Colonic drug delivery: influence of cross-linking agent on pectin beads properties and role of the shell capsule type.

For colonic delivery, pectin beads obtained by ionotropic gelation method have been already reported as an interesting approach. This study investigated the influence of the cross-linking agent (calcium or zinc) and the type of shell capsule used (classical or enteric capsules) on pectin beads properties and on their performance to target the colon (in vitro dissolution studies with subsequent pH change to mimic overall gastro-intestinal tract). Zinc pectinate beads seemed to be relatively similar to calcium's ones in morphological point, except on the surface aspect. When beads were introduced in classical hard capsules, ketoprofen release was not significantly different between CPG and ZP…