Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan Microspheres Containing a Model Antigen

The goal of this study was to evaluate the technological feasibility of delivering antigen using chitosan microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by a mild and simple but effective adsorption method. Process parameters were analyzed in order to optimize the drug loading and release profiles. Scanning electron microscopy permitted a structural analysis. All microspheres were spherical and smooth with the mean particle size in the range was 20μm. The encapsulation efficiency of bovine serum albumin (BSA), chosen as model antigen, Bio distribution studies indicated that the degree of uptake by the M-cells of the peyer's patches in the gut was higher than that of the other organs. Therefore, chitosan microspheres appear, technologically, a promising antigen delivery system.