Cross-linked chitosan microspheres for oral delivery of insulin: Taguchi design and in vivo testing

S. Jose, J. F. Fangueiro, J. Smitha, T. A. Cinu, A. J. Chacko, K. Premaletha, E. B. Souto*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

97 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Insulin-loaded chitosan microspheres were engineered by emulsion cross-linking method using glutaraldehyde as cross-linker. Taguchi orthogonal method was applied to optimize the production time and reduce the number of experiments required to obtain an optimized formulation. Three variables were evaluated, i.e. chitosan and glutaraldehyde concentrations, and cross-linking time at three levels. The dependent variables were the mean particle size and the encapsulation efficiency. The optimal formulation was obtained with chitosan 3% (w/v), glutaraldehyde 3.5% (v/v), and cross-linking time of 5. h, characterized by microspheres with a mean particle size of 29.5 μm, and insulin encapsulation efficiency of 71.6 ± 1.3%. In vivo studies were carried out using male Wistar albino rats, revealing a significant reduction in blood glucose level after administration of the optimized formulation, in comparison to a subcutaneous insulin injection. Chitosan microspheres were superior in terms of sustaining protein release over conventional insulin therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-179
Number of pages5
JournalColloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces
Volume92
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chitosan
  • Cross-linking
  • Factorial design
  • Insulin
  • Microspheres
  • Taguchi design

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