Alginate/κ-Carrageenan Microspheres and their Application for Protein Drugs Controlled Release
pH-Responsive microspheres were prepared and their feasibility as potential carriers for oral delivery of protein drugs was evaluated. The microspheres were prepared from the ionotropically-crosslinked mixture of sodium alginate and κ-carrageenan. The morphology and size of the microspheres were investigated. A model protein drug α-amylase was entrapped and in vitro drug release profiles were established. The preliminary investigation of the microspheres showed a consistent swelling pattern, high entrapment efficiency and sustained release profiles of the enzyme.