Influence of pectins on preparation characteristics of lactoferrin bioadhesive tablets

Abstract

For the treatment of chronic inflammation in the oral cavity, we attempted to develop bioadhesive tablets of bovine lactoferrin (B-LF). Pectin was used as a bioadhesive polymer, and the influence of the degree of esterification and the molecular weight of pectins on the characteristics of B-LF tablets were investigated. Concerning bioadhesive force, a tendency increasing the value according to increase of the esterification of the pectin was confirmed. Sustained release of B-LF from the tablets was observed as the esterification increased, and a possibility for prediction of the time required to release 50% of B-LF by using the equation given by the degree of esterification and the logarithm of the molecular weight was suggested. Pectin cross-linked with Ca2+ (Ca-PC) was also used for the preparation of the B-LF tablets. Prolonged release of B-LF from the tablets was observed as the Ca2+ in Ca-PC increased. Our findings suggest that pectin with a high degree of esterification is suitable as a bioadhesive polymer since high bioadhesive force and sustained release are shown. Furthermore, a possibility that the B-LF release could be controlled by adjusting the Ca2+ concentration in Ca-PC was suggested. © 2007 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.