Montmorillonite-Sodium Alginate Oral Colon-Targeting Microcapsule Design for WGX-50 Encapsulation and Controlled Release in Gastro-Intestinal Tract

Abstract

The montmorillonite-sodium alginate (MMT-SA) colon-targeting microcapsules have been designed as a WGX-50 encapsulation and controlled release vehicle used in oral administration. The MMT-SA microcapsule was formed from a cross-linking reaction, and the stable micropore in the microcapsule changed with a different MMT-SA mixed mass ratio. The MMT-SA microcapsule has a reinforced micropore structure and an enhanced swell–dissolution in SIF and SCF with alkaline environment, which is attributed to the incorporated MMT. The MMT-SA microcapsule exhibited a high WGX-50 encapsulation rate up to 98.81 ± 0.31% and an obvious WGX-50 controlled release in the simulated digestive fluid in vitro. The WGX-50 loaded with MMT-SA microcapsule showed a weak minimizing drug loss in SGF (Simulated Gastric Fluid) with an acidic environment, while it showed a strong maximizing drug release in SIF (Simulated Intestinal Fluid) and SCF (Simulated Colonic Fluid) with an alkaline environment. These features make the MMT-SA microcapsule a nominated vehicle for colon disease treatment used in oral administration.