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Magnetic and Thermal-sensitive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based Microgels for Magnetically Triggered Controlled Release
Published on: July 4, 2017
Controlled release pulmonary administration of curcumin using swellable biocompatible microparticles
Ibrahim M El-Sherbiny1, Hugh D C Smyth
1Polymer Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, ET-35516 Mansoura, Egypt.
Molecular Pharmaceutics
|December 6, 2011
Summary
Engineered nano-microparticles offer sustained pulmonary drug delivery. These novel carriers evade macrophages and provide controlled release for improved lung treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Pulmonary drug delivery faces challenges with rapid clearance and macrophage uptake.
- Sustained drug release is crucial for effective treatment of chronic lung diseases.
- Particulate carriers require specific properties for efficient aerosolization and lung targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel nano-microparticulate carriers for sustained pulmonary drug delivery.
- To engineer carriers that evade macrophage uptake and exhibit controlled drug release.
- To evaluate the aerosolization properties and in vitro biointeractions of the developed system.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of PEGylated chitosan.
- Development of curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and subsequent encapsulation into hydrogel microspheres via spray drying.
- Comprehensive physicochemical characterization (particle size, morphology, swelling, moisture, biodegradation).
- Evaluation of aerosolization performance using a next-generation impactor.
- In vitro assessment of macrophage uptake, cytotoxicity, and TNF-α response.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized PEGylated chitosan and developed respirable hydrogel microparticles (3.1-3.9 µm) encapsulating PLGA nanoparticles (221-243 nm).
- Carriers demonstrated high swelling, low moisture content (0.9-1.8%), desirable biodegradation, high drug loading (up to 97%), and sustained curcumin release.
- Promising aerosolization characteristics and favorable in vitro biointeractions, including reduced macrophage uptake and low cytotoxicity, were observed.
Conclusions:
- The developed nano-microparticulate system shows significant potential for sustained pulmonary drug delivery.
- The engineered carriers possess favorable physicochemical and biological properties for lung-targeted drug administration.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for enhancing the efficacy of inhaled therapeutics.
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