COLONIC DELIVERY OF ADSORBENTS

摘要

Orally administrable, site-specific (colonic), particulate delivery systems including adsorbents are disclosed. When delivered specifically to the colon, they can remove various substances present in, or as they reach, the colon. Methods of treatment using the delivery systems, and methods of preparing the delivery systems, are also disclosed. The particulate delivery systems are based on adsorbent matrices encapsulated into and/or onto particles, which selectively deliver the adsorbents to the colon. Representative drug delivery devices include pectin beads, which can optionally be crosslinked with metal ions such as zinc and/or calcium. The delivery system protects the adsorbent and prevents its adsorbing effect in the upper gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. When the particles are made from pectin, and the beads are administered to the colon, specific pectinolytic enzymes in the colon degrade the pectin, allowing the adsorbent to be released and to be fully active. Antibiotics, toxins, and other absorbable substances present in the colon will then be inactivated by adsorption into or onto the adsorbent.