Millimeter-sized chitosan/dextran phosphate capsules and calcium/dextran phosphate beads for regulating prospidine release

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we synthesized calcium/dextran phosphate beads (Ca-DP) by ionic gelation method and chitosan/dextran phosphate capsules (CS-DP) by forming polyelectrolyte complexes as carriers for prospidine delivery. The conditions for the formation of beads and capsules were established and their morphology was investigated. The release behavior of prospidine from the Ca-DP and CS-DP was investigated in vitro in different pH and a depression of initial burst release of the drug was shown. The cytotoxicity evaluation indicated that both Ca-DP and CS-DP displayed high cell viability and the prospidine-loaded samples probably due to the prolonged release induced apoptosis over a longer period of time compared to pure drug. Therefore, such pH-responsive Ca-DP and CS-DP could be promising candidates as drug delivery systems.