Darrabie MD, Kendall WF, Opara EC. Effect of alginate composition and gelling cation on micro-bead swelling.
J Microencapsul 2008;
23:29-37. [PMID:
16830975 DOI:
10.1080/02652040500286144]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to determine the roles of alginate composition and gelling cations on bead swelling, which affects its durability.
METHOD
Using a 2-channel droplet generator, microspheres were generated with 1.5% solutions of low viscosity high-mannuronic acid (LVM), medium viscosity high-mannuronic acid (MVM), low viscosity high-guluronic acid (LVG) and medium viscosity high-guluronic acid (MVG) alginate. They were gelled by cross-linking with 1.1% solution of either BaCl2 or CaCl2. The diameters of the micro-beads were measured and recorded on day 0. The micro-beads were subsequently washed and incubated in saline at 37 degrees C for 2 weeks with size assessment every 2 days. The data were normalized by calculation of the percentage change from control (day 0) for all groups of micro-beads.
RESULTS
Diameters of all beads were between 550 and 700 microm on day 0. Viscosity had no effect on swelling of Ba++- and Ca++-alginate micro-beads. Ca++-alginate micro-beads were more prone to swelling than the corresponding Ba++-alginate beads. High G-Ba++ beads had only a modest increase in size over time, in contrast to the high M-Ba++.
CONCLUSION
Alginate composition and the gelling cation have significant effects on bead swelling.
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