Keratin/alginate microspheres as a novel pH-dependent polymer for colon-targeted delivery of dexamethasone for the management of inflammatory bowel disease

Purpose: To develop keratin/alginate microspheres loaded with dexamethasone for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), enabling targeted delivery to the colon and minimizing systemic side effects to improve therapeutic efficacy.Methods: Microspheres were prepared using ionotropic gelation method. Air-dried microspheres were evaluated for entrapment efficiency, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), sieve analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in vitro dissolution, and stability studies.Results: Microsphere entrapment was between 86 to 98 %. The SEM revealed discrete particles with rough surfaces while FTIR and DSC results did not show any interaction among components in the microspheres. Cumulative drug release was < 30 % after 2 h at acid pH and 72 – 94 % after 12 h in all formulations.Conclusion: Keratin/alginate microsphere demonstrates its potential as a suitable pH-sensitive composite indicating a promising platform for colon-targeted dexamethasone delivery.