Micro-particle corrugation, adhesion and inhalation aerosol efficiency

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biophysics

Background:

• Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) require precise control over particle properties for effective respiratory drug delivery.
• Understanding interparticle forces and surface morphology is crucial for optimizing aerosolization performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between surface morphology, particle adhesion, and aerosolization performance of engineered particles for DPIs.
• To evaluate the utility of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in predicting inhalation performance.

Main Methods:

• Spherical bovine serum albumin (BSA) particles with varying surface corrugation were prepared.
• Particle size and morphology were assessed using laser diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques, including tapping mode and colloid probe microscopy, were employed to analyze nanoscopic morphology and measure particle adhesion.

Main Results:

• A direct correlation was observed between root mean square roughness, particle adhesion, and in vitro aerosolization performance (fine particle fraction, FPF).
• Increased surface corrugation led to reduced particle adhesion.
• Reduced particle adhesion resulted in a significant increase in FPF.

Conclusions:

• AFM is a valuable tool for characterizing the surface morphology of micro-sized particles.
• AFM-derived morphological properties can predict the aerosolization performance of particles for inhalation therapies.
• Optimizing surface corrugation is a viable strategy to enhance DPI performance.