Whey protein and alginate hydrogel microparticles for insulin intestinal absorption: evaluation of permeability enhancement properties on Caco-2 cells.

The evaluation of encapsulated insulin intestinal absorption enhancement was investigated by in vitro methods. Insulin-loaded microparticles (INS-MP) made of whey protein (WP) and alginate (ALG) were prepared by a cold gelation technique. Effect of INS encapsulation toward trypsin and chymotrypsin degradation was performed.

Efficacy of mucoadhesive hydrogel microparticles of whey protein and alginate for oral insulin delivery.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of mucoadhesive insulin-loaded whey protein (WP) /alginate (ALG) microparticles (MP) for oral insulin administration.

Methods: Insulin-loaded microparticles (ins-MP) made of whey protein and alginate were prepared by a cold gelation technique and an adsorption method, without adjunction of organic solvent in order to develop a biocompatible vehicle for oral administration of insulin. In vitro characterization, evaluations of ins-MP in excised intestinal tissues and hypoglycaemic effects after intestinal administration in healthy rats were performed

Results: The release properties and swelling behaviors, investigated in different pH buffers, demonstrated a release based on diffusion mechanism following matrix swelling.

Development and in vitro characterization of insulin loaded whey protein and alginate microparticles.

Insulin was encapsulated into microparticles (MP) made of denaturized whey proteins (WP) and alginate (ALG) using an extrusion/cold gelation process with calcium ions. High encapsulation efficiency of 85% was obtained. Influence of insulin on polymeric viscosity and on microparticle behavior was evaluated.