Different characteristics of peptide-loaded poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres from house dust mite and pollen allergens

Peptide allergens from house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and pollen (Dactylis glomerata) extracts were encapsulated in poly(D,L-lactide -co-glycolic acid) (LA/GA = 75/25) microspheres using a water-in-oil-in-wat er emulsion solvent evaporation technique. In spite of the identical encaps ulation process, several different parameters were identified: peptide load ing, encapsulation efficiency, release of encapsulated peptides, the size a nd morphology of the microspheres. Protease from house dust mite and acid p hosphatase from pollen peptide-loaded microspheres maintained their catalyt ic activity, indicating that some peptide allergens were not adversely affe cted following encapsulation. Peptide-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolic a cid) microspheres from house dust mite and pollen allergens may have potent ial as delivery systems for oral specific immunotherapy.