Preparation and characterization of calcium pectinate gel beads entrapping catechin-loaded liposomes

Calcium pectinate gel (CPG) beads entrapping catechin-loaded liposomes were prepared with or without hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) (denoted as CPG-LH and CPG-L beads, respectively) and characterized in comparison with the CPG beads prepared without liposome and HPMC (denoted as CPG-C beads). For all types of beads, the catechin entrapment efficiency decreased by about 40–50% as the concentration of CaCl2 in gelling media increased from 2 to 6%. At a constant CaCl2 level, the entrapment efficiency was higher in the order of CPG-LH, CPG-L, and CPG-C beads. The in vitro release test showed that in simulated intestinal fluid the rate of catechin release was higher in the order of CPG-C, CPG-L, and CPG-LH beads, indicating that the catechin release was slowed by liposome and further retarded when HPMC was used simultaneously, whereas not in simulated gastric fluid. The addition of cholesterol in liposome could not retard but accelerated the catechin release. The results suggest that the CPG beads reinforced with liposome and HPMC could be employed for a sustained oral delivery of catechins, although further improvements are necessary.