Modulation of protein release from chitosan-alginate microcapsules using the pH-sensitive polymer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate

The release characteristics of protein from chitosan-alginate microcapsules prepared using an electrostatic droplet generator were evaluated. The release studies were undertaken in-vitro in simulated gastrointestinal fluids covering the pH range 1.2-8. Chitosan-alginate microcapsules showed unsatisfactory release properties, losing 94% of the encapsulated proteins (bovine serum albumin) over a 24h period at pH 1.2. Incorporation of a pH-sensitive polymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), in the microcapsules, by coating the capsule membrane as well as blending with the capsule core polymer in varying ratios, produced significant changes in the release profiles of the microcapsules. At pH 1.2, the modified microcapsules retained up to 60% of the encapsulated protein after 24 h. The results obtained highlight the potential of HPMCAS as a release-modifier in chitosan-alginate microcapsules.