Simple rapid method for the preparation of enteric-coated microspheres.

A method is presented for encapsulating high molecular weight biological materials such as viral antigen, concanavalin A, and other proteins with cellulose acetate phthalate. The method is simple, inexpensive, and rapid; the process takes approximately 15 min. Capsules generated by this method are produced as microspheres 1-3 mm in diameter. They are stable for at least 6 h in simulated gastric conditions, but disintegrate rapidly under simulated intestinal conditions. Encapsulation had no effect on the activity of the biological materials. The method has potentially wide application for encapsulation of drugs and other substances.