Pectin Matrix as Oral Drug Delivery Vehicle for Colon Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Abstract. Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally with 639,000 deaths reported annually. Typical chemotherapy is provided by injection route to reduce tumor growth and metastasis. Recent research investigates the oral delivery profiles of chemotherapeutic agents. In comparison to injection, oral administration of drugs in the form of a colon-specific delivery system is expected to increase drug bioavailability at target site, reduce drug dose and systemic adverse effects. Pectin is suitable for use as colon-specific drug delivery vehicle as it is selectively digested by colonic microflora to release drug with minimal degradation in upper gastrointestinal tract. The present review examines the physicochemical attributes of formulation needed to retard drug release of pectin matrix prior to its arrival at colon, and evaluate the therapeutic value of pectin matrix in association with colon cancer. The review suggests that multi-particulate calcium pectinate matrix is an ideal carrier to orally deliver drugs for site-specific treatment of colon cancer as (1) crosslinking of pectin by calcium ions in a matrix negates drug release in upper gastrointestinal tract, (2) multi-particulate carrier has a slower transit and a higher contact time for drug action in colon than single-unit dosage form, and (3) both pectin and calcium have an indication to reduce the severity of colon cancer from the implication of diet and molecular biology studies. Pectin matrix demonstrates dual advantages as drug carrier and therapeutic for use in treatment of colon cancer.

Anin situcrosslinked compression coat comprised of pectin and calcium chloride for colon-specific delivery of indomethacin

“…Pectin is one of the most extensively studied natural polysaccharides due to its suitability for colon-specific drug delivery (Liu et al, 2007;Sriamornsak, 2011;Wong et al, 2011;Mamani Crispin et al, 2012). However, pectin's colon-specificity is compromised by its high solubility.…”

A new peptide ligand for colon cancer targeted delivery of micelles

“…It is the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of mortality among cancer patients (Jemal et al, 2010). Surgery with adjunctive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is considered the gold standard treatment for colon cancer (Wong et al, 2011). However, nearly 40% of surgical patients develop recurrence or metastases and chemotherapy often has adverse effects and off-target actions.…”

Calcium Pectinate Beads Formation: Shape and Size Analysis

“…In addition, previous studies have shown that Ca-pectinate beads are less sensitive to ions and chemical agents that destabilize Ca-alginate beads [2,4]. In order to enhance the stability of the beads in bioprocess applications, their mechanical strength should be improved, which in turn is influenced by their size and shape [7]. Therefore, it is important to have a bead formation system that is capable of forming mono-dispersed and spherical beads.…”