Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Intranasal Delivery of mRNA Polyplexes via Rayleigh Breakup Aerosols: An In Vitro Method for Nasal Deposition and Functional Testing
Published on: January 20, 2026
Development of a cyclodextrin-based nasal delivery system for lorazepam.
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. mjug@pharma.hr
This study developed novel mucoadhesive microparticles for nasal drug delivery, enhancing lorazepam solubility and release using hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) inclusion complexes. The system improves drug solubility and nasal drug delivery efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Nasal drug delivery faces challenges with poorly water-soluble drugs.
- Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) can improve drug solubility.
- Mucoadhesive polymers enhance drug residence time at the nasal mucosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize mucoadhesive microparticles for nasal delivery of lorazepam.
- To investigate the role of HP-beta-CD inclusion complexes in improving drug solubility and release.
- To evaluate the impact of different mucoadhesive polymers on microparticle properties.
Main Methods:
- Spray drying was used to encapsulate lorazepam (free or as HP-beta-CD complex) into microparticles with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), carbomer, or HPMC/carbomer interpolymer complex (IPC).
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyzed drug crystallinity.
- Swelling rate, mucoadhesion, and in vitro dissolution studies were performed.
Main Results:
- IPC- and carbomer-based microparticles exhibited superior swelling and mucoadhesion compared to HPMC-based ones.
- Drug loading reduced swelling and mucoadhesion; HP-beta-CD inclusion complex formation did not further reduce these properties.
- Microparticles with lorazepam inclusion complexes showed 1.8-2.5 times faster in vitro drug release than those with free lorazepam.
Conclusions:
- Mucoadhesive microparticles formulated with HP-beta-CD inclusion complexes offer a promising system for nasal delivery of poorly soluble drugs like lorazepam.
- The choice of mucoadhesive polymer significantly influences microparticle swelling and mucoadhesion.
- HP-beta-CD complexation enhances lorazepam solubility and dissolution rate, improving potential nasal bioavailability.
Related Concept Videos
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Drugs in...
