Preparation of uniform-sized pH-sensitive quaternized chitosan microsphere by combining membrane emulsification technique and thermal-gelation method

Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2008 Jun 1;63(2):164-75. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2007.11.021. Epub 2007 Dec 15.

Abstract

In this study, uniform-sized pH-sensitive quaternized chitosan microsphere was prepared by combining Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique and a novel thermal-gelation method. In this preparation process, the mixture of quaternized chitosan solution and alpha-beta-glycerophosphate (alpha-beta-GP) was used as water phase and dispersed in oil phase to form uniform W/O emulsion by SPG membrane emulsification technique. The droplets solidified into microspheres at 37 degrees C by thermal-gelation method. The whole process was simple and mild. The influence of process conditions on the property of prepared microspheres was investigated and the optimized preparation condition was obtained. As a result, the coefficient of variation (C.V.) of obtained microspheres diameters was below 15%. The obtained microsphere had porous structure and showed apparent pH-sensitivity. It dissolved rapidly in acid solution (pH 5) and kept stable in neutral solution (pH 7.4). The pH-sensitivity of microspheres also affected its drug release behavior. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model drug was encapsulated in microspheres, and it was released rapidly in acid solution and slowly in neutral medium. The novel quaternized chitosan microspheres with pH-sensitivity can be used as drug delivery system in the biomedical field, such as tumor-targeted drug carrier.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Emulsions
  • Gels
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration*
  • Microspheres*
  • Particle Size
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Gels