 5-ASA Release from the Bipolymeric Milibeads with Amidated Pectin.

The industrial polymeric carriers for peroral mesalazine application exploit, i.a., cellulose or polyacrylic acid derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and modified starch. Pectins, as natural polymers, are interesting materials in pharmaceutical applications due to properties such as non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the release of the drug from coated pectin beads doped with synthetic polymers as drug carriers to the colon, as well as interactions between ingredients. The drug release was carried out using basket apparatus. The amount of 5-ASA (5-aminosalicylic acid, mesalazine) released to the pH = 7.4 buffer with pectinase was measured at selected time intervals using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The zero-, first-, and second-order kinetics, as well as Higuchi, Korsmeyer–Peppas, and Hixon–Crowell equations, were used to analyze the release pattern. The interactions between beads components were investigated employing FTIR spectrophotometry and DSC study. The dissolution of the drug was divided into two parts. It was found that the release of 5-ASA followed mainly the Higuchi equation. The mass transport in the first stage of the release followed a non-Fickian model and the parameter n was in the range of 0.74 ± 0.2–0.99 ± 0.2. The formulation doped with PA (polyacrylic acid) was the most appropriate and capable of overcoming the variable conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.