Casein-based formulations as promising controlled release drug delivery systems.

Casein, the major milk protein, forms an integral part of the daily diet in many parts of the world. Casein possesses a number of interesting properties that make it a good candidate for conventional and novel drug delivery systems. This article reviews approaches aimed to associate bioactive molecules to casein and analyze the evidence of their efficacy in modifying the release and/or improving the bioavailability of the associated molecules. The ability of casein to modify drug dissolution from compacts was reported. The high tensile strength of casein films, favors its use as an acceptable film-coating for tablets. Naturally occurring genipin and a natural tissue enzyme, transglutaminase, were used as crosslinkers to prepare novel casein-based hydrogels for the controlled release of bioactives. Casein floating beads were developed to increase the residence time of drugs in the stomach based on its emulsifying and bubble-forming properties. Casein-based microparticles entrapping bioactive molecules were prepared via emulsification-chemical crosslinking with glutaraldehyde, enzymatic crosslinking by transglutaminase, simple coacervation and electrostatic complexation. Casein nano-formulations were also prepared to deliver nutraceuticals and synthetic drugs via enzymatic crosslinking, graft copolymerization, heat-gelation and polyelectrolyte ionic complexation. It can be concluded that casein-based formulations are promising materials for controlled drug delivery.