Emulsan-Alginate Microspheres as a New Vehicle for Protein Delivery

A solution containing emulsan, a lipoheteropolysaccharide, and calcium was used to produce emulsan-alginate microspheres (EAMs). Optical, scanning electron microscopy and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray) analysis of the microspheres suggested different morphologies and compositions, respectively, when compared with microspheres prepared only from alginate. The EAMs were twice as stable in phosphate solution compared to alginate alone when assessed with blue dextran encapsulation. The EAMs were able to adsorb about twice the amount of BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) compared to alginate alone. When azo-BSA was adsorbed on the emulsan-alginate microspheres, protein release could be triggered with enzymes. BSA released from the EAMs retained about of 78% of the α-helix structure.