Review and current status of emulsion/dispersion technology using an internal gelation process for the design of alginate particles

J Microencapsul. 2006 May;23(3):245-57. doi: 10.1080/02652040500286086.

Abstract

Emulsification/internal gelation has been suggested as an alternative to extrusion/external gelation in the encapsulation of several compounds including sensitive biologicals such as protein drugs. Protein-loaded microparticles offer an inert environment within the matrix and encapsulation is conducted at room temperature in a media free of organic solvents. Recently, the concept of internal gelation has been applied to formulating nanoparticles as drug delivery systems. Emulsification/internal gelation technologies available for microparticles preparation, particularly that involving alginate polymer, are described as well as recent advances towards applications in nanotechnology. Those methods show great promise as a tool for the development of encapsulation processes, especially for the new field of nanotechnology using natural polymers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry*
  • Emulsions
  • Gels
  • Glucuronic Acid / chemistry
  • Hexuronic Acids / chemistry
  • Microspheres
  • Polymers / chemistry

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Emulsions
  • Gels
  • Hexuronic Acids
  • Polymers
  • Glucuronic Acid