Alginate/Chitosan Particle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Pulmonary Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cystic fibrosis (CF) involves chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and thickened mucus, complicating antibiotic treatment.
• Tobramycin is a key antibiotic for deteriorating CF patients with chronic P. aeruginosa infection, often administered with colistimethate sodium.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems for the pulmonary environment in CF is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize alginate/chitosan particles for tobramycin delivery in cystic fibrosis lung mucus.
• To evaluate tobramycin loading, release, and in vitro efficacy against P. aeruginosa.
• To assess the impact of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) functionalization on particle properties and inflammatory response.

Main Methods:

• Alginate/chitosan particles were prepared via precipitation.
• Tobramycin loading and release kinetics were measured.
• In vitro inhibition of P. aeruginosa by tobramycin-loaded particles was assessed.
• SLPI functionalization effects on neutrophil elastase inhibition and mucus interaction were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Alginate/chitosan particles demonstrated successful tobramycin loading and release.
• Released tobramycin exhibited in vitro inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa.
• SLPI-functionalized particles reduced neutrophil elastase activity, indicating anti-inflammatory potential.
• Functionalization enhanced particle interaction with CF mucus, reducing penetration depth.

Conclusions:

• Alginate/chitosan particles are a promising platform for tobramycin delivery in CF.
• SLPI functionalization may improve the therapeutic potential of these particles by reducing inflammation and enhancing mucus interaction.
• These findings suggest potential for improved in vivo efficacy in treating CF lung infections.