PLGA–lipid liposphere as a promising platform for oral delivery of proteins

The main challenge in the oral delivery of protein drugs is to enhance their oral bioavailability. Herein, we report the uniform-sized liposphere prepared by premix membrane emulsification combined with W1/O/W2 double-emulsion method as a potential oral carrier for proteins. The protein-loaded liposphere was composed of a hydrophobic poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) core and the lipid molecules self-assembled at the interface of W1/O and O/W2. During the preparation, the protein structure was effectively maintained. Compared with PLGA microsphere, the liposphere achieved a higher loading capacity (LC, 20.18%), entrapment efficiency (EE, 90.82%) and a lower initial burst (24.73%). Importantly, the lipospheres also showed high transcytotic efficiency with human microfold cell (M cell) model, leading to a potential enhancement of intestinal absorption. This result, together with the above studies supported that the PLGA–lipid liposphere could be a promising platform for enhancing the proteins oral bioavailability.