γ-Oryzanol-loaded calcium pectinate microparticles reinforced with chitosan: Optimization and release characteristics

Response surface methodology was used to optimize microparticle preparation conditions, including the ratio of pectin:gamma-oryzanol (OZ) (X1), agitation speed (X2), and the concentration of emulsifier (X3), for maximal entrapment efficiency (EE) of OZ-loaded Ca pectinate microparticles. The optimized values of X1, X2, and X3 were found to be 2.72:5.28, 1143.5 rpm, and 2.61%, respectively. Experimental results obtained for the optimum formulation agreed favorably with the predicted results, indicating the usefulness of predicting models for EE. In order to evaluate the effect of chitosan-coating and blending on the release pattern of the entrapped OZ from microparticles, chitosan-coated and blended Ca pectinate microparticles were prepared. Release studies revealed that the chitosan treatments, especially the chitosan-coating, were effective in suppressing the release in both simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and intestinal fluid (SIF).