Chitosan-reinforced alginate microspheres obtained through the emulsification/internal gelation technique

Hb release from microspheres showed a pH-dependent profile and was affected by chitosan coating. Under simulated gastric conditions, a total Hb burst release from uncoated microspheres was decreased with one-stage and two-stage chitosan coatings (68% and 28%, respectively). At pH 6.8, the Hb release from coated microspheres was fast but incomplete. These results suggest an optimization of the coating method to protect Hb under acidic conditions and to permit a complete but sustained release of Hb.