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Preparation and characterization of lung-targeting ceftiofur-loaded gelatin microspheres
Zhihui Hao1, Baohan Qu, Yanling Wang
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P.R. China.
Background:
Ceftiofur is an effective antibiotic against respiratory infections in livestock. However, ceftiofur concentration that is found in lungs after intravenous injection is not effective. Fortunately, ceftiofur-loaded gelatin microsphere (Cef-MS) enjoys advantages of lung-targeting and can achieve an effective concentration. However, no study has been reported on this modality of drug delivery.
Objective:
We investigated the properties of this delivery modality--lung targeting ceftiofur-Cef-MSs.
Methods:
We prepared Cef-MS and investigated drug loading, stability and release characteristics in vitro and studied tissue distribution patterns and potential lung injury in mice.
Results:
Results showed that the average size and span value are 21.26 μm and 1.07, respectively. Drug loading and loading efficiency were 15.31 and 76.55%, respectively. Cef-MSs were stable in light, heat and humidity, except that agglutinative phenomenon was observed in 90% humidity after 10 days. Cef-MS presented a slower in vitro release pattern compared to ceftiofur. Cef-MS mainly concentrates in lungs after intravenous administration. Furthermore, histopathological studies showed that Cef-MS only induces mild and reversible lung injury and is biologically safe.
Conclusion:
Cef-MS is a promising alternative form with high lung-targeting properties for the treatment of respiratory infections.
