Chondroitin sulfate micro granules embedded with oligochitosan-calcium complexes for potential osteoporosis prevention

Calcium citrate (CaCi) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were renovated as edible granules by spray-drying and polymer (Eudragit) coating to develop bone-protective product. The granules were reinforced functionally with oligochitosan (Och). Characterizations of IR, DSC and XRD concluded that Ca and Och were concordantly incorporated into granules and embedded into the CS matrix. The Ca-loading CS granules achieved about 1.6% Ca loading and 25% of Ca recovery in encapsulation. CaCi and Och would chelate together during preparation of the granules. Eudragit coating enabled the granules smooth and compact, and resulted in slow Ca release in dissolution. In a 28-days of animal test, oral administration with Ca + Och/CS granules inhibited osteoporosis progression in OVX rats through increasing serum Ca/P and internal Ca retention, as well as enhancing bone density and major minerals. Therefore, the composite granules have some potential in sustaining bone health owing to its improvements in Ca protection and the multi-nutritious delivery.

Automated summary

Calcium citrate and chondroitin sulfate were transformed into edible granules by spray-drying and polymer coating. These granules, embedded with calcium and oligochitosan, were found to inhibit osteoporosis progression and enhance bone density in animal tests.