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Microencapsulated chitosan nanoparticles for lung protein delivery
Ana Grenha1, Begoña Seijo, Carmen Remuñán-López
1University of Santiago de Compostela, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Summary
Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with protein drugs were successfully microencapsulated into microspheres for pulmonary delivery. These microspheres demonstrate suitable aerodynamic properties for deep lung targeting and drug release.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Spray drying is effective for pulmonary drug delivery.
- Chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles enhance peptide absorption across mucosal surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To microencapsulate protein-loaded chitosan nanoparticles into microspheres using aerosol excipients.
- To create carriers for targeted delivery of protein-loaded nanoparticles to the lung.
Main Methods:
- Development of chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles.
- Microencapsulation of nanoparticles into microspheres using mannitol and lactose via spray drying.
- Characterization of microsphere aerodynamic properties and morphology.
- Assessment of protein loading capacity and release kinetics.
Main Results:
- Microspheres exhibited spherical morphology and suitable aerodynamic properties (2-3 µm diameter, <0.45 g/cm³ density) for pulmonary delivery.
- Microsphere morphology was influenced by chitosan nanoparticle content.
- Nanoparticles demonstrated high protein loading (65-80%) and rapid insulin release (75-80% in 15 min).
- Recovered nanoparticles showed no significant changes in size or zeta potential.
Conclusions:
- Protein-loaded nanoparticles can be effectively incorporated into microspheres for deep lung delivery.
- The microspheres are designed to release nanoparticles upon contact with the lung's aqueous environment.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for pulmonary delivery of therapeutic macromolecules.