TECHNIQUE FOR PREPARING ANT-INFLAMMATORY ALGINATE PECTIN QUERCETINOUS MICROSPHERES WITH VARIOUS RATIOS OF ALGINATE PECTIN CONCENTRATIONS AND TYPES OF LYOPROTECTANTS USING THE IONOTROPIC GELATION AEROSOLIZATION METHOD

Abstract

This invention relates to alginate–pectin polymer-based quercetin microspheres as an anti-inflammatory drug delivery system for intra-articular application in osteoarthritis. The microspheres were prepared using an ionic gelation method through an ionotropic aerosolization technique, in which a solution of quercetin and alginate–pectin polymer with a total concentration of approximately 3% was sprayed into a calcium chloride (CaCl₂) solution using a pressure of approximately 40 psi and a spray distance of approximately 8 cm. The alginate–pectin ratios used included 1:1 and 1:2, with the addition of lyophilisate in the form of lactose or maltodextrin during the lyophilization process. The results showed that increasing the pectin fraction and the use of maltodextrin increased drug loading and entrapment efficiency of quercetin, while a 1:1 ratio produced microspheres with a more compact structure and higher yield.The present invention provides a formulation and method for producing quercetin microspheres with adjustable properties, thus potentially being used as a controlled-release intra-articular injectable preparation for the therapy of joint inflammation.