The disintegration time of the coated beads (Alg/C and
Alg/GR/C) was significantly longer after 120 min. This dissolution is
most likely due to the monovalent salts in the gastric juice
competing with calcium in binding with the carboxylic groups
within the gels, and swelling of the microcapsules in simulated
intestinal solution confirms that the microcapsules started to
dissolve upon entry into the small intestine