The potential of chitosan in enhancing peptide and protein absorption across the TR146 cell culture model-an in vitro model of the buccal epithelium

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the potential of chitosan (CS) to enhance buccal peptide and protein absorption, the TR146 cell culture model, a model of the buccal epithelium, was used.

Methods: The sensitivity of TR146 cells to several CS solutions (different salts with different MW) was investigated by using the MTS/ PMS assay. Permeability studies were performed to determine the enhancing effect of CS glutamate (1, 20, 40, 60, and 100 microg/mL) on the permeability of 3H-mannitol and fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled dextrans (FD) with various MW (4.4-19.5 kD) across the cell culture model.

Results: Sensitivity of TR146 cells to CS solutions depended on the concentration, the pH, and the type of CS salt. CS glutamate solutions (pH 6.0) were found to be the least harmful. CS glutamate was able to increase the permeability of model substances with MW up to 9.5 kD across the cell model. An enhancing effect was found for CS concentrations of 20 microg/mL and higher, correlating with a decrease in TEER values. The 20 microg/mL CS concentration had a negligible effect on the enzyme activity of the cells as determined by the MTS/PMS assay.

Conclusions: CS glutamate is effective in enhancing the transport of macromolecules across the buccal TR146 cell culture model. Therefore. it might be a promising vehicle for peptide and protein buccal administration.