Core-shell hydrogel beads carrying trypsin inhibitor for better stability of oral active peptides

The optimized microspheres achieved high encapsulation efficiencies of over 95% for liraglutide and over 75% for Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor.

• A pH-responsive hydrogel system was constructed to co-deliver Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor and liraglutide.
• The core-shell structure of the microspheres was confirmed to have uniform morphology and excellent mechanical properties.
• Molecular interactions between KTI and liraglutide were established without affecting KTI's active center.
• The release rate of the encapsulated substances was below 8% in simulated gastric fluid, with sustained release in simulated intestinal fluid.
• This approach may enhance the oral delivery of bioactive peptides and utilize soybean by-products in food applications.

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