Novel Inhalable Ciprofloxacin Dry Powders for Bronchiectasis Therapy: Mannitol-Silk Fibroin Binary Microparticles...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Respiratory Medicine
• Pharmaceutical Technology

Background:

• Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) presents significant morbidity and mortality.
• Inhalable antibiotics are an emerging effective therapy for NCFB.
• Efficient lung delivery necessitates high antibiotic doses at the infection site.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate novel inhalable silk-based microparticles for high-payload ciprofloxacin (CIP) delivery in NCFB.
• To enhance drug loading and deposition efficiency using silk fibroin (SF).
• To evaluate the aerodynamic performance of CIP-loaded dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations.

Main Methods:

• Silk fibroin (SF) was used to create microparticles for high drug loading.
• Mannitol was incorporated as a mucokinetic agent.
• In vitro evaluation of DPI formulations included aerosolization performance, particle size, drug loading, morphology, and solid state.

Main Results:

• The optimal formulation achieved 80% drug loading.
• Superior aerosolization performance was observed: fine particle fraction (45.04%), emitted dose (98.10%), mass median aerodynamic diameter (3.75 μm), and geometric standard deviation (1.66).
• Improved drug loading resulted from electrostatic interactions between SF and CIP; enhanced aerosolization was attributed to the fluffy, porous, low-density structure of SF.

Conclusions:

• Inhalable silk-based DPI microparticles offer a promising strategy for NCFB treatment.
• The high drug payload and efficient aerosolization support their therapeutic potential.
• This approach addresses the challenge of effective antibiotic delivery to the lungs in NCFB.