Encapsulation of L-ascorbic acid via polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-casein bioblends

The aim of this study was to encapsulate, L-ascorbic acid, in biopolymers in order to obtain (i) enhancing its encapsulation efficiency (ii) increasing drug release ratio using different pH mediums. Microparticles based on polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol and casein are prepared by spray drying technique. Microparticles are in vitro characterized in terms of yield of production, particle size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release. In this manner, the importance of the study is producing of a stable and effective drug encapsulation system by PCL-PEG-CS polymer mixture by spray dryer. We achieved minimum 27.540±0.656 μm particle size with 0.512 m2/g surface area, 84.05% maximum drug loading, and 68.92% drug release ratio at pH 9.6. Release profiles are fitted to previously developed kinetic models to differentiate possible release mechanisms. The Korsmeyer–Peppas model is the best described each release scenario, and the drug release is governed by non-Fickian diffusion at pH 9.6. Our study proposed as an alternative or adjuvants for controlling release of L-ascorbic acid

Design and characterization of alcalase-chitosan conjugates as potential biocatalysts

In this study, alcalase (protease from Bacillus licheniformis) immobilization by adsorption, enzyme crosslinking and covalent enzyme binding to activated chitosan microbeads were examined. The biocatalysts highest activity was obtained by covalent immobilization of alcalase onto a solid support. The alcalase covalent immobilization onto different types of chitosan beads obtained by inverse emulsion technique and electrostatic extrusion was studied. Parameters examined under different conditions were beads diameter, enzyme loading, enzyme capacity yield, and biocatalyst activity. The highest activity and enzyme loading of 23.6 IU/mg protein and 340.2 mg/g, respectively, were achieved by the enzyme immobilized onto chitosan microbeads obtained by the electrostatic extrusion technique. FT-IR analysis was used to confirm formation of alcalase-chitosan conjugates. The activity of optimally produced alcalase-chitosan microbeads was then verified in the industrially feasible reaction systems of egg white and soy protein hydrolysis. The high degree of hydrolysis of 29.85 +/- 0.967% after 180 min and five successive reuses obtained under real conditions (50 A degrees C, pH 8) verified the covalently bound alcalase to chitosan beads a promising candidate for use in industrial egg white protein hydrolysis process