Whey protein and alginate hydrogel microparticles for insulin intestinal absorption: evaluation of permeability enhancement properties on Caco-2 cells.

The evaluation of encapsulated insulin intestinal absorption enhancement was investigated by in vitro methods. Insulin-loaded microparticles (INS-MP) made of whey protein (WP) and alginate (ALG) were prepared by a cold gelation technique. Effect of INS encapsulation toward trypsin and chymotrypsin degradation was performed. Permeability studies using in vitro (Caco-2 cells) experiments were conducted. INS was partially protected by encapsulation toward enzymatic degradation. Moreover INS transport experiments showed that WP and, in lesser extent, ALG were able to enhance INS absorption both as MP and as polymeric solutions by opening the tight junctions. These experiments reinforced the interest of encapsulation in WP/ALG hydrogel combination.