Dewi Melani Hariyadi

The effect of two different crosslinkers on in vitro characteristics of ciprofloxacin-loaded chitosan implants

The objective of this study was to determine and evaluate a controlled release implant of ciprofloxacin using bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA)-chitosan composite and glutaraldehyde or genipin as crosslinking agents. Ciprofloxacin implants were prepared using BHA, chitosan, ciprofloxacin at 30:60:10 and using three different concentrations of glutaraldehyde or genipin (0.3, 0.5, or 0.7%) as crosslinkers. Implants were formed as mini-tablet with 4.0 mm diameter weighing 100 mg using compression method. Further, the prepared ciprofloxacin implants were characterized for porosity, density, water absorption capacity, swelling, degradation, compressive strength, compatibility (Fourier transforms-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)), morphology (scanning electron microscope (SEM)), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), and in vitro drug release. The addition of glutaraldehyde or genipin as crosslinkers in ciprofloxacin implant showed controlled release profile of ciprofloxacin over a time period of 30 days. SEM photomicrograph revealed low porosity of the implant after crosslinking with glutaraldehyde or genipin. The FTIR study confirmed the formation of covalent imine bonds between chitosan and glutaraldehyde. Moreover, the addition of glutaraldehyde or genipin as crosslinkers caused a decrease in the mechanical strength of the implant. Increased concentration of glutaraldehyde or genipin reduced the crystallinity of BHA and chitosan, which were confirmed by X-RD studies. The results obtained from this study indicated that glutaraldehyde or genipin had the potential effect to retard ciprofloxacin release from BHA-chitosan-ciprofloxacin implant for 30 days.

Histopathology Study of Alginate Microspheres Containing Ovalbumin on Liver and Kidney Following Oral Administration and Evaluation of Uptake by Peyer’s Plaque

Objectives: The development of oral vaccine formulations has been widely investigated to overcome oral route problems. This research investigated the in vivo immune response of ovalbumin-alginate microspheres by uptake compared with a commercial oral vaccine product. Materials and Methods: Ovalbumin-loaded alginate microspheres were prepared using aerosolization. Ovalbumin antigen in vivo uptake was investigated in order to understand the distribution and uptake by Peyer’s plaque (PP) after oral administration using fluorescence microscopy. The histopathology of ovalbumin-alginate microspheres in the liver and kidney was also investigated. Results: The use of alginate microspheres to deliver vaccines could be a promising delivery system for the development of oral vaccines because uptake by PP is an essential step in oral vaccination. Conclusion: Fluorescence visualization revealed the uptake of ovalbumin-loaded alginate microspheres with and without lyoprotectant maltodextrin by PP was equal to the oral vaccine product and no liver or kidney damage was found.