LAUSR

Abstract This work aimed to explore optimal conditions for keratose (KR), collagen (CL), and KR/CL blend microparticles preparation using a water-in-oil emulsion solvent diffusion method. The protein solution was used as the water phase (W) and ethyl acetate was used as the oil phase (O). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that most of the KR microparticles were hollow, with a rough and dented outer surface while CL microparticles had variable shapes with smooth surfaces and some small pores distributed inside the particles. Morphology of the KR/CL blend microparticles varied according to types of polymer, mass ratio, and the condition used. All particles had as main structure, an α-helix co-existing with random coil structures. The decomposition steps of the KR and CL microparticles followed similar trends while the Td, max of blend particles varied at different mass ratios of KR and KL. The high content of CL influenced the formation of a dense texture of the blend microparticles. The prepared microparticles showed a drug-controlled release profile that could be applied as a drug delivery system.