Enhanced Alginate Microparticles Fabricated by a Microfluidic System for Local Mesalamine Delivery to Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Mesalamine (Mes) is a first-line anti-inflammatory agent extensively used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mes can be locally delivered using alginate-based microparticles as a pH-sensitive drug delivery system. In this study, we enhanced Alg microparticles by synthesizing an Alg-Kappa-carrageenan block copolymer using a biocompatible method with citric acid. The Alg-CA-κCar microparticles were fabricated on microfluidic chips and coated with chitosan (CS) to improve the encapsulation of Mes. FE-SEM images confirmed spherical microparticles with a narrow size distribution. TGA analysis showed better thermal stability for Alg-CA-κCar/CS microparticles compared with Alg microparticles. Alg-CA-κCar/CS microparticles achieved 73.8% drug encapsulation and demonstrated a pH-sensitive release profile with protection at pH 2 and increased release at pH 7.4. In vivo studies showed reduced pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, MPO, and IL-6 levels in treated rats. Overall, Alg-CA-κCar/CS microparticles provide a more controlled carrier for Mes, demonstrating potential in effectively treating and managing the IBD.