Alternative carriers in dry powder inhaler formulations
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing a Disposable Dosator for Preclinical Testing of Dry Powder Inhalers in Small Animal Models
Published on: August 18, 2023
Yahya Rahimpour1, Maryam Kouhsoltani2, Hamed Hamishehkar3
1Biotechnology Research Center and Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
The aerosolization efficiency of a powder is highly dependent on carrier characteristics, such as particle size distribution, shape and surface properties. The main objective in the inhalation field is to achieve a high and reproducible pulmonary deposition. This can be provided by successful carrier selection and careful process optimization for carrier modification. Lactose is the most common and frequently used carrier in dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations. But lactose shows some limitations in formulation with certain drugs and peptides that prohibit its usage as a carrier in DPI formulations. Here, we criticality review the most important alternative carriers to lactose with merits, demerits and applications in DPI formulations.
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