Stability of Starch-Folic Acid/ Polyethylene glycol particles for gastrointestinal drug delivery

This study takes a novel approach by exploring the potential of starch/polyethylene glycol core/shell particles, where folic acid was encapsulated, as effective gastrointestinal drug delivery systems. The results demonstrate the successful encapsulation of folic acid within the starch/PEG particles, with sizes ranging from 18 to 45 microns depending on the type of starch used (corn, potato, rice). Importantly, applying PEG coating had no negative impact on cell viability and did not induce alterations in fibroblast morphology. The investigation of stability in gastric and intestinal fluids revealed that the particles underwent different degrees of degradation. In simulated gastric fluid, a partial degradation of the PEG layer by 30-37% was observed, while the starch-folic acid core remained intact. However, the PEG layer underwent a 50% degradation in simulated intestinal fluid. This degradation of the PEG layer allowed the controlled and gradual release of folic acid. These findings underscore the role of fluid composition in influencing the stability and degradation behavior of the particles, with significant implications for their functionality as drug delivery systems in the gastrointestinal tract.