Optimization of calcium pectinate gel beads for sustained-release of catechin using response surface methodology.

Response surface methodology was used to optimize bead preparation conditions, including CaCl(2) concentration (X(1)), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose concentration (X(2)), and bead-hardening time (X(3)), for the sustained-release of catechin from the calcium pectinate gel beads reinforced with liposomes and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose into simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and intestinal fluid (SIF). The optimized values of X(1), X(2), and X(3) were found to be 5.82%, 0.08%, and 10.29min, respectively. The beads prepared according to the optimized conditions released only about half of the entrapped catechin into SGF while most of the entrapped catechin was released into SIF after 24h incubation.