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Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks
Published on: September 5, 2014
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Metal-Organic Framework Microsphere Formulation for Pulmonary Administration
Cristina Fernández-Paz1, Sara Rojas2, Pablo Salcedo-Abraira2
1Nanobiofar Group, Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Technology. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 5, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel microsphere system for pulmonary drug delivery using nanoscaled metal-organic frameworks (nanoMOFs). The formulation enables uniform nanoMOF distribution throughout the lungs for effective local or systemic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Nanoscaled metal-organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) show potential as drug carriers but lack suitable formulations for non-intravenous delivery.
- The lungs offer a large surface area and low enzymatic activity, making them an attractive site for drug delivery.
- Developing pulmonary formulations for nanoMOFs presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel nanoMOF-based microsphere system for pulmonary administration.
- To assess the feasibility of using spray-drying for encapsulating nanoMOFs into microspheres.
- To investigate the in vivo distribution of the nanoMOF formulation within the lungs.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of a biocompatible nanoMOF within mannitol using spray-drying.
- Characterization of the microsphere formulation for properties like homogeneity, size, and density.
- Intratracheal administration of the formulation to rats for pulmonary delivery evaluation.
Main Results:
- A successful and simple spray-drying technique was established for nanoMOF encapsulation.
- The resulting microspheres exhibited optimal properties for pulmonary delivery.
- The formulation demonstrated uniform release and distribution of intact nanoMOF carriers throughout the rat lungs, reaching deep lung regions.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanoMOF-based microsphere system is a promising platform for pulmonary drug delivery.
- Spray-drying offers an effective method for creating nanoMOF pulmonary formulations.
- This approach facilitates targeted drug delivery to the lungs, potentially for local or systemic effects.

