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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Swellable hydrogel particles for controlled release pulmonary administration using propellant-driven metered dose
Parthiban Selvam1, Ibrahim M El-Sherbiny, Hugh D C Smyth
1College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Austin, TX 78712, USA. chemparthi@gmail.com
Swellable hydrogel microparticles offer a novel approach for pulmonary drug delivery. These microparticles encapsulate nanoparticles, improving lung deposition and enabling sustained drug release for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI) utilize swellable hydrogel microparticles for targeted lung delivery.
- These microparticles facilitate the delivery of respirable nanoparticles (1-5 microns) that evade macrophage uptake.
- Surface modifications enable sustained drug release over multiple days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize hydrogel microparticles encapsulating drug-loaded nanoparticles for pMDI formulations.
- To evaluate the physical stability and aerosolization performance of these novel formulations.
Main Methods:
- Drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were encapsulated within PEG/chitosan hydrogel microparticles.
- Physical stability in Hydrofluoroalkane propellant systems was assessed.
- Aerosolization performance was evaluated using a Next Generation Impactor.
Main Results:
- Synthesized hydrogel microparticles had an average diameter of 1-2 μm and were compatible with HFA227ea propellant.
- Suspension stability ranged from 1-5 minutes and was easily redispersible.
- Aerosolization studies achieved a fine particle fraction as high as 65%.
Conclusions:
- Swellable hydrogel microparticle pMDI formulations show promise for nanoparticle therapeutic delivery.
- This technology offers potential for improved lung targeting and sustained drug release.
- Further development could enhance treatment efficacy for various respiratory conditions.
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