Iron dextran-loaded alginate-calcium multi-vesicular microparticles as an intramuscular supplement: A new approach for in situ prolonged iron release.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to synthesize crosslinked alginate particles (CAPs) loaded with of iron dextran particles (IDP) using the emulsion-crosslinking technique and evaluate them as a potential intramuscular (IM) prolonged-release iron supplement for mammals as humans and pigs. This method presents a potential solution for IM iron supplementation in mammals, offering a controlled and efficient approach to combat iron deficiency. Multi-vesicular CAPs of 25–30 µm were developed with ascending IDP content, obtaining ∼120–200 mg iron/g CAP, distributed mostly in inner and outer layer walls. The encapsulation efficiency, yield and loading capacity values ranged from 22 % to 28 %, 70–76 % and 12–20 %, respectively. IDPs are trapped in alginate-calcium networks without evidence of chemical bonding according to FTIR. XRD analysis suggests a new calcium alginate structure without IDP structural modifications. The release time resulted in 4 h (for commercial iron dextran formulation, CIDF) in contrast with the 120 h observed in the CAP4 formulation. This prolonged release, driven by concentration gradients and hindered by physical barriers, indicates an effective containment and prolonged release of IDP, representing a novel and promising strategy for IM iron supplementation to prevent iron deficiency anemia in mammals, including humans and pigs.