Abstract
Hydrogel formed by a low methoxyl pectin and calcium ion has potential application for targeted delivery of biological materials to the human large intestine. Pectin does not dissolve in the upper human gastrointestinal (GI) tract but can be degraded by pectinolytic enzymes present in the human large intestine. However, the com position of different types of in-vitro dissolution fluids designed to mimic human small intestine and large intestine fluids, can affect the dissolution profile of calcium pectinate (CaP) beads. The aim of this study was to compare the release profiles of a biological material in some commonly used phosphate buffer solutions with release profiles in physiological salts solutions, using the up 98 paddle dissolution method. It was found that the release profiles for these two types of in-vitro solutions were comparable without the pre-treatment with an acid solution, but were markedly different following the acid treatment. In addition, it was found that the presence of calcium ion in the solution affected the activity of the pectinolytic enzyme.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 271-278 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Minerva Biotecnologica |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2000 |
Keywords
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- probiotics
- controlled delivery
- colon
- calcium pectinate