Vibrating-mesh nebulization of liposomes generated using an ethanol-based proliposome technology

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Aerosol Science

Background:

• Liposomes are promising drug carriers, but their aerosolization for inhalation requires optimized delivery systems.
• Vibrating-mesh nebulizers offer efficient aerosol generation, yet their performance with liposomes depends on formulation and device factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of micropump nebulizer design and proliposome hydration medium viscosity on liposome aerosolization.
• To evaluate the aerosol characteristics and drug retention of salbutamol sulphate-loaded liposomes generated from proliposomes.

Main Methods:

• Liposomes were prepared from soya phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol proliposomes hydrated with NaCl or sucrose solutions.
• Aerosolization of liposomes was performed using the Aeroneb Go vibrating-mesh nebulizer.
• Aerosol output, droplet size, and drug content were analyzed using a two-stage impinger.

Main Results:

• Higher aerosol mass and phospholipid output were observed with NaCl solution due to lower viscosity, reducing aerosol retention in the nebulizer.
• The fine particle fraction of salbutamol sulphate was high (57.44%), but significant drug loss occurred due to liposome size reduction during nebulization.
• Liposomes generated using this nebulizer demonstrated high output and small droplet size.

Conclusions:

• The Aeroneb Go nebulizer effectively aerosolizes proliposome-derived liposomes, with lower viscosity media enhancing output and reducing droplet size.
• Drug loss during nebulization remains a challenge, necessitating further research to improve drug retention within liposomes.
• Optimizing liposome formulation and nebulizer interaction is crucial for efficient inhaled liposomal drug delivery.