Encapsulation of Insulin in Biodegradable Polymers

Abstract

Encapsulation of insulin into alginate particles was carried out by the method of ionotropic gelation. To protect against the acidic, alkaline environment of the gastrointestinal tract, alginate particles were coated with gelatin. The optimal concentration of the solution of the crosslinking agent ‒ CaCl2 was determined during the optimization of the particle preparation method. The mechanism of interaction between alginate and gelatin was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy, FTIR spectra data confirm the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex between alginate an-d gelatin. The roughness and morphology of samples were determined by atomic force microscopy. The swelling of particles under simulated pH conditions of various parts of the human gastrointestinal tract was studied. The release of insulin from the particles was evaluated using UV spectroscopy, at pH 6.86; 9.18 the release of insulin reached 50%; 83% relatively.

Keywords

• Diabetes mellitus
• Insulin
• Crosslinking agent
• Ionotropic gelation method
• Encapsulation