Evaluation of Insulin Release from Alginate Nanoparticles by Two Different Methods

Evaluation of Insulin Release from Alginate Nanoparticles by Two Different Methods

Abstract

In this work, insulin was encapsulated within alginate nanoparticles by emulsification and spraying methods to preserve insulin at simulated gastric pH. Mean diameter and size distribution of nanoparticles were characterized by particle size analyzer. Morphology of particles was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Insulin encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were determined by insulin ELISA test kit. Encapsulation efficiency was calculated 20% and 58% for nanoparticles prepared by spraying and emulsification method, respectively. The mean diameter of alginate nanoparticles ranged from 90.12-99.15 nm for particles prepared by spraying method and 100.92 - 111.11 nm for particles prepared by emulsification method. Insulin release was measured at different pH; at pH 1.2 no insulin release was observed, however by increasing the pH value up to 6.8, maximum insulin release was observed after 30 min from both nanoparticles. These results show that the nanoparticles could be used for oral delivery of insulin, as they completely preserve insulin at simulated gastric pH and could release insulin at simulated intestinal pH.