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Chitosan-coated antifungal formulations for nebulisation
Yacoub Y Albasarah1, Satyanarayana Somavarapu, Paul Stapleton
1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, UK.
The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
|July 20, 2010
Summary
Chitosan-coated liposomes effectively deliver amphotericin B (AmB) via nebulization for pulmonary fungal infections. This drug delivery system shows high AmB loading and efficient deposition in the lungs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Pulmonary fungal infections require effective drug delivery to the lungs.
- Amphotericin B (AmB) is a potent antifungal agent but faces challenges in administration.
- Liposomal formulations offer potential for improved drug targeting and reduced toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To produce and characterize amphotericin B (AmB)-containing chitosan-coated liposomes.
- To evaluate the nebulization delivery of these AmB liposomes.
- To assess the potential of this system for treating pulmonary fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Multilamellar vesicles were prepared using ethanol-based proliposomes with soya phosphatidylcholine and AmB.
- Liposomes were coated with chitosan chloride and compared to uncoated liposomes and micelles.
- Formulations were characterized for AmB loading, particle size, zeta potential, and antifungal activity.
- Nebulization delivery was assessed using a two-stage impinger.
Main Results:
- Chitosan-coated liposomes exhibited high AmB incorporation (approx. 80% loading).
- Nebulization resulted in approximately 60% AmB deposition in the lower lung-stage impinger for liposomal formulations.
- Chitosan-coated liposomes demonstrated effective antifungal activity against Candida species, comparable to AmB micelles.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol-based proliposome preparation yields effective chitosan-coated AmB liposomes.
- These liposomes are a promising carrier for AmB delivery via air-jet nebulization.
- The system is suitable for delivering AmB to peripheral airways for pulmonary fungal infection treatment.
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