Characterization and Stability Analysis of Biopolymeric Matrices Designed for Phage-Controlled Release

DINI CECILIA; ISLAN GERMAN A; CASTRO GUILLERMO R

APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

HUMANA PRESS INC

Lugar: Oregon; Año: 2014 p. 2031 - 2047

0273-2289

Alginate and low methoxylated pectin gel matrices emulsified with oleic acid werestudied for phage oral delivery. Matrix structural analysis revealed that emulsified pectin (EP)gel microbeads were harder and more cohesive than those of emulsified alginate (EA). EPshowed high swelling capacity and slower matrix degradation in aqueous media, suggestingthat oleic acid is mainly located on the surface of EP microbeads. EA and EP matrices havingp-nitrophenyl palmitate (C-16 ester) as tracer dissolved into oleic acid and in the presence oflipase confirmed this hypothesis which is consistent with EP better phage protective capability.Surface analysis of gel microbeads by scanning electron microscopy revealed strong differencesbetween EP and EA gel microbeads. Phage release kinetics was tested using semiempiricalmathematical models. Experimental curve best fitted the Korsmeyer?Peppas model,predicting transport mechanisms according to the high swelling and degradation of EP. Theproposed encapsulation model represents an innovative technology for phage therapy, whichcan be extrapolated to other therapeutic purposes, using a simple environmentally friendlysynthesis procedure and cheap food-grade raw materials.