Project Overview

Many elderly people experience difficulty digesting proteins due to a decline in enzyme production. Stem bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple cores, is an established drug for treating this condition. A novel, oral, alginate based drug containing an bromelain core will be pursued and tested in this project. By varying alginate properties, it is hypothesized that a sustained release of bromelain to avoid stomach and intestinal discomfort can be achieved. The experimental drug will be tested in vitro in a simulated low pH gastric environment. A diagram of the proposed drug is shown below in figure 1.

Figure 1