European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Alginate microspheres prepared by emulsification/internal gelation were chosen as carriers for a model protein, hemoglobin (Hb). Reinforced chitosan-coated microspheres were obtained by an uninterrupted method, in order to simplify the coating process, minimize protein losses during production and to avoid Hb escape under acidic conditions. Microspheres recovery was evaluated as well as its morphology by determination of Hb encapsulation efficiency and microscopic observation, respectively. ⋯ Under simulated gastric conditions, a total Hb burst release from uncoated microspheres was decreased with one-stage and two-stage chitosan coatings (68% and 28%, respectively). At pH 6.8, the Hb release from coated microspheres was fast but incomplete. These results suggest an optimization of the coating method to protect Hb under acidic conditions and to permit a complete but sustained release of Hb.